In this episode of The Light inside, The discussion centered on Jeffrey Besecker’s extensive experiences and insights related to Trauma recovery, identity, and therapeutic practices. Besecker highlighted the importance of safety and coherence in the recovery process, noting that individuals often struggle with feelings of threat that can hinder their progress. He introduced the concept of double loop learning as a framework for adapting to experiences and emphasized the significance of pacing and sequencing in therapeutic interventions. The conversation aimed to explore how community support and individual experiences can enhance the healing journey.
Mike Cuevas shared his personal journey with dissociative identity disorder (DID), detailing the impact of misdiagnosis and the challenges he faced in understanding his identity. He recounted how silence became a coping mechanism during his formative years, leading to feelings of shame. The discussion underscored the need for a coherent approach to integrating insights about DID with the body’s capacity to process those insights, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe therapeutic space for effective healing.
The conversation also delved into the role of the practitioner’s state of mind and co-regulation in Therapy. A conference room participant shared personal experiences and the development of mental exercises to manage emotional triggers, introducing the BAR technique as a tool for emotional regulation. Besecker and Mike explored the significance of recognizing bodily sensations in differentiating identity states, which can lead to greater Clarity and peace. They discussed the transformative power of empathy in processing past traumas and the importance of adaptive containment in therapeutic Relationships.
Mike reflected on how his Personal Development has influenced his Parenting, particularly in managing stressful situations with his children. He shared an incident where he maintained calmness during a confrontation, demonstrating the value of mindfulness and emotional regulation. The discussion concluded with Besecker expressing gratitude for Mike’s insights and the potential for future collaborations, highlighting the unique and revelatory nature of their conversation.
Time Stamps
00:00:00 – Introduction to Coherence and DID
00:01:13 – Sponsor Message: Mint Mobile
00:02:27 – Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder
00:03:10 – Mike Cuevas Joins the Conversation
00:04:11 – Early Signs of Dissociation
00:05:26 – Insight vs. Capacity
00:06:38 – Adaptive Coping Patterns
00:07:43 – Shame and Guilt in Misdiagnosis.
00:09:09 – Therapeutic Journey Begins
00:10:24 – Boxing as a Therapeutic Outlet
00:12:03 – Stigmatization and Adaptive Survival
00:13:07 – Pacing and Sequencing in Therapy
00:14:38 – Visceral Trauma and Sensory Overload
00:16:47 – Connecting Boxing to Somatic Responses
00:18:46 – Learning to Feel Safe
00:20:19 – Somatic Attunement and Sensory Perception
00:22:05 – The B.A.R. Technique
00:24:45 – Double Loop Learning
00:26:11 – Identifying Distinct Identity Stateslf.
00:28:20 – Chaos as Opportunity
00:30:11 – Empathy vs. Sympathy
00:32:49 – Claiming Sovereignty
00:35:04 – Adaptive Containment
00:39:10 – Presence and Capacity
00:41:05 – Body Assigns Meaning
00:50:34 – The Role of Pause in Processing
Credits
Connect with host Jeffrey Besecker on LinkedIn.
