In this episode of Embracing Intensity, we’re excited to share the Q&A portion of our powerful conversation with Nneka Denise, founder of the Write to Heal Project. This discussion offers timely tools and insights as we reflect on letting go of the past year and preparing for a fresh, intentional start in the new year.

Nneka shares her transformative approach to healing through writing, addressing grief not only as it relates to loss but also to life transitions, personal growth, and emotional clarity. Whether you’re navigating stress, seeking emotional release, or exploring creative outlets, this episode provides practical strategies to help you move forward.

Nneka Denise is the founder of the Write to Heal Project and a trained end-of-life and bereavement doula based in the Portland-Vancouver area. Through journaling, visualization, and somatic practices, Nneka helps individuals process grief, trauma, and life’s emotional challenges. She also runs the New Wellness Center in downtown Portland, a collective of holistic healing practitioners offering vibrational sound baths, Reiki, massage, and emotional wellness support.

• The Science of Writing to Heal – How writing can help process emotions, grief, and transitions in life.
• Practical Writing Strategies – Tips for using gratitude journaling, brain dumps, and affirmations to create a daily healing practice.
• Ceremonial Release – The power of burning or shredding written emotions as a symbolic act of letting go.
• Affirmations for Healing – How to create affirmations that feel believable and achievable, guiding you toward positive change.
• Navigating Writing Challenges – Nneka’s advice for those with ADHD, dyslexia, or writing apprehensions, including voice dictation and alternative methods.

• Connect with Nneka on Instagram: @nneka_denise

• Contact Nneka via email: nneka.denise@gmail.com

• Learn about the New Wellness Center in Downtown Portland (10th & Morrison)

• Explore the Embracing Intensity Community and Memberships.

• Preorder Aurora’s workbook, Energy Balance (Kindle edition), available this Friday, December 20th.

Nneka’s work offers invaluable tools for self-reflection, healing, and emotional growth through the simple yet profound act of writing. Whether you’re a lifelong journaler or just beginning your healing journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you process emotions and step into the new year with intention.

Listen now and take the first step toward embracing your own healing process! 🎧✨

In this highly engaging episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, host Aurora Remember Holtzman dives deep into the world of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with Bob Yamtich, a seasoned practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Bob shares how NVC has shaped his approach to relationships, parenting, and self-understanding, particularly as a neurodivergent individual. This conversation is packed with practical insights and tools for those seeking to enhance their self-connection and interpersonal communication.

About Bob Yamtich:

Bob Yamtich is a dedicated Nonviolent Communication trainer, therapist, and engineer. His journey into NVC began after his career as an environmental engineer, driven by his desire to contribute to societal change through better communication. Bob’s unique approach integrates empathy with analytical insights, honoring the importance of neurodivergence in his work and personal growth. He is a passionate advocate for using NVC as a bridge between self-awareness and impactful communication.

In This Episode:

• Bob’s personal journey with Nonviolent Communication and how it helped him find balance as a bipolar individual.

• The core principles of NVC: self-connection, empathy, and honesty.

• How to distinguish between needs and strategies, and why it matters in communication.

• The concept of holding multiple needs and strategies simultaneously for resilience and creativity.

• Balancing analytical insights with empathy in understanding neurodivergence.

• Practical exercises, including identifying three current needs and corresponding strategies.

• How NVC fosters community, shared power, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Bob’s experiences teaching NVC to diverse audiences, including children and incarcerated individuals.

• The shift from “battle mode” to “build mode” in creating meaningful connections.

Links and Resources:

• Learn more about Nonviolent Communication and its principles here.

• Learn more about Bob on his website!

• Explore Aurora’s Neurodivergent Toolbox and other resources at the Embracing Intensity Shop.

• Get 25% off Aurora's digital products and memberships with code BIRTHDAY24 (valid until Dec 2).

Whether you're new to Nonviolent Communication or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for enriching your connections with yourself and others. Tune in for a thought-provoking and uplifting discussion!

This episode of the Embracing Intensity podcast, features a detailed conversation with Heather Borman Morris about understanding narcissistic relationships and how they uniquely affect gifted and neurodivergent individuals. Heather, a clinical social worker, shares her personal experience with narcissistic abuse, providing insights on identifying covert narcissism versus mere intense interest, particularly in neurodivergent or twice-exceptional individuals. The discussion delves into strategies for recognizing and managing toxic relationships, differentiating between narcissism and authentic behaviors, and emphasizes the need for understanding personal boundaries and fostering healthy relationships post-abuse. The episode also introduces Heather's work, including her book 'A Thousand Paper Cuts' and the podcast 'Starting Stronger'.

About Heather:

Heather Boorman-Morris is a renowned therapist, speaker, and author dedicated to helping individuals heal and thrive after experiencing toxic relationships. With over two decades of experience in the field, Heather specializes in trauma recovery, relationship dynamics, and neurodivergent mental health. She is the founder of Starting Stronger and the author of the acclaimed book Thousand Paper Cuts: Finding Healing in the Aftermath of a Narcissist. Heather’s compassionate approach and deep understanding of complex emotional landscapes make her a sought-after expert in the journey towards healthy, fulfilling relationships.

In this episode:

• Heather joins the podcast to discuss navigating healthy relationships, focusing on narcissistic abuse.

• Heather shares her experience of being in an abusive relationship and later discovering covert narcissism.

• Discussion on the targeting of neurodivergent individuals by narcissists, highlighting their traits like empathy and ambition.

• Differences between overt and covert narcissists are outlined, including their stages of relationship: idealization, devaluation, and discard.

• Strategies like mirroring used by manipulators in relationships are explained.

• Emphasis on trusting one's body and intuition as indicators of being in a toxic relationship.

• Conversation on distinguishing between love bombing and genuine neurodivergent intensity.

• Importance of taking time to build relationships and recognizing genuine intentions.

• Discussion about the impact of past trauma and hyper-vigilance when forming new relationships.

Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events!

Embracing Intensity Memberships

Starting Stronger Podcast

A Thousand Papercuts

Interoception Website