Transforming Trauma into Laughter and Healing with Kate Nichols

This week, I’m hosting a guest with whom I have a long history—going all the way back to when she was a child. As my daughter’s close childhood friend, I got to watch her grow up and find her way into the two very different careers she has today. I’m thrilled to welcome the multifaceted Kate Nichols, who not only excels as a trauma therapist but also shines on stage as a comedian.

Kate's journey is unconventional and inspiring, where she balances the emotional rigor of therapy with the light-heartedness of comedy. From her early days, Kate had a unique passion for making others laugh, and loved creating parody songs and funny little sketches to share with her family and friends. 

She shares how she found her path in social work during her college years, driven by a desire for stability and security, which stemmed from her own experiences of financial insecurity growing up. Her transition from therapy to improv, and later to stand-up comedy, came naturally as someone who loves to connect with people on a deep level while also fostering joy and laughter. 

Kate also opens up about some of the toughest moments in her life growing up, touching on her dad's journey as a gay man who struggled to accept his true identity throughout his life, and her mom's creative but tumultuous life, which deeply influenced Kate’s own pursuit of happiness and authenticity. 

Kate's therapy practice focuses on trauma, particularly attachment and relational trauma, helping high-functioning individuals navigate their internal struggles. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and living authentically, both in her personal life and in her professional guidance. Kate's insights into maintaining self-esteem and embracing one's true self in the face of public scrutiny are invaluable. Join us as we explore the intersection of therapy and comedy, and how finding your voice in one area can profoundly affect all aspects of your life.

Key Topics:

• How Kate found her way into both therapy and stand-up comedy as a career
• Kate’s very first comedy sketches as a kid
• How she found her niche in social work after university
• Why Kate found herself working with those with attachment and relational trauma
• The darker parts of Kate’s childhood that have informed Kate’s comedy and creative pursuits
• The unexpected death that led Kate to pursue a life that was full of joy and aligned with her truest self
• Healing generational trauma and the trickle-down effect it can have on others
• How laughter can create feelings of safety and ease in our nervous systems
• How Kate prepares for a stand-up routine and handles criticism in this type of creative environment
• Taking time to slow down and take care of yourself is an important part of the creative process

Connect with Kate online:

Website: cycle

Find more from Jill:

Email: jill@thewritersrefuge.com

Website: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/

Writing Coaching Programs: https://www.thewritersrefuge.com/coaching

Sign up for my free 3x weekly writing session: write to jill@thewritersrefuge.com for ZOOM info

Special thanks to LVDY for allowing us to use their song, Saltwater, in the intro and outro of the podcast!