Date
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Name
Are Your Thoughts Killing You? A Survivor Led Workshop for Survivors
Track
Research and Lived Experience
John-Michael Lander
Description

This transformational workshop, led by a survivor for survivors, dives deep into how the false self—created to survive trauma—continues to shape our thoughts, relationships, and health. Through sharing lived experience, engaging exercises, participants will explore how negative self-talk, stemming from this false self, contributes to chronic inflammation and long-term health issues. But here’s the good news: by recognizing and reshaping these thoughts, you can reclaim your life. The Reality of False Selves: We adopt, adapt, and borrow beliefs from those around us—parents, teachers, society—trying to make sense of traumatic events. These beliefs create a false self that may protect us short-term but wreaks havoc long-term. Research, including studies by Dr. Shad Helmstetter and Dr. Patricia Resick, shows that negative self-talk damages the immune system, contributes to inflammation, and can lead to serious health conditions. Your Thoughts Are NOT Your Friends: For years, many survivors struggle with change despite trying self-help techniques. Why? Because the brain rewires itself during trauma to survive, causing survivors to approach problem-solving differently. As J.D. Bremner’s research shows, these neurological changes reinforce negative thoughts, keeping us trapped. But here’s the shift: awareness is the first step to rewriting those scripts. The Grooming Effect: We are all groomed from birth by the influences of family, friends, culture, and institutions. This conditioning shapes our beliefs and behavior—often reinforcing the false self. Understanding this process allows us to break free and build a life rooted in truth. The Miracle of Being Born: Did you know the odds of your birth are 1 in 4.4 trillion? You are already a miracle. So why not live like one? This workshop will remind you of your worth and help you rediscover the power within. Interactive Exercises: • Exercise 1: What do you believe about yourself? (Identifying limiting beliefs) • Exercise 2: New Beliefs (Creating empowering beliefs) • Exercise 3: Imagine Yourself as a Child (Compassionate reflection to reframe) • Exercise 4: My Success: Vision Board (Visualizing your desired future) Good News and Empowerment: The best part? You can reprogram your mind. By recognizing false beliefs and replacing them with positive self-talk, you can reduce inflammation, regain energy, and experience lasting change. Takeaways: • Tools to identify and dismantle your false self • Strategies to rewire negative self-talk • A personalized vision board to keep you focused on success Resources & Books: Recommended reading and resources will be provided to deepen your learning beyond the workshop. Thank You: You’ve already taken the first step toward transformation. Thank you for trusting yourself—and this process. Let’s begin your journey to reclaim your life!