Bonus Episode | What’s Next?
Welcome to a bonus episode of DNA Surprises! Today I am joined by my good friend and co-founder of the DNA Surprise Retreat, Debbie Olson. Debbie is a Certified Life Coach and founder of DNA Surprise Network. She helps others navigate lifeās path after having a DNA Surprise, having experienced one of her own. She enjoys using her skills of empathy, understanding, and communication with her coaching clients.
In Debbieās session at the DNA Surprise Retreat, āWhatās Next?ā sheāll talk about building on our strengths, the power we already have, and the next right moves to keep practicing after the retreat. In todayās episode, we talk about what a life coach does, how itās different than therapy, and why there is room for both. We also discuss how coaching can help people navigate a DNA surprise by using their existing strengths and emotions to help them move forward.
Bonus Episode | Write to Heal
Welcome to a bonus episode of DNA Surprises. Christine Wolf is a Chicago-based author and writing coach whose focus is on memoir and biography. Her award-winning work is regularly featured in national newspapers, magazines, and on live storytelling stages.
Through her compassionate and trauma-informed approach, Wolf empowers writers and non-writers alike to find their authentic voices. In 2018, Wolf lost a younger sister suddenly; in 2022, thanks to a home DNA kit, she discovered an older sister they never knew existed. Christine will facilitate a session at DNA Surprise Retreat – āWrite-to-Heal” is an empowering, flexible, and compassionate exploration of therapeutic (cathartic) journaling as a tool to help document your story and aid true healing. In this episode, we discuss Christineās personal experience with DNA surprises, how writing is a proven healing tool, and why you donāt have to be a āgood writerā to reap its benefits. My conversation with Christine inspired me to get started on my own storyāI hope it moves you to do the same. We all have stories to tell!
Bonus Episode | Let It Rain
Welcome to a bonus episode of DNA surprises. In this episode, Iām joined by Lindsay Johnson, a registered nurse, board-certified nurse coach, and integrative health coach who cares for the caregiver through stress, burnout, and trauma healing. She utilizes various methodologies in her practice, including mindful listening, transformative coaching, somatic experience and trauma healing, mindfulness, HeartMath, and gentle accountability.
Lindsay helps her clients reconnect to themselves and their bodies, become more aware and mindful of their coping mechanisms, access their courage and inner wisdom, and shed old habits in order to make way for more self-compassion and love. In her session, āLet it RAIN: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture,ā Lindsay will teach us how self-compassion is a vital portion of the healing process for DNA surprises
Bonus Episode | DNA Surprises & Grief
Welcome to a bonus episode of DNA Surprises. In this episode, Iām joined by Jennica Klemann, anĀ Advanced Certified Grief Recovery SpecialistĀ and Arizona Licensed Massage Therapist. She specializes in a variety of losses including death, divorce, loss of health, child loss, pet loss, and complicated familial dynamics, just to name a few. Jennica is facilitating a session on grief at the DNA Surprise Retreat. In this episode, we discuss the different kinds of grief, misconceptions about grief, and how we can begin to integrate grief into our lives. Grief is a huge part of the DNA surprise journey. I hope you find this information helpful.
Bonus Episode | Radical Acceptance
In this very special bonus episode of DNA Surprises, Iām joined by Jennifer Spencer, who is facilitating a session on Radical Acceptance at the DNA Surprise Retreat. Jennifer is a licensed professional counselor who works with people who want to make lasting change for themselves to better their relationships, enjoy life, and make an overall life worth living. She specializes in DBT, CBT, ACT, and EMDR. In our discussion, we chat about what Radical Acceptance is – and is not, and why itās important in our DNA surprise journey.
Bonus Episode | Big T, Little t
In this very special bonus episode of DNA Surprises, Iām joined by Megan Irwin, who will be facilitating a session on Trauma at theĀ DNA Surprise Retreat. Megan is aĀ licensed therapistĀ specializing in grief and loss, trauma/PTSD, and associated challenges. She serves as a compassionate witness and guide for her clientsā healing and personal growth.Ā Megan will facilitate a session called āBig T, Little tā on how DNA surprise traumas affect our bodies and minds. Sheāll also empower us with tools to manage the big feelings we experience following our surprises.