On today’s Navigating Nourishment Podcast, we talk with licensed clinical social worker and founder of Mindful Therapy of Monmouth County in Matawan, NJ, Nicole Wegweiser about our relationship with our body and food – as it relates to anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions and – for some of our listeners – trauma.

Nicole Wegweiser, LCSW, discusses her trauma-informed therapy approach, emphasizing the impact of both major and minor traumas (big Ts and little Ts) on individuals’ lives. She explains how early experiences shape self-perception and behavior, particularly around food and body image. Nicole highlights the importance of reconnecting with one’s body and intuition, using techniques like hypnosis, EMDR, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. She shares her personal journey of trauma and recovery, which inspired her to become a therapist. Nicole stresses the need for self-compassion, acceptance, and the integration of body and mind in therapy.

We really loved this conversation with Nicole and hope that anyone with trauma reaches out for her support. Your well-being and health may depend on it and you are so worth taking care of.

Navigating Nourishment Interview with Nicole Wegweiser

Alignment of Approaches in Therapy and Health Coaching

• Nicole explains the complexity of therapy sessions, emphasizing the need to understand each client’s unique history and problems.
• We discuss that clients often seek simple solutions for complex issues like weight and energy.
• Nicole introduces the concept of “big Ts” and “little Ts” in trauma, explaining how even minor traumas can have significant impacts.

Impact of Trauma on Body and Food Relationships

• Nicole unpacks the term “trauma” and its impact on people’s relationship with their body and food. She explains the difference between “big Ts” (major traumas) and “little Ts” (repetitive, minor traumas) and their cumulative effects.
• We share examples of how trauma can manifest in eating habits and self-perception.
• Nicole discusses the importance of healing negative cognitions and developing a healthy relationship with food.

Challenges of Disordered Eating and Societal Influences

• We discuss the influence of marketing and societal norms on disordered eating behaviors, and Nicole explains how societal messages about food and body image can lead to unhealthy habits and self-sabotage.
• We explore the concept of the “rebel” within us and how it can manifest in eating behaviors.
• Nicole emphasizes the need for self-compassion and re-parenting to overcome these behaviors.

Connecting with Intuition and Body Awareness

• We discuss the importance of reconnecting with our bodies and tapping into intuition and body awareness.
• Nicole explains how trauma can lead to dissociation and how therapy can help re-establish this connection.
• Nicole provides practical tips for listeners to start reconnecting with their bodies and developing self-compassion.

Specialties and Modalities in Therapy

• Nicole outlines her various specialties, including working with: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Stress, Grief, Addictive Behaviors, Body Image, Sexual Abuse, Intimacy, Pre-Marital Counseling, and Ketamine assisted therapy.
• Nicole explains the science behind ketamine and its role in reconfiguring neural pathways and facilitating change under the guidance of a trained therapist.

Personal Story and Journey to Therapy

• Nicole shares her personal story of trauma, including a sexual assault and subsequent mental health challenges.
• She explains how her experiences led her to become a therapist and specialize in trauma-informed care.
• Nicole emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and understanding one’s own story in the therapeutic process.

The Role of Therapy in Preventing and Healing Trauma

• Nicole highlights the role of therapy in addressing underlying issues and preventing physical health problems.
• We share experiences with clients who seek help after significant life changes or traumas.
• There is a big need for a team approach to wellness, including therapists, health coaches, and other professionals.

Challenges and Rewards of Coaching and Therapy

• We tackle the role (or lack of a role) of insurance companies in the health journey and how both of our practices are not covered by insurance.
• We discuss the message of ‘worthiness’ to spend money on our physical, emotional and mental health and well-being outside of insurance coverage.

Final Thoughts and Contact Information

There is deep value in self-compassion and the power of coaching and therapy in healing and growth – especially when it comes to our relationship with body and food. Debbie, Wendy and Nicole all hope you take a look at the possibility of seeking support wherever you are in your journey.