Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Susan Bookheimer, a distinguished UCLA professor and neuropsychologist with over 40 years of expertise in brain imaging and human brain development. The discussion delves into the profound impact of trauma on the brain, particularly focusing on the reward system and the amygdala. They explore how neglect and various forms of abuse alter brain structures and functions, the significance of implicit learning, memory modulation, and the potential for healing through therapy and positive experiences. Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's interconnected systems, practical strategies for mitigating ongoing stress, and the power of conscious, repeated positive experiences in fostering recovery. This episode sheds light on both the challenges and possibilities for those seeking to heal from traumatic experiences.
Susan’s Links
UCLA Profile: (https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer)https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer (https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer)
Connect with us on social media:
https://linktr.ee/indoctrination (https://linktr.ee/indoctrination)
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youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS)
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Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm (https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm)
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 (amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4)
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign (education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign)
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html (rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html)
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
thepodcastconsultant.com/about (thepodcastconsultant.com/about)
A quick note: this podcast is proudly partnered with a company, but the ads you hear are chosen by our network, not by us. Their views don’t necessarily reflect those of the IndoctriNation team.
Advertising Inquiries: redcircle.com/brands (redcircle.com/brands)
Privacy & Opt-Out: redcircle.com/privacy (redcircle.com/privacy)
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31630145?utm_source=youtube
In this episode, Rachel Bernstein speaks with Susan Bookheimer, a distinguished UCLA professor and neuropsychologist with over 40 years of expertise in brain imaging and human brain development. The discussion delves into the profound impact of trauma on the brain, particularly focusing on the reward system and the amygdala. They explore how neglect and various forms of abuse alter brain structures and functions, the significance of implicit learning, memory modulation, and the potential for healing through therapy and positive experiences. Susan emphasizes the importance of understanding the brain's interconnected systems, practical strategies for mitigating ongoing stress, and the power of conscious, repeated positive experiences in fostering recovery. This episode sheds light on both the challenges and possibilities for those seeking to heal from traumatic experiences.
Susan’s Links
UCLA Profile: (https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer)https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer (https://profiles.ucla.edu/susan.bookheimer)
Connect with us on social media:
https://linktr.ee/indoctrination (https://linktr.ee/indoctrination)
Watch full video episodes of IndoctriNation here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS (youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNAi0T2hzH9dM029dkTfj635PzuXl67jS)
Support IndoctriNation on Patreon for exclusive bonus episodes and more:
patreon.com/indoctrination (patreon.com/indoctrination)
Prefer to support the IndoctriNation show with a one-time donation? Use this link:
https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATION (https://www.paypal.biz/indoctriNATIO)
Restart and Restore: A Journal for Survivors of Manipulation:
https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm (https://a.co/d/1ssz4Rm)
Restart and Restore: Companion Notebook:
amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4 (amazon.com/dp/B0FSCLTZN4)
Download a Free Chapter from Restart and Restore:
education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign (education.rachelbernsteintherapy.com/restart-and-restore-campaign)
Download Rachel’s Video Lectures and Webinars here:
rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html (rachelbernsteintherapy.com/videos.html)
IndoctriNation is edited by The Podcast Consultant:
thepodcastconsultant.com/about (thepodcastconsultant.com/about)
A quick note: this podcast is proudly partnered with a company, but the ads you hear are chosen by our network, not by us. Their views don’t necessarily reflect those of the IndoctriNation team.
Advertising Inquiries: redcircle.com/brands (redcircle.com/brands)
Privacy & Opt-Out: redcircle.com/privacy (redcircle.com/privacy)
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31630145?utm_source=youtube










