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Healing Trauma, Gracefully with Dr Lori Leyden

Dr Lori Leyden (PhD, MBA) is an internationally recognised trauma-healing professional, transformational leader, and mentor whose work has supported thousands worldwide — including genocide survivors in Rwanda, communities impacted by the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, and Indigenous and refugee communities in Australia.

Lori joined Chris to explore what it really takes to heal trauma in individuals and communities — and why regulating the nervous system and cultivating therapeutic presence can be more effective (and safer) than “talking it out” for PTSD.

They explored Lori’s story and book, Embodying Grace, which is a practical and deeply compassionate guide to healing trauma by restoring safety, presence, and dignity in the body — not by reliving the story.

They also discussed powerful insights from Lori’s humanitarian leadership journey — from founding the nonprofit Create Global Healing and launching Project LIGHT: Rwanda, to her current resilience work with Ukrainian leaders living through active war — and what it means to build peace from the inside out, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Here are some insights from the interview you don’t want to miss:

Healing trauma is a deeply personal journey.
Lori shared that her drive to become a trauma healing professional started from a “selfish” desire to heal her own childhood trauma. Her early struggles, including caring for siblings at a young age and experiencing abuse, shaped her understanding and compassion for others’ suffering.
Resilience comes from how we respond to life’s challenges.
Both Chris and Lori discussed how traumatic experiences can ultimately be reframed as opportunities for growth and contribution. Lori noted that meaning-making is essential and that even in experiences we don’t choose, we have the agency to decide how we respond.
Physiological regulation is key to trauma recovery.
Lori highlighted the limitations of traditional talk therapies and emphasised the importance of regulating the nervous system first. Techniques such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT, or tapping), EMDR, and somatic release tools can gently help individuals restore safety and dignity in the body.
Leadership and presence are closely linked.
The episode explored the importance for leaders—especially in traumatised communities—of “leading from the inside out.” Lori asserted that a leader’s ability to be present, regulated, and connected to their own inner wisdom is crucial, not just for their well-being but also for those they serve.
Grace is a transformative concept in trauma healing.
Lori described grace as a state of inner safety, trust, and connection to the divine, which allows for healing and personal transformation. She noted that the idea of “grace” has moved beyond religious connotations and is now widely understood as an essential part of healing.
Powerful stories from Rwanda illustrate presence and compassion.
Her work with genocide survivors in Rwanda profoundly demonstrates the healing power of presence. Lori recounted moments where pure human connection and compassion, not words, were most impactful in building trust and facilitating trauma recovery.
Healing is possible at any age and in any context.
Lori has successfully supported people ranging from Rwandan orphans to communities affected by school shootings and refugee groups. The Peace Academy initiative in Rwanda, where children learn self-regulation and peace-building, highlights the potential for trauma healing at a community level.
Self-regulation benefits caregivers and therapists, too.
Lori pointed out that as she helps regulate others using her methods, she benefits from the process herself—a vital reminder that self-care is crucial for those supporting trauma recovery.
Trauma-informed approaches require real skills, not just knowledge.
The buzzword “trauma-informed” is addressed: Lori cautioned that understanding trauma is not enough—practitioners need actual healing and relief skills, especially those involving somatic techniques.
A vision for more compassionate, heart-centered leadership.
The future lies in heart-centered, synergistic leadership—whether in business, schools, or communities. Lori advocates for top-down and bottom-up healing to create lasting positive change.

As we heal our traumas, the seeds of our destiny start to unfold.
– Dr Lori Leyden

Listen in for inspiration, wisdom and a transformational perspective on how best to overcome trauma.

You can listen to this Business Elevation Show interview with Dr Lori Leyden & Chris Cooper here. Alternatively on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Tunein, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio (latter US only).

More about Dr Lori Leyden:

Lori Leyden, PhD, MBA is an internationally recognized trauma-healing professional, transformational leader, and mentor who helps individuals and communities heal in the aftermath of profound tragedy. Her work has supported thousands worldwide, including genocide survivors in Rwanda, survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shootings, as well as Australian Indigenous and refugee communities.

Inspired by the resilience of orphan genocide survivors in Rwanda, Dr. Leyden founded the nonprofit Create Global Healing and established Project LIGHT: Rwanda, the world’s first international youth healing, heart-centered leadership, and entrepreneurship program. Project LIGHT offers a new model of humanitarian aid—empowering young people to heal trauma, develop meaningful livelihoods, and lead with compassion. She also served as Executive Producer of the award-winning documentary When I Was Young I Said I Would Be Happy, which follows the transformational journey of Project LIGHT Ambassadors as they bring healing to others from Rwanda to Sandy Hook, Connecticut.

Dr. Leyden’s vision is to cultivate a global movement of peacebuilders creating peace from the inside out. She mentors individuals seeking deeper healing, meaning, and impact, and is a member of the Global Evolutionary Leaders Council and the Association of Transformational Leaders, as well as an Evidence-Based EFT Master Trainer. She received the Personal Achievement Award (2019).

She is the author of The Grace Process Guidebook and The Stress Management Handbook, available in multiple languages. Dr. Leyden holds a doctorate in Health and Human Services with a concentration in psychoneuroimmunology, and an MBA in management.