Trauma Myths We Need to Stop Believing (with Dr. Aimie Apigian)
This episode exists because a listener reached out and recommended Dr. Aimie Apigian’s work — and I’m so glad they did.
Dr. Aimie is a double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, with Master’s degrees in Biochemistry and Public Health, and specialised training in Functional and Integrative Medicine. She is the founder of the Mind-Body-Biology Institute, where she trains practitioners worldwide using her Biology of Trauma® framework.
Her bestselling book, The Biology of Trauma, won 9 awards within its first two months of publication and is endorsed by Dr. Gabor Maté, who also wrote the foreword. What moved me most was her personal story — becoming a foster and adoptive mother while still in medical school, while navigating her own health crisis. That lived experience catalysed her groundbreaking work on how trauma is held not just in the mind, but in the body and biology.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why trauma is biological, not just psychological
Stress vs trauma responses in the nervous system
Freeze, stuckness, and chronic illness
Why talk therapy alone often isn’t enough
Adrenaline, safety, and micro-steps toward healing
The 3 levels needed for true healing: mind, body, biology
While our frameworks may differ — Dr. Aimie shares from trauma physiology and embodied healing rooted in medicine rather than a specific faith tradition — her insights have helped many people of faith better understand their healing journeys. As always, listeners are encouraged to take what is helpful, stay rooted in God’s voice, and allow healing to unfold with both wisdom and agency.
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Dr. Wai-Jia Tam is a medical doctor and complex trauma survivor, but not a licensed therapist or mental health provider. Please seek qualified professional support for your specific situation where needed. Episodes may include sensitive topics such as trauma, abuse, suicide, grief, or spiritual harm. Please listen gently and at your own pace. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host.
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