In Part 2 of this conversation, Lawrence Joss continues his dialogue with psychologist and Polyvagal Equine Institute founder Dr. Rebecca Bailey, exploring how equine therapy and everyday interactions with animals support nervous system regulation and healing in the context of parental alienation and family trauma. Drawing from decades of clinical work, Dr. Bailey shares powerful stories that show how horses mirror emotional states, challenge rigid narratives, and create moments of connection, humor, and perspective. Together, they highlight why healing doesn’t always come through talking, how safety and consent shape meaningful therapeutic work, and how parents can continue parenting, even without access, by focusing on regulation, connection, and inner stability.

Key Takeaways

• Equine therapy offers unique access points for emotional healing.
• Personal relationships with animals can enhance emotional regulation.
• Co-regulation is essential for emotional well-being and therapy.
• Horses can help individuals process trauma without delving into past experiences.
• Therapists must prioritize informed consent and safety in equine therapy.
• The evolution of equine therapy practices reflects changing societal needs.
• Reality clarification can help families understand their dynamics better.
• Co-regulation can occur between humans and horses, fostering emotional connection.
• Future equine therapy practices should focus on high standards and training.
• Therapists should empower clients to be experts in their own emotional regulation.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Equine Therapy and Emotional Regulation
02:48 - Personal Experiences with Animals and Emotional Connection
05:47 - The Role of Horses in Therapy and Co-Regulation
08:58 - Understanding Trauma and the Therapeutic Process
11:53 - The Evolution of Equine Therapy Practices
14:53 - Co-Regulation and Its Importance in Therapy
17:47 - Anecdotes and Insights from Equine Therapy Sessions
20:52 - Future of Equine Therapy and Coaching
24:03 - Concluding Thoughts on Emotional Healing and Connection

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - familydisappeared@gmail.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:
https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com

Lawrence Joss continues his discussion with Matthew Brickman, a Supreme Court Certified Mediator in Florida. Together, they unpack the role of mediation in family conflict, including how mediators support the process and what to consider when choosing the right professional. Drawing from years of experience, Matthew highlights the value of ongoing learning, self-awareness, and growth in effective mediation. The conversation also explores the emotional realities clients face and the importance of empowerment and agency throughout the mediation journey.

Key Takeaways

• Equine therapy helps individuals learn about their own nervous system.
• The presence of horses can facilitate emotional safety and connection.
• Children often project their feelings onto horses, aiding in therapy.
• Building trust with horses reflects the importance of boundaries in relationships.
• Humor can be a powerful tool in therapeutic settings.
• Equine therapy can help navigate high-conflict family dynamics.
• The process of co-regulation is essential for emotional healing.
• Horses model the ability to calm down after being startled.
• Therapy with horses allows access to emotions that traditional methods may not reach.
• The unpredictability of life is mirrored in the interactions with horses.

Chapters

00:00 - Understanding Equine Therapy and Its Context
02:54 - The Role of the Nervous System in Therapy
05:50 - Equine Therapy: A Unique Approach to Healing
08:44 - The Connection Between Horses and Human Emotions
12:05 - Navigating Family Dynamics Through Equine Therapy
14:51 - Practical Applications of Equine Therapy
18:03 - The Impact of Trauma on Children and Families
20:48 - Building Trust and Boundaries with Horses
23:45 - The Unpredictability of Life and Therapy
26:52 - Conclusion: The Healing Power of Horses

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - familydisappeared@gmail.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Bailey:
https://polyvagalequineinstitute.com

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com

This conversation explores the transformative power of travel and cultural experiences in shaping family dynamics and personal growth. The speakers discuss the impact of parental alienation, the evolution of fatherhood, and the importance of being present in children's lives. They share insights on cultural connections, ancestry, and the significance of community in nurturing relationships. The discussion also delves into the themes of failure, recovery, and the journey of writing a book that encapsulates their experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Travel can provide children with a broader perspective on life.
• Cultural experiences can strengthen family bonds and connections.
• Fatherhood is evolving from transactional to transformational.
• Being present with children is more important than perfection.
• Understanding ancestry can deepen children's sense of identity.
• Community plays a crucial role in family dynamics.
• Personal growth often comes from embracing failure and learning from it.
• Intentional parenting can help break cycles of alienation.
• The power of pausing allows for reflection and growth.
• Sharing stories can inspire others and foster connection.

Chapters

00:00 - Navigating Parental Alienation Through Global Experiences
03:32 - Transforming Perspectives on Fatherhood
11:49 - Cultural Connections and Ancestry
15:52 - The Power of Presence and Intentionality
20:51 - Embracing Failure and Recovery
25:20 - Reflections on Change and Community Support
27:11 - Navigating Parental Alienation Through Global Experiences
30:44 - Transforming Perspectives on Fatherhood
39:19 - Cultural Connections and Ancestry
46:01 - The Power of Pausing and Personal Growth
49:02 - Understanding Failure Immunity
52:32 - Hope and Intentional Parenting

If you wish to connect with Lawrence Joss or any of the PA-A community members who have appeared as guests on the podcast:

Email - familydisappeared@gmail.com
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lawrencejoss
(All links mentioned in the podcast are available in Linktree)

Please donate to support PAA programs:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=SDLTX8TBSZNXSsa bottom part

This podcast is made possible by the Family Disappeared Team:
Anna Johnson- Editor/Contributor/Activist/Co-host
Glaze Gonzales- Podcast Manager

Connect with Lawrence Joss:
Website: https://parentalalienationanonymous.com/
Email- familydisappeared@gmail.com