Healing the Nervous System After Religious & Identity-Based Trauma with Carter Dwell (Psychiatric NP & Trauma Expert)

In this powerful episode, Carter Dwell – a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, survivor of conversion practices, and founder of Leaf Psychiatry – joins host Avik Chakraborty to explore how shame-based religious teachings and non-affirming environments create full-body trauma, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals. Carter explains why chronic self-doubt, shutdown responses, and spiritual wounds are actually intelligent nervous-system survival strategies, and he shares practical, shame-free paths toward regulation, integration, and authentic healing.

Key Takeaways:

• Religious and identity-based shame isn’t just emotional – it’s a nervous-system injury that can show up as chronic anxiety, dissociation, body disconnection, and a deep belief that “something is wrong with me.”

• Your symptoms are not moral failures; they’re evidence your body did its best to protect you in an unsafe environment.

• Healing starts with tiny pockets of safety: noticing bodily sensations, building supportive relationships, and taking one curious step at a time.

• A simple grounding practice: Pause → Notice what you’re feeling → Ask “Where do I feel this in my body?” → Allow the sensation without judgment.

• Medication, when needed, is not a weakness – it’s pain relief that can create space for deeper therapy, lifestyle changes, acupuncture (NADA protocol), and spiritual integration.

• The most protective thing allies (parents, pastors, therapists) can offer is curiosity, non-judgmental presence, and safety – not fixing or conversion efforts.

• Conversion practices and attempts to change sexual orientation or gender identity are proven ineffective and significantly increase lifelong mental-health risks, including suicidality.

• True healing integrates trauma work, nervous-system regulation, lifestyle practices, and (when desired) faith – all in a human-first, shame-free way.

Connect with Guest – Carter Dwell

• Instagram & YouTube

• Website & Practice: https://www.leafpsychiatry.com/

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DisclaimerThis video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.

About Healthy Mind By AvikHealthy Mind By Avik is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it has become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, this channel brings you powerful podcasts and grounded conversations across mental health, emotional well-being, mindfulness, holistic healing, trauma recovery, and self-empowerment. With over 4,400 episodes and 168.4K global listeners, we are committed to amplifying stories and breaking stigma worldwide.Subscribe and be part of this healing journey.

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