Childhood Trauma Changes the Body — Even When Kids Don’t Remember | Dr. Brandi Hawk

Dr. Brandi Hawk is a licensed clinical psychologist and CEO of Redleaf Psychology, a therapy clinic and training center focused on supporting children and families navigating trauma.

With over 15 years of experience, she has worked extensively with foster and adoptive families, co-developed the evidence-based parenting program PCIT, and trains professionals around the world on trauma-informed care, parenting, and the lasting impact of early experiences. She’s also the co-host of the Nerdy Psychologist Book Club, where she makes complex psychological concepts accessible through stories, books, and real-life conversations.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Hawk shares:

• What drew her to psychology at 17 and the path from pre-med to psychologist

• The biggest misconception about trauma in young children

• How early traumatic experiences shape the body even without memory

• What makes PCIT different from traditional parenting programs

• The simple daily shift that strengthens parent-child connection

• How unresolved trauma in adults quietly shows up in parenting

• Her transition from academic hospital work to running her own practice

If you’re in your 20s thinking about family, healing, or understanding how early experiences shape us, this episode offers clear, research-backed insight and practical hope.

Timestamps below ⬇️

#DrBrandiHawk #Trauma #Parenting #PCIT #ConversationsWithSekani

Connect with Brandi Hawk

Website:https://redleafpsychology.com/brandihawk/

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Chapters

0:00 - Intro & Welcome Dr. Brandi Hawk

1:40 - Discovering Psychology at 17

8:15 - From Pre-Med to Fully Committing to Psychology

15:30 - The Biggest Misconception About Childhood Trauma

23:10 - How Trauma Shapes the Body Without Memory

31:45 - What Makes PCIT Unique

40:20 - The Power of Daily Undivided Play

48:50 - How Adult Trauma Shows Up in Parenting

57:15 - Building Redleaf Psychology and the Path Forward