Hybrid Training (Johnson City)

1 CE Hour

“The Biology of Stuck: Understanding the Body’s Barriers to Trauma Recovery”

Amber Gourley, MS, LDN, RDN, CLT, PCC

*A Professional Membership is just $125.
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Why do some clients feel “stuck” in their healing process, despite therapy? This training will explore the hidden physiological barriers to trauma recovery, including the impact of chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and nutrient depletion. Therapists will gain insights into how the body’s stress response can hinder emotional processing and resilience, as well as practical ways to recognize when biological factors may be at play. Through a trauma-informed lens, we’ll discuss key clinical indicators, simple screening questions, and strategies for expanding treatment options through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Objectives:

• Identify the physiological mechanisms through which trauma and chronic stress deplete key nutrients essential for mental health, contributing to nervous system dysregulation.

• Recognize clinical indicators and nutritional red flags that suggest a client’s progress in therapy may be hindered by underlying imbalances, including cortisol dysregulation.

• Learn three key questions to help identify potential cortisol dysregulation and its impact on a client’s mental health symptoms.

About the Speaker(s)

Amber Gourley, MS, LDN, RDN, CLT, PCC

Amber Gourley is the Founder and CEO of Heal U, a holistic wellness center in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she combines clinical expertise with a deep belief that true healing requires both courage and vulnerability. Known as “The Disobedient Dietitian” before founding Heal U, Amber challenges the status quo with authenticity and a fierce commitment to whole-person care.

With a Master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from East Tennessee State University and advanced functional training, Amber specializes in complex health conditions—including autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, and neurobiology—always exploring the intersection between physical symptoms and emotional well-being. She has spent years learning the intricate connections between body systems and emotional wellbeing, discovering that physical symptoms and emotional health are not separate domains but deeply interwoven aspects of human experience.
Amber’s approach integrates evidence-based nutrition with the power of personal storytelling, creating spaces where clients feel truly heard. Drawing from Brené Brown’s concept of shame resilience, she fosters an environment where clients can show up with their full stories and be met with empathy, not judgment. Her collaborative work with therapists and healthcare providers reflects her deep belief that healing requires integration—because belonging in one’s body is just as essential as belonging in a community.

Amber’s mission is simple: to help people reclaim their health by combining science with radical compassion—because true wellness is both a biological and deeply human experience.

TLPCA Contact

If you any questions, please contact Hunter Cook.