In a fascinating episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert Dr. James Gordon, M.D., founder and CEO of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. With over 50 years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Gordon has led healing initiatives in war zones, disaster-stricken areas, and underserved communities, offering trauma relief through an approach that blends self-awareness, self-care, and community support.
The conversation begins with Dr. Gordon’s origin story, which includes his early exposure to compassion-driven medicine through his surgeon father and his dissatisfaction with the limitations of traditional psychiatric models. From there, he shares how his work evolved into a whole-person, mind-body approach that treats individuals not as diagnoses, but as human beings living in a complex world.
Dr. Gordon describes the development and reach of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM). This groundbreaking organization has trained over 10,000 professionals and community members worldwide to support recovery from trauma. He offers powerful examples of how teachers in Kosovo, veterans in the U.S., school shooting survivors, and Indigenous leaders have all to bring healing tools to their own communities, regardless of whether they had professional credentials.
Key topics covered include:
- Population-wide trauma healing in places like Ukraine, Uvalde, Kosovo, and Sandy Hook
- The lasting mental health impacts of COVID-19
- Using virtual platforms to maintain intimacy in therapeutic settings
- How anyone with the proper training and heart can become a trauma-informed community leader
Dr. Gordon’s latest book, Transforming Trauma: The Path to Hope and Healing, offers readers evidence-based tools for healing emotional wounds. It’s written to reach those who may never have access to professional care, making it a powerful resource for both personal growth and community resilience.
Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who wants to help, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible when trauma care is rooted in connection, dignity, and empowerment.
Learn more about The Center for Mind-Body Medicine at cmbm.org
To learn more about Hanley’s Treatment Programs visit HanleyCenter.org
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