Transforming Trauma From Music to Trauma Therapy with Elizabeth Remic Simonian, Integrative and Somatic Therapist
"NARM® opened a whole new world to me... it's not just something you put on. NARM is, for me, a way of life. It's not just something you throw at somebody." - Elizabeth Remic Simonian
On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Elizabeth Remic Simonian, an integrative and somatic therapist based in Rotterdam, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, and trained jazz vocalist, for a deeply heartful conversation about how the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) transformed not only her clinical work but her entire way of being in relationship with others.
Elizabeth traces her journey from conservatory-trained musician to trauma therapist, sharing the pivotal moments that called her toward depth and healing. She reflects on how encountering NARM for the first time revealed something she had never experienced in years of therapy: being asked what she actually wanted. From there, Elizabeth explores the profound shifts that unfolded as she began tracking her own efforting, reclaiming authenticity, and understanding that leaving yourself out of the equation is its own form of disconnection. She also shares how bringing NARM's relational presence into her music teaching created a palpable shift in her students' openness and creative freedom, and how singing with more embodiment and less shame changed her relationship with her own voice. The conversation closes with a tender example from Elizabeth's clinical practice, illustrating what it looks like to meet a client's vulnerability with genuine humanity rather than professional distance.
We invite you to listen to the full episode and follow Transforming Trauma on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.
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SPACE:
SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join.
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The Complex Trauma Training Center:
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View upcoming trainings:
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The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC also offers the SPACE Inner Development Program for Therapists, providing a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care.
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