Ep. 15 The Body Remembers. And It Can Heal with CMI.

In this episode, Angie and Estefana dive deep into the layered and personal journey of healing from trauma. Our guests explore how movement, play, and body awareness can unlock powerful breakthroughs in the healing process. They shed light on the emerging role of psychedelics in therapy, particularly for those navigating anxiety, depression, and complex trauma, and introduce a promising new modality: Critical Memory Integration (CMI).

They cover different approaches to trauma therapy, including Trauma-Focused CBT and humanistic methods, emphasizing that safety, self-trust, and the therapeutic relationship are central to meaningful progress. Together, the speakers unpack how neglect and unresolved trauma shape our nervous systems and how community, agency, and neuroplasticity open the door to lasting transformation.

Bio

I’m Estefana Johnson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and trauma therapist with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health. I currently practice at Lighthouse Psychiatry in Gilbert, Arizona, where I also serve as a Dosing Monitor in a psychedelic research study. My work blends clinical expertise with a deep respect for the body’s wisdom and the power of personal agency.

I serve as Director of Clinical Training for ARISE Alliance, providing CMI training for licensed clinicians and leading workshops for non-clinicians focused on helping people reconnect with their inner compass. I was part of the ARISE Alliance development team that created Critical Memory Integration (CMI), an approach focused on helping individuals identify and integrate unresolved critical memories in order to restore agency and support lasting healing.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of roles—from residential treatment and medical social work to leading trauma-informed initiatives across systems of care. I’ve supported individuals through PTSD, anxiety, addiction, sexual trauma, conduct issues, and life transitions. My personal experience as a first-generation child of immigrants, along with two years living in Japan, has shaped my lens and deepened my connection to culturally attuned, relational work.

Whether in therapy, training, or community spaces, my vision is to help individuals discover their true power and take agency over their lives.

 To connect with our guest, click on the links below:

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/estefanajohnsonlcsw

Website:  ARISEAlliance.org

🎁Free webinar to learn more about CMI.  Sign up here: https://arisealliance.org/cmi-webinar/

Connect with me:

Website:  https://angieberrettmovement.com/

Instagram:  https://Instagram.com/angieberrettmovement 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/angie.berrett/ 

YouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@angieberrettmovement 

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/angieberrettmovement/ 

TikTok:       https://www.tiktok.com/@angieberrettmovement?_t=8qP9poCboWA&_r=1

🎁Grab your Free 5 Minute Playful Move for Instant Calm: https://angieberrettmovement.ac-page.com/free-short-movement-sequence-for-when-you-are-overwhelmed