Ep. 40 - Healing Trauma and Building Secure Relationships: Insights from War Survivor and Therapist, Goumah Conde, LMFT

The Holistic Counselor

Welcome to The Holistic Counselor Podcast!

I'm your host, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS—founder of Through the Valley Therapy and Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching. This podcast is your space for inspiration, healing, and growth. Remember: You are fearfully and wonderfully made by a loving God who has created you for connection, healing, and purpose.

Today’s guest is Goumah Conde, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), clinical fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and founder of Abiding Grace Therapy. Goumah’s personal journey as a nine-year war survivor from Liberia, West Africa, and her professional expertise in attachment and trauma-focused therapy make her an incredible resource for those seeking meaningful healing.

What We Covered in This Episode

1. Goumah's Story:

   • Surviving the Liberian Civil War and immigrating to the U.S. at 19.
   • How her secure attachment to her mother shaped her resilience and approach to mental health.

2. Attachment Theory and Trauma:

   • The foundational concepts of attachment theory as developed by John Bowlby.
   • How early caregiver relationships impact adult bonds and relationships.
   • Recognizing and healing attachment injuries in individuals, couples, and families.

3. Cultural Sensitivity in Therapy:

   • Navigating cultural differences with African-born clients, first- and second-generation immigrants, and couples from diverse backgrounds.
   • Case study: Helping a Saudi couple navigate faith and cultural differences.

4. Practical Tools for Healing Attachment Wounds:

   • Start with small, healthy connections (e.g., joining groups or building friendships).
   • Reflective practices, such as journaling your emotions and experiences.
   • Using evidence-based books, tools, and frameworks for self-guided healing.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Books:

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk (Available on Amazon or YouTube).
  • Finding Her Own Way: An Empowerment Book for Young Women by Goumah Conde.
  • Goumah’s upcoming book for women with mother wounds (Releasing February 1, 2025).

• Therapeutic Approaches:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy.
  • Narrative Therapy and Gottman Method for couples.

Connect with Goumah Conde

• Website: Abiding Grace Therapy, LLC
• Instagram: @YourMarriageVillage
• Facebook: Your Marriage Village
• YouTube: Your Marriage Village

Encouragement for Listeners

Goumah’s favorite scripture, 2 Timothy 1:7, reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Hold onto this truth and remember: healing is possible, and life is worth living.

Thanks for listening! Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Holistic Counselor Podcast. For more resources and faith-based counseling insights, visit Through the Valley Therapy.

Trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.