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Episode #84
Leah Pells
Leah Pells: Running, Trauma, and the Pillars of Wellness
Leah is a mom, registered clinical counsellor, three-time Olympian and published author. She is also a survivor of developmental trauma and believes in the healing nature of humans.
Her book,
Not About The Medal, is her story of love, substance abuse and resiliency.
She has a private counselling practice, is on the WorkSafeBC Critical Incident Response (CIR) team, and is currently completing her certification in Focused Oriented counselling.
Leah grew up in a home that was filled with love but also deep rooted suffering which presented as alcoholism. Running became her way of coping. The adversity she faced strengthened her resiliency and fuelled her desire to be a healer. To this day she runs nearly every day and finds calm and grounding in connecting with Mother Earth and movement.
In this episode we discuss:
- Leah’s Olympic running career
- The things that running and competing taught her about life
- Why Leah keeps getting outdoors
- Leah’s difficult upbringing in a chaotic alcoholic home and the impact that had on her life.
- How running helped her at a young age and why she continues to run and get outdoors.
- How addiction is born.
- What is Focused Oriented Therapy? - Working with body sensations. Carl Rogers - the client knows themselves best. Eugene Gendlin - Pay attention to the senses in your body. The body is always truthful. What is it saying to you?
- Article by J. Kevin Cameron - Guidelines for Re-Entry into the School Setting During the Pandemic
- What’s behind the painted rocks? Painted rocks spread love around Tri-Cities
Getting back to the pillars of wellness and more:
- Good sleep
- Connecting with good people
- Exercise
- Watch your own substance use (are you creating a dependency?)
- Counselling
- Stay in the day
- Instead of trying to get someone else to change their behaviour, change your own
- Rick Hanson, Ph.D. - “the happy brain guy” - Notice the good and let that enhance your day.
- Not About The Medal What does that mean to Leah?
- Leah asks, “What are things you could do outside of work that bring you joy?” Put those things in your schedule.
Website: Leahpells.com
On our recent Fuel Radio podcast, we had the privilege of hosting George Cuellar, a former veterinarian who transitioned into the world of leadership coaching.
During our discussion, we cover a range of topics including Udo being a child of war, his spiritual journey and spiritual views, and what consuming healthy oils can do for you.