Meeting My Mentor in the Traumatic Stress Field: A Full-Circle Moment with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

 

Guess who I had the honor of meeting today?

It’s none other than Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, the author of “The Body Keeps the Score” — and my very first mentor in the field of trauma healing. 🌟

A few years ago, I completed the Traumatic Stress Studies under his guidance, and that experience has profoundly shaped the work I do today — especially in promoting trauma-informed practices within occupational and organizational psychology.

So today, standing beside him at a trauma workshop, and having the chance to share the trauma-informed initiatives we’re developing — it honestly felt surreal. I was overwhelmed with a mix of excitement and gratitude. Listening to him speak passionately about neurofeedback for trauma recovery, and watching him introduce these concepts to an audience of experts… I truly felt seen and affirmed.

Even more inspiring is his unwavering dedication — now in his 80s, he traveled all the way from the U.S. to Australia just to teach and connect with us. His passion and presence were simply electric. ⚡

Many of the values and approaches we apply at our center are deeply inspired by his work. I’m incredibly thankful to be invited by leaders in Australia’s trauma neurofeedback community to this private, closed-door event. It was such a surprise and an absolute privilege to learn alongside world-class trauma experts like Dr. Ruth, Sebern, and many other pioneers in the field.

Can’t wait to bring these insights and inspirations back home to Malaysia. 🫶🏻

Poster Presentation @ 35th Annual International Boston Trauma Conference

My work in traumatic stress studies has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming 35th Annual International Boston Trauma Conference. I am feeling excited to share my innovation CBHI (which involves neurofeedback screening, expressive art therapy, and hypnotherapy) soon.

 

Completion of the Certificate In Traumatic Stress Studies

 

 

After 1 year of study, finally I manage to complete the Certificate In Traumatic Stress Studies. Thank you Dr Bessel van der Kolk for creating this wonderful traumatic stress studies course. Thanks to all the Lecturers of the Trauma Research Foundation. I have learned so much of useful theories, approaches and frameworks. It helps not only for my clinical work, but also for my PhD study as well as my research work in Neurofeedback and Clinical Hypnosis. I will do my best to acquire more knowledge. This won't be the end but actually just the beginning. I hope one day, I can contribute to the field of psychological trauma.