Charon Normand-Widmer

Many struggle with the ups and downs of ADHD, myself included. As a clinician, I see issues with attention not as a simple neurological deficit, but as a dissociative response to stress. When the nervous system becomes overwhelmed, it seeks ways to cope, often by disconnecting from the present moment. […]

In my experience as a clinician, I’ve found that the most profound gift I can offer my clients isn’t my expertise or solutions—it’s my presence. An empathetic and compassionate abiding presence allows me to hold space for my clients with deep understanding and kindness. It is the art of being

Preface: Trauma affects individuals by causing a loss of response flexibility, disconnection from the self, a constricted worldview, and difficulty staying present. As a therapist, I guide clients to recognize these patterns, helping them reclaim control over their reactions, rebuild self-connection, and expand their perspective of the world. Through mindfulness

Preface: Authentic emotional expression helps us acknowledge and honor our true feelings, leading to greater self-awareness and meaningful connections with others. By embracing vulnerability and sharing emotions openly, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and deeper understanding. This practice allows us to live more fully and authentically, in alignment with

Photo by Daniel Watson Mark Wolynn’s book It Didn’t Begin With You explores the concept that individuals carry the emotional imprints of previous generations, a notion also reflected in Buddhist teachings on interconnectedness. Modern psychology, through ideas like Daniel Siegel’s “Interpersonal Neurobiology” and the study of epigenetics, supports this by

As a therapist, I use Compassionate Inquiry to help clients explore the roots of their emotional pain by focusing on the mind-body connection and the impact of trauma. Compassionate Inquiry® is a psychotherapeutic approach created by Dr. Gabor Maté over several decades while working with both patients and retreat participants.

Sophia sat across from me, her hands fidgeting in her lap. “I just can’t believe my boss yelled at me for missing a deadline,” she said, her voice tight with irritation. “It’s not my fault they never give me enough time. And anyway, who cares about their stupid deadlines?” I

David sat across from me in the comfortably lit therapy room, his shoulders hunched and a frown etched deeply on his face. He had come to me seeking help with his persistent financial struggles, but it soon became clear that his challenges were rooted in a belief far more insidious

In our fast-paced world, where distractions abound and external validations often overshadow inner truths, the capacity to witness one’s somatic experiences, emotions, and beliefs without identifying with them is a transformative practice. This non-identification is not about  disconnection or apathy but rather about cultivating a mindful awareness that allows for

By Charon Normand-Widmer  What are ‘Epigenetics’? Why should they interest us?  Epigenetics offer profound insights into how our environment and lifestyle can influence gene expression, without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Alteration of the underlying sequence results in a mutation, which can have various impacts on an organism’s physical and