Chantell Tilly Anderson and LPC Matt Lasslo dive into forgiveness—why it’s so loaded after trauma, what it is (and isn’t), and how to approach it safely. Matt frames forgiveness as three things: an effort (it takes real work), an act (something you do that changes your body), and an experience (you feel a release—like taking off heavy armor). They bust common myths, including: “forgiveness says what they did was okay,” “I have to let them back in,” “it’s not self-respecting,” and “I don’t need it to heal.” Safety comes first; you never have to re-enter unsafe situations to forgive. They contrast resolution (the person makes it right) with closure (you choose to let go even without repair), and discuss boundaries, accountability, and why you can forgive and still press charges or keep distance.

They explore barriers—language like “unforgivable,” defensiveness, and waiting to heal before forgiving—and offer a reframing: forgiveness helps start healing by putting the event in the past. Research-backed benefits include reduced anxiety/depression, lower blood pressure, better sleep, and overall stress relief. For anyone not ready, they suggest asking, “Why does it feel impossible?”—the answer often points to a myth you can work through. The episode closes with a powerful message: forgiveness is a self-directed way to reclaim power, health, and freedom—one step, one rep, one choice at a time.

In this episode of Trauma and the Brain Podcast, host Chantell Tilly Anderson is joined by licensed counselor Matt Lasslo, LPC (AZ) to unpack the impact of political violence on our minds and bodies.

From graphic headlines to videos on our social feeds, violence in the public sphere doesn’t just affect those directly involved—it ripples outward, shaping our collective nervous system. Together, we explore how exposure to violence, even secondhand, can trigger fight-or-flight responses, re-traumatization, and heightened anxiety.

This conversation covers:

• The difference between primary trauma (direct exposure) and secondary trauma (witnessing or hearing about it).
• How repeated images of violence overwhelm the nervous system and create a constant sense of danger.
• Why people often respond with anger online—and how it ties to survival instincts.
• The role of grief as a form of trauma, and what the stages of grief look like in these contexts.
• Practical ways to set boundaries with media, care for your nervous system, and approach hard conversations with empathy rather than hate.

Political violence is unsettling, divisive, and deeply human in its impact. By understanding how it affects the brain and body, we can begin to process our reactions with compassion—for ourselves, for our communities, and for the nation we share.

Trauma and the Brain Podcast: strengthening minds with trauma-informed tools, one rep at a time.

In the debut episode of Trauma and the Brain Podcast, host Chantell Tilly Anderson asks a fundamental question: what does trauma really mean?

With guest Matt Lasslo, LPC (AZ), a licensed professional counselor with more than 13 years of clinical experience, we break down how trauma is defined—not just as an event, but as the body’s ongoing response when fight or flight isn’t enough.

Together we explore:

• Why trauma overwhelms the nervous system and changes how we see ourselves and the world.
• The difference between “big T” and “small t” trauma, and why both can leave lasting impacts.
• Common myths—like the idea that trauma only applies to combat or extreme abuse—and what research such as the ACE study reveals about everyday experiences.
• How trauma shows up in the brain and body through fight, flight, freeze, and dissociation.
• What it really means to view life through a trauma-informed lens—and how curiosity and compassion change the way we respond to others.
• Practical ways to begin exploring your own experiences without digging blindly, and how to support loved ones while respecting boundaries.

This opening conversation sets the foundation for the podcast: clear, compassionate, and practical trauma education. If you’ve ever wondered whether your struggles are connected to trauma—or how to better support others—this episode is for you.

Trauma and the Brain: strengthening minds with trauma-informed tools, one rep at a time.

Find Us:

www.traumaandthebrain.com

Quora:

https://qr.ae/pCt1s3