Concussion Coach Bethany Lewis loves sharing uplifting and helpful information for those struggling with Post Concussion Syndrome. Her goal is to increase awareness of concussions and the impact they can have on a person’s life, and to bring hope to people who have suffered a concussion and those who love them. sharing stories and knowledge about concussions will bring important light and understanding to this misunderstood and often-invisible injury. This podcast was previously called Life Inspired Coach.
Guest Introduction:Jennifer Foltz is a practitioner of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, yoga, and compassion-centered coaching. She specializes in supporting people recovering from concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and strokes, as well as those dealing with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, migraines, and TMJ. Having walked through her own TBI recovery after a plane crash in 2007, Jennifer deeply understands the importance of slowing down and listening to the body's wisdom.
Summary:In this powerful episode, Jennifer Foltz shares her personal journey of recovering from a traumatic brain injury. She opens up about the initial denial and resistance to the diagnosis, the challenging symptoms like rage, emotional dysregulation, and loss of social filters, and how acceptance became a turning point in her healing—even five years post-injury.
Bethany and Jennifer explore a wide range of holistic modalities that proved instrumental in Jennifer's recovery, including Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, somatic trauma work (like Somatic Experiencing and EMDR), Feldenkrais, light therapy, and the pure joy of dance. Jennifer emphasizes the critical importance of community, highlighting the transformative impact of the Love Your Brain Foundation and her own local Brain Injury Gathering.
The conversation delves into the often-overlooked emotional and existential crises that accompany brain injury, offering invaluable advice for both survivors and their loved ones. Jennifer explains the gentle, nervous-system-focused approach of Craniosacral Therapy and how it supports the body's innate healing intelligence. This episode is a beacon of hope, normalizing the long and non-linear recovery journey and underscoring that healing is always possible, connection is vital, and it's never too late to reclaim your life.
Jennifer Foltz's Information:
Website: jenniferfoltz.com
Email: hello@jenniferfoltz.com
Healing Modalities & Therapies Discussed:
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: A whole-body therapy that helps release tension patterns and regulate the nervous system by tuning into the body's inherent rhythmshttps://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/
Somatic Trauma Therapies:
Somatic Experiencing (SE): A body-centered approach to healing trauma and stress.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A psychotherapy treatment for trauma.
Feldenkrais Method: A movement-based practice that increases awareness and improves function.
Light Therapy: Mentioned as part of her therapeutic journey.
Support Organizations & Communities:
Love Your Brain Foundation: https://www.loveyourbrain.com/ A non-profit offering free, evidence-based yoga, meditation, and community support programs for people affected by TBI and their caregivers.
Retreats, Online Groups, & Facilitator Training: Jennifer highly recommends their heart-centered, compassion-focused community.
The Brain Injury Gathering (BIG): Jennifer's local, in-person support group in Sebastopol, California, focused on discussion, grounding practices, and mutual support.
Key Concepts & Advice:
Healing Timeline: Challenging the myth that significant recovery is only possible within the first two years post-injury.
Acceptance as a Journey: Emphasizing that acceptance is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
The Importance of Slowing Down: How brain injury forces a beneficial change in life pacing, allowing for deeper awareness.
Advice for Caregivers: The critical need for self-care, patience, and maintaining one's own resources to be fully present.
Normalizing Symptoms: Understanding that experiences like aphasia, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive changes are common symptoms, not personal failings.
Bethany Lewis & The Concussion Coach:
Free Guide: ”5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion” – Download at www.theconcussioncoach.com
Concussion Coaching Program: For personalized mentorship in recovery. Sign up for a free consultation HERE
- Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com