COURSE

The Wisdom Of Our Wounds: Healing From Trauma

The experience of trauma imprints on every single fiber of our being - physically, emotionally, socially and mentally. Contrary to popular belief, trauma is not predominantly psychological. In this course, you will learn how to apply an integrated approach to healing from past trauma by understanding the neurobiological mechanism of the trauma response that occurs in the brain and the body. You will learn about the centrality and wisdom of the body in helping us to survive, process and heal from trauma by drawing on the current scientific evidence. Each session ends with a gentle and compassionate guided mindfulness practice that embeds somatic sensory awareness techniques to return the nervous system to a regulated state. By the end of this course, you will reconnect and rediscover the inner wisdom and resilience you have carried within you all along to help you survive and heal from unresolved trauma. This course is for anyone who has experienced any personal hardship or traumatic event that they still feel affects them, or for anyone who may be lovingly supporting a friend or family member through their own healing. **Disclaimer** Given the nature of this course focuses on healing from trauma of any kind, there is a potential for triggers or emotional discomfort to arise during or after listening to the educational content and somatic practices. This course does not replace the advice or guidance of a trained and qualified mental health practitioner and is designed to be educational in nature. It is also recommended that listeners who have recently been traumatised or are actively healing from acute symptoms have support by a trained and qualified professional. (Image credits to Taryn Elliott)

Healing Stress Science MBCT Recovery & Healing Stress & Anxiety Science Mindfulness

Meet your Teacher

Dr. Megan Kirk Chang

Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Megan Kirk Chang is a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford. Megan specializes in understanding the impact of trauma on the mind-body connection and is dedicated to helping trauma survivors return home to themselves and feel safe within their own skin again. Megan is the founder of the Heal My Trauma Program, which started as the first registered clinical trial in Canada to investigate the effectiveness of an online trauma-informed mindfulness intervention for adults with PTSD. She embeds the use of novel wearable health technologies (e.g., ECG, Tobii Pro Glasses) to understand the physiology of the trauma response and how to help survivors return to a calm, regulated state using a blend of trauma-informed yoga, mindfulness, somatic sensory awareness, and cognitive-behavioural techniques. Megan has worked as a clinical health coach with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. She has had the honour of working with a wide range of individuals and communities including youth-at-risk, young adults in transition, professional athletes, cancer survivors, palliative care patients and their caregivers, and BIPOC communities. Megan has published several research papers in the behavioural health domain and is an advocate for accessible mental health care that is grounded in trauma-informed care and anti-oppression of marginalized groups.

15 Days

27.3k students

4.9 stars

20 min / day

Healing

English

Lesson 1

Toward A Collective Definition Of Trauma

***Trigger Warning: Different types of traumatic exposures are discussed in this session and a personal reference to a "learned about" traumatic experience about a 2014 spinal cord injury of Megan's husband are mentioned at 2:50. Please make an informed choice about whether to pause, skip over, or proceed with the session. In this session, we will work toward a collective understanding of the definition of trauma by looking at clinical, historical, and emerging perspectives. This session encourages you to see beyond the obvious traumatic experiences and consider less obvious causes of trauma. We will move toward an integrated, inclusive, and anti-oppressive definition of trauma that is grounded in human neurobiology. We end this session with a simple heart-connection breathing exercise to hold space for the events in our lives and the lives of others, that we have previously disqualified or denied as being traumatic.

Lesson 2

The Clinical Symptoms Of PTSD & Complex PTSD

In this session we discuss the evolution of the clinical diagnostic criteria of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We explore other evolving clinical diagnoses linked to trauma exposure and compare symptomatology. As we discuss many physical and psychological symptoms resulting from trauma, it is common to notice discomfort arise within the body. The brain is incapable of holding an anxious thought, worry, or fear while at the same time being in the present moment. We end this session with a simple grounding practice by tuning in to the 5 senses to help us return to the here and now. ***Trigger Warning: The most common symptoms of PTSD are discussed in this session, but may not include all possible symptoms. By very nature of discussing symptoms, there may be a potential for emotional or physical discomfort. Please make an informed choice on whether to proceed with the session.

Lesson 3

Introduction To The Trauma Response

We can learn a lot from our fur babies and pets when it comes to the stress response. In this session, we will discuss the physiological nature of the traumatic stress response when we become threatened or are in danger by examining the typical response we see in our pets. We discuss how humans and animals are similar and different when it comes to navigating the stress response. We end this session by a guided movement practice where we learn to "shake it out" when we notice unresolved stress in the body.

Lesson 4

Trauma & The Reptilian Brain

In this session, we are introduced to the three-part brain in the human body. Today's session focuses specifically on understanding the role of our Reptilian Brain, the primitive and oldest region of the human brain. We discuss the importance of the reptilian brain in helping us survive danger and learn about the structure of the autonomic nervous system. We end our session with a simple breath awareness technique, the Figure 8 breath.

Lesson 5

Trauma & The Polyvagal Theory (Dorsal Vagal Immobilization/ Shutdown)

***Trigger Warning: Dissociation is discussed in this session and may be potentially triggering. Please make an informed choice on whether to pause, skip over, or proceed with this session. In this session, we continue expanding our understanding of the autonomic nervous system by exploring the Polyvagal Theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges from a trauma-informed context. The vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body and makes up 75% of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve consists of two systems: the dorsal vagal and ventral vagal branches. We discuss the role of the dorsal vagal nerve fibers in the trauma response, particularly immobilization and shutdown mode. We end this session with a guided somatic body scan to help trauma survivors gently return to their body in a safe and healing way.

Lesson 6

Trauma & The Polyvagal Theory (Ventral Vagal Complex & Social Engagement)

We continue to expand our understanding of the Polyvagal theory by Dr. Stephen Porges by exploring the ventral vagal complex and social engagement system. We explore how the ventral vagal nerve branch innervates muscles and organs above the diaphragm and how they are connected to our perception of safety with others. We end this session with a self-soothing connection practice to help restore a sense of connection with the most important relationship in your life: the relationship you have with yourself.

Lesson 7

The Enteric Nervous System, Microbiome & Trauma

The enteric nervous system oversees the function of our gut and plays a large role in our overall mental and physical health. We discuss the enteric nervous system, gut-brain axis, and microbiome in this session. We explore the impact of trauma on disrupting our microbiome and the link to various symptoms. We end this session with a gut-intentioned mindful awareness practice to reconnect with the inner wisdom of our "gut instinct" and intuition.

Lesson 8

Trauma & The Limbic System (Emotional Brain)

In today's session we will explore the limbic system, commonly known as our emotional brain. We discuss the role of the thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus in helping us interpret and respond to threat or danger. The effect of trauma on this region of the brain is discussed, including examples of how this plays out in your daily life. We end this session with a progressive muscle relaxation to help strengthen the mind-body connection and understand where emotions may live in the body.

Lesson 9

Trauma & The Neocortex (Rational Brain)

As we wrap up our discussion on trauma and the three-part brain, this session explores the role of the neocortex, our youngest part of our brain, responsible for our rational thoughts, decision-making, and problem solving capacity. We examine the role of the prefrontal cortex and the impact of trauma on this region of the brain. We discuss two new areas of the brain linked to trauma and highlight the importance of a multi-modal approach to treating the mind and body in recovering from trauma. We end this session with a mindful breath technique called alternate nostril breathing.

Lesson 10

Titration, Integration, & Trauma Healing

***Trigger Warning: A medical term, titration, is referred to symbolically in this course to highlight the concept of integrating our healing. Some people may find this reference potentially triggering and it is important to make an informed decision for yourself on whether to pause, skip over, or proceed with the session. In this session, we discuss the importance of titration when it comes to healing from trauma. We discuss the inevitable desire to want to "do more" and how it can unintentionally lead to overwhelm or shut-down. We reflect on what it means to shift from doing to being by considering what makes us feel the most alive. We discuss several strategies on how to return home to ourselves in a safe and balanced way.

Lesson 11

Trauma & Your Window Of Tolerance

In today's session, we discuss Dr. Siegel's "Window of Tolerance" model and explore the differences between hyperarousal, hypoarousal, and calm arousal. We discuss how trauma impacts our window of tolerance and leads to the experience of feeling fragmented and polarized between both hyper- and hypoarousal states. We discuss various down-regulation strategies to calm and soothe the body, and up-regulation strategies to energize and awaken the body. We end this session with a gentle body-awareness practice.

Lesson 12

Trauma & Your Body: The Hips & Upper Neck

***Trigger Warning: This session focuses on how tension is stored in the hips and upper neck, which may be potentially triggering areas of the body for some people. I am a firm believer that the body stores every traumatic experience you've ever been though on a cellular level. In this session, we consider the ways that unresolved traumatic energy gets stored in the muscles and tissues of the body and emerge as symptoms of discomfort. We specifically look at the psoas (SOH-az) muscles and levator scapulae muscles and the link to our trauma response. We have many muscle groups involved in our protection and survival response and long after the trauma or danger is over, if the body does not return to safety, we may hold chronic constriction in these areas. We discuss various release techniques and end this session with a guided meditation to reduce neck tension.

Lesson 13

Trauma & Your Body: The Pelvic Floor Muscles

***Trigger Warning: In this session, I discuss the impact of trauma on the pelvic floor region, sexual trauma, pelvic floor dysfunction and symptoms - all of which may be potentially triggering. Please only proceed when you feel sufficiently safe and grounded to do so. I invite you to skip over this session if it is too difficult, or listen to it with a trusted friend or therapist. This lesson also contains some mild explicit references that are relative to the topic at hand. I made a promise to myself and to you, the survivor, to not shy away from difficult conversations that we avoid due to stigma or embarrassment. My intention is to normalize the conversation around the full impact of trauma, which means not shying away from our most sacred region of the body, our pelvic floor. In this session, I discuss how the pelvic floor is one of the most attuned regions in our body of our current emotional, mental, and physical state. This area is not just linked to our sexual nature, but to psychological feelings of safety, privacy, trust, and vulnerability. We explore what happens to the pelvic floor when we experience trauma and discuss common symptoms. We end the session with three-part, deep belly breathing.

Lesson 14

Trauma & Your Body: The Diaphragm

In this session, we discuss the impact of trauma on our diaphragm - our powerhouse muscle responsible for our respiration and breathing. We uncover various clues that the diaphragm is constricted and the impact this has on our overall health and wellbeing. We end this session with a breath technique called, Viloma Breath, or paused-breath retention.

Lesson 15

Removing Your Trauma Masks

In our final session, we explore the various ways of being, or "trauma masks," we have learned to wear to help us navigate, survive and protect ourselves from difficult and unresolved emotions and bodily sensations within us. Unresolved trauma leaves us feeling unsafe within our own skin and we can often start to believe we are not enough, unworthy or unable to trust ourselves. We explore the courage of naming our masks and learning to hold space for these parts of ourselves when they emerge without judgement or shame. We end this session with a guided reflective meditation to help us return home to ourselves and rediscover the inner wisdom that has been with us all along.

Ask your teacher

This course includes 336 community questions and 269 audio replies from Dr. Megan Kirk Chang. The community classroom and teacher audio replies are only available via the app.

336

4.9 (742)

Recent Reviews

Caroline

December 27, 2025

Simply just profound and amazing. Insightful and practically helpful.

Amy

December 27, 2025

Thank you. Knowing some of the science helped me so much.

Rich

December 14, 2025

Another great course Megan on how to heal from our trauma. Thank you for giving us tools and understanding about what happened to us and how it impacts us today and what to do about it.

Nicole

November 6, 2025

A wonderful course. I learned a lot about myself and my trauma. I am now able to honor the wounded parts of myself.

Sarah

November 3, 2025

I loved Megan’s course! I found it very informative and informational; I learned why I do so many of the trauma responses that I have in this course and helped me to see them as normal, helping me to start to realize that nothing’s wrong with me. It really is just a natural response. I also appreciate how authentic and vulnerable she’s willing to be in this course, to help get a full understanding of the topics discussed. I love that I can go back to different course anytime for a refresh as I continue to work on self-compassion. It also was great having this course to help me along in my therapy work. A great course for any survivor whether just starting on their healing journey or continuing to work through it, as I am! 10/10

Jill

July 12, 2025

My deepest thank you Megan for this course and the obvious heart felt thought and hard wotk that went into it. Your sincerity, genuineness and integrity shone though like a beautiful sunrise over waves in the ocean, glistening and gently moving with honesty and grace, never pushing or rushing, radiant, graceful, and quietly powerful, never hurried or forceful. Your knowledge, delivery and exceptional care, encouragement and support for those of us who joined you on this course was truly amazing. Bless you. 🙏🪷

Mary

June 10, 2025

I experienced multiple profound, life altering moments in this course. I am not exaggerating nor do I say that lightly. Take the course. Change your life.

Jill

May 30, 2025

Thank you very much for offering this excellent course. Each day, you provided helpful, insightful information, as well as beautiful guided meditations. I especially loved Day 15, regarding the importance of identifying our trauma masks. Thank you 💗💗🪷🪷

Lucy

May 17, 2025

Amazing course - I feel so seen and validated by Megan’s kind approach and her deep knowledge of the subject. I took it really slowly to let it sink in, and I’m sure I’ll take the course again. Thank you 🙏 ❤️

Jen

April 28, 2025

Excellent content, practical tips, gentle delivery. Thank you so much for your part in my healing journey. Love, light, and gratitude to you! 🩷☀️🙏🏻

Cindy

April 13, 2025

Much needed and timely support. Namasta. ❤️

Peg

December 28, 2024

This course is thoughtfully and lovingly presented. It offers a balance between a comprehensive and mindful approach. Thank you 🙏🏼

Dani

December 18, 2024

Wow! So powerful. It has really helped me through a C-PTSD relapse. There’s still more work to do, but spending 15 days with Megan has been extremely helpful, calming and impactful.

Michele

December 6, 2024

There is a lot of very helpful and validating information on the effects of CPTSD and how to heal from it packed into this course, whether you are just beginning this journey, or already on the path. Highly recommend!!

Camellia

November 24, 2024

This is a brilliant, well organized course, exploring what trauma is and where it lands in the body. Thank you for putting such care into it’s creation! I feel like it’s helped me take an important step toward honouring my own trauma and living more consciously. 🙏

Annemiek

November 13, 2024

Thank you for this great opportunity to learn about trauma. This course is very valuable 🙏

yasminka

November 12, 2024

Wow. Blown away. Lack the words. Much gratitude. So much learned. Knowledge gained. So much to put practice. Will come back to coarse with pen and paper. Thank you. It’s beginning to make sense. Truly grateful for the resource the research the opportunity you have shared with us. Many blessings. May we all find peace, healing ❤️‍🩹 is possible and we all deserve the serenity that comes from acknowledgement of our trauma and the work that we are willing to go through so that cycles are broken and lives are lived. This course will allow the shell of the being I am to morpho into the butterfly within - may my wings spread high and wide.

Flavia

November 8, 2024

Amazing course, I will definitely do it again. There are so many layers to be uncovered and healed, and this course and its practices are simply amazing.

Nynje

November 7, 2024

Healing

Daryl

October 19, 2024

Thank you for this course.

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