In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Mark McNear sits down with J.S. Park, MDiv, BCC — hospital chaplain, author, and grief & trauma educator — for a conversation about identity, family, culture, grief, and the stories we carry.

J.S. reflects on growing up between cultures, losing connection to parts of his Korean language and identity after a painful childhood experience, and the ways therapy has helped him recognize what he once considered “normal.” He also shares why healing can be lifelong work while still being possible. mark-joon-01 mark-joon-01

Together, they explore family dynamics, grief, intergenerational trauma and treasure, and what it means to reconnect with parts of ourselves that may have become harder to reach.

J.S. also shares insight from his work as a hospital chaplain and his upcoming book, We Are Made of Us: Uncovering Our Hidden Family Dynamics, Rewriting Our Stories, and Returning to Ourselves, releasing October 20. J S Park Promo

Whether you’re navigating family history, identity, grief, or simply trying to better understand your own story, this conversation offers a reminder that healing does not require erasing where you came from.

Connect with J.S. Park:
Website: jspark3000.com
Instagram & Threads: @JSPark3000
Facebook: J.S. Park J S Park Promo

Connect with Trauma Meets Recovery:
https://traumameetsrecovery.com

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear:
https://drmarkmcnear.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

A new season. New voices. More opportunities for connection, understanding, and hope.

As Trauma Meets Recovery begins its second season, Joe Schweighardt, LPC, joins Dr. Mark McNear for a special conversation reflecting on the journey so far and looking ahead to what’s next.

Together, they revisit the lessons and meaningful moments of Season 1, explore why healing is an ongoing journey rather than a destination, and discuss the importance of compassion, connection, and finding hope along the way.

Dr. Mark McNear also shares personal reflections on his own recovery and the encouragement he’s received from listeners and guests.

With new voices, diverse perspectives, and more conversations ahead, Season 2 continues the mission of creating a space where stories of trauma meet stories of recovery.

Whether you’re returning or discovering us for the first time, welcome.

Be kind and gentle with yourself.

Visit traumameetsrecovery.com to explore previous episodes and connect with us.

Connect with Trauma Meets Recovery:
https://traumameetsrecovery.com

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear
https://drmarkmcnear.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.

How can we become a safer, more compassionate presence for ourselves—especially when old wounds, shame, or protective patterns still shape how we respond?

In the Season 1 finale of Trauma Meets Recovery, Dr. Mark McNear welcomes therapist, author, and The Best of You Podcast host Dr. Alison Cook for a hopeful conversation about healing from within.

Drawing from her new book, The Secure Soul, Dr. Alison explores the wounds created not only by what happened to us, but also by the comfort, attention, or emotional presence that may have been missing. She explains how these experiences can follow us into adulthood through people-pleasing, perfectionism, overfunctioning, emotional numbing, and a harsh inner critic.

Together, they discuss:

• Wounds of absence and the pain of feeling unseen
• Attachment and the importance of a secure base
• Understanding protective parts without labeling them as bad
• Responding to hurt with curiosity instead of shame
• The “Recognize and Return” practice
• Creating greater safety within yourself
• The relationship we have with ourselves, others, and God
• How self-compassion can strengthen our capacity to love others

Healing is not about rejecting or eliminating parts of yourself. It begins by understanding what those parts have been trying to protect—and meeting your inner world with curiosity, compassion, and loving presence.

“Your inner life is worth tending. It’s worth knowing.”
— Dr. Alison Cook

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Alison Cook:
https://www.dralisoncook.com

📖 Explore The Secure Soul:
https://thesecuresoulbook.com

🌐 Connect with Trauma Meets Recovery:
https://traumameetsrecovery.com

Follow us on Social Media:
Facebook & Instagram: @traumameetsrecoverypodcast

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Mark McNear
https://drmarkmcnear.com/

#TraumaMeetsRecovery #DrAlisonCook #TheSecureSoul

If this conversation encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who may need this reminder:

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, medical advice, or crisis support. If this topic feels activating, please pause, take care of yourself, and reach out to a trusted professional or support system.

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