Back from the Abyss: Psychiatry in Stories A gift of therapy- Discovering the wisdom of the body
Feb 20, 2026
Carrie, an adopted nurse practitioner who reconnected with her birth mother, shares a healing journey from childhood sexual trauma. She talks about reunification, somatic therapy and body mapping, ketamine and MDMA-assisted sessions, and confronting family truth. Short, moving moments highlight embodiment, shame, and rebuilding self-compassion.
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Reunited With Birth Mother Late In Life
- Carrie reconnected with her birth mother after her sister found the original birth certificate and they began exchanging emails before meeting in person.
- They met in 2019, formed a close loving bond, and then saw each other almost monthly, which filled a lifelong void for Carrie.
Birth Mother Chose An Inclusive Death
- Shortly after reconnecting, Carrie's birth mother Christy told her she had stage 4 cancer and involved Carrie actively in her dying process, including medical aid in dying.
- Carrie was present for Christy's death, participated in the three-step process, and Christopher prioritized using the remaining time to teach and include Carrie in her world.
Set Up Therapy Before A Big Loss
- Christy arranged therapy for Carrie before she died and specifically requested a somatic experiencing therapist to support anticipatory grief and deeper trauma work.
- Carrie started with that suggested therapist, who also evaluated eating disorder and PTSD scales and later became her long-term therapist.