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Bear Psychology Podcast

Dr. Anna Baranowsky is a Canadian Clinical Psychologist, CEO of the Traumatology Institute, Founder and President of the Board at Trauma Practice. She is the author of two books on trauma, numerous courses to help train professionals in trauma mental health and the developer of the Trauma Recovery Program for Self-Guided trauma care. She works with trauma survivors and those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on post-traumatic growth and recovery.

Through her work she believes that when we share, dialogue and feel supported, it provides a powerful foundation for forward movement in our understanding and the care needed. In her own words "I have found that the most profound changes occur when a person truly feels heard and understood - I like to think of it as deeply BEARING WITNESS to life evolving. We can feel incredibly stuck when we live with our fears, stressors and troubles in isolation."

Dr.Baranowsky is the host of the Bear Psychology Show, focusing on bearing witness to Evolving Mood, Mind, Health. Her talks revolve around recovery, relationships, work and life adventures.

She is dedicated to assisting organizations and health professionals who help trauma survivors to ensure a trauma informed lens of care can grow in community health networks. With that vision in 1998, the Traumatology Institute Canada (TIC) was established. TIC has trained thousands of individuals nationally and internationally.

Dr. Baranowsky serves on the board of directors of the Academy of Traumatology and is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress through the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and is recognized by The National Center for Crisis Management. She has published in the area of Post-Traumatic Stress, Compassion Fatigue, and therapeutic relationships (the Silencing Response).

Copyright:  Dr. Anna Baranowsky, 2020

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  2. Addiction and the Journey to Enlightenment

Addiction and the Journey to Enlightenment

Apr 30, 2026

Addiction isn’t just about pain—it can also be a call to something greater. The darkest paths can sometimes lead to the brightest truths by walking the path from suffering to self-discovery. In his book, “The Shadow of a Figure of Light: The Archetype of the Alcoholic and the Journey to Enlightenment” (2024) Cody Peterson explores the essence of Psycho-Spiritual transformation. Peterson looks at addiction as a pathway to wholeness. His book serves as both a guide and a mirror for those seeking to understand the hidden patterns behind self-destruction and the redemptive power of self-discovery.

Listen to our conversation with author Cody Peterson as we discuss Addiction and the steps toward personal growth embedded with spiritual crisis.

Cody Peterson is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict and author with over 11 years of sobriety under his belt. Cody had been intrigued by spirituality and religion since his teenage years, although the path has not always been easy. After a six-month imprisonment and a period of homelessness in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cody achieved lasting sobriety in 2013. Along with Twelve Step programs, Cody revived his passion for spirituality and religion, and in 2019, discovered the works of C.G. Jung, famous Swiss psychiatrist. Jung’s foundational concepts inspired Cody to begin writing at part of a daily routine and aid to sobriety. Cody continues to share the message of the Twelve Steps with newcomers through volunteering at various drug and alcohol rehab centers and detox facilities whenever possible.

Cody Peterson’s book uncovers a hidden historical connection between famous psychiatrist C.G. Jung and Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, illustrating how their approaches originate from an ancient shamanistic source represented by what he terms the archetype of the Alcoholic.

Listen to our conversation with Cody Peterson to learn about the paradoxical image that is the “alcoholic”.

If you are interested in learning about Cody Peterson’s personal journey and his unique insights on alcoholism and addiction, this podcast is for you.

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