[Ep15] Use this "weird" method for trauma healing | Laurel van der Toorn

The Sovereign Shift™ | Nervous System Regulation, Spiritual Growth, Freedom, Communications, Personal Sovereignty

In this episode, host Chelsea Eden Dubeau sits down with therapist Laurel van der Toorn to explore EMDR as a body-informed, evidence-based path for processing trauma, and how high-achieving women can move from white-knuckling life to real integration. We talk about burnout myths, why a vacation won’t fix chronic depletion, and Laurel’s four-part framework for recovery that includes physical, behavioural, social, and spiritual health. We also touch feminist therapy, activist sustainability, and how singing in community can be a healing practice.

What we cover

00:00 Introduction to The Sovereign Shift — setting the stage for breath, truth, and sovereignty
00:03 Meet Laurel van der Toorn: Therapist and Healer — her background and why she blends science with spirituality
00:38 Exploring EMDR Therapy — why it’s considered one of the most effective trauma treatments
01:13 Breathing Exercise and Setting Intentions — a guided moment to ground before listening
02:52 Feminist Therapy and Coping Strategies — centering women’s lived experiences in healing
03:24 Podcast Introduction and Themes — sovereignty, nervous system regulation, and spiritual awakening
04:35 Laurel's Journey and Professional Background — from grad school to leading Laurel Therapy Collective
05:33 Understanding Trauma and EMDR — how trauma affects the brain and body
08:19 The Process and Phases of EMDR — breaking down the 8-phase model
10:45 The Power of EMDR in Healing Trauma — real outcomes and why it “feels weird but works”
14:40 Uncovering Buried Memories with EMDR — using feeling states as entry points
19:05 The Resilience of the Human Mind — how the brain strives toward self-healing
19:57 High Achievers and EMDR Therapy — why achievement often masks deeper wounds
23:36 Rising Burnout Rates and Coping Strategies — cultural reinforcements and the cost of productivity
24:30 Debunking Burnout Myths — why time off won’t fix systemic depletion
25:24 Effective Solutions for Burnout — lifestyle shifts vs quick fixes
25:50 The Fourfold Approach to Burnout Recovery — medical, behavioral, social, and spiritual health
27:58 The Importance of Social and Spiritual Health — building connection and meaning
29:01 Incorporating Spirituality into Therapy — values, authenticity, and showing up whole
30:18 Transpersonal Therapy and Its Impact — making space for the “woo” in healing
32:06 Balancing Ambition and Well-being — holding ambition without sacrificing self
33:44 The Pendulum of Progress — feminist progress and backlash cycles
36:54 Sustainable Activism Through Music — Laurel’s social-justice women’s choir as community medicine
40:37 Resources for EMDR and Therapy — free webinars and workbooks at laureltherapy.net
42:42 Final Thoughts and Encouragement — small shifts and “improve the moment” practices

Takeaways

• EMDR helps rewire how memories are stored, reducing the body’s charge while keeping the meaning.
• If achievement has been your coping strategy, healing doesn’t end your success — it ends success at the cost of your well-being.
• Burnout recovery is a lifestyle shift, not a two-week vacation. Begin with one small upgrade in medical, behavioral, social, or spiritual health.
• Spirituality counts — whether through service, creativity, values, or connection to something larger.
• Activism that nourishes (not depletes) you is sustainable activism.

Try this now

• Choose one “improve the moment” action for the next 5 minutes: water, a song that settles you, three slow breaths with a long exhale, a quick text to someone you love
• Audit your week using Laurel’s four domains and circle the easiest next step to upgrade

Guest

Laurel Vander Torn is a licensed marriage and family therapist and former Pepperdine graduate professor. She leads Laurel Therapy Collective and specializes in EMDR for trauma, anxiety, burnout, and couples. Her team serves clients online in California, Florida, Michigan, and Washington. Resources and a free EMDR webinar are at https://www.laureltherapy.net/

Resources mentioned

• Free EMDR overview webinar and guides: https://www.laureltherapy.net/
• The Sovereign Shift breathwork library and mini-courses: https://thesovereignshift.ca

Connect

• Laurel Therapy Collective on IG (@laureltherapycollective)
• The Sovereign Shift on IG and YouTube (@thesovereignshift)