Episode Description: In this episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma speaks with Estefana Johnson, founder and Executive Director of Arise Alliance, about her transformative work in trauma counseling and the creation of the Critical Memory Integration (CMI) method.

Estefana shares her personal journey, including the challenges she faced as a Latina navigating the mental health field, and the deep impact of cultural and early-life experiences on emotional well-being. Together, they explore how CMI differs from traditional therapies—focusing on integrating rather than desensitizing memories—and how this powerful approach is changing lives.

You'll hear:

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:52 Personal Journey into Mental Health

01:55 Guest Introduction: Estefani Johnson

03:21 Critical Memory Integration (CMI) Overview

03:58 Cultural Influences on Mental Health

05:44 Understanding Critical Memories

08:24 CMI in Practice: Techniques and Benefits

17:04 Personal Transformation Stories

18:49 The Impact of CMI on Patients

21:47 Personal Reflections and Experiences

24:44 Recognizing Signs of Trauma

26:10 Understanding Trauma and Integration

27:51 The Role of Caregiving and Personal Boundaries

29:31 The Importance of Self-Care and Authenticity

32:27 Desensitization vs. Integration

34:46 The Continuous Journey of Healing

37:07 Training and Expanding CMI

43:18 Connecting with the Community

45:19 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Guest Links – Estefana Johnson 🔗 Website: https://arisealliance.org

Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal 🌐 Website: www.somamandalmd.com 📸 Instagram: @drsomamandalmd ▶️ YouTube: Soma Says Podcast

🎧 If this episode moved you, please leave a review, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and subscribe to Soma Says for more life-changing conversations.

In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal interviews Virginia “Gin” Oman — a transformational expert, licensed clinical mental health counselor, certified life coach, personal trainer, and harp therapist. Diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis in the late 1980s and told she’d never walk again, Gin rebuked expectations. She used the healing power of the mind-body connection, movement, music, and intuition to reclaim her life — going from wheelchair-bound to cycling and eventually serving as the MS Association’s National Ambassador.

🌟 Topics Covered

• Resilience and defying the odds

• Mind-body healing, intuition, and small daily steps

• Sound and movement therapy for trauma and chronic illness

• Building a life of purpose and inspiring hope

00:00 – Intro & Disclaimer 00:53 – Meet Virginia "Gin" Oman 01:19 – Gin's Journey with MS 04:35 – Intuition & Overcoming Adversity 09:39 – Crafting a Unique Therapeutic Practice 11:21 – Music & Movement as Medicine 18:10 – Therapy’s Triumphs & Trials 22:29 – Learning to Ride Again 26:05 – Becoming a Voice for Hope 26:40 – Inner Voice & Small Shifts 28:49 – From Ashes to Flight 29:27 – Writing for Healing 30:48 – The Joy of Helping Others 34:26 – Daily Rituals for Balance 35:52 – Gratitude & Nature’s Role 41:42 – Engaging the Audience 42:10 – Final Thoughts + Contact Info

Virginia “Gin” Oman

• Instagram: @virginiaomanofficial

• Website: virginiaoman.com

Dr. Soma Mandal aka "Dr. Soma"

• Instagram: @drsomamandalmd

• Website: somamandalmd.com

🧠 Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, Dr. Soma interviews Celine Vignal, founder of Seesaw Health, about her personal journey with chronic migraines and how it inspired the creation of a cutting-edge women’s health tech company. Celine shares how her debilitating symptoms led to the development of Seesaw Health’s patented egg biosensor and breathwork app, which combine neuroscience-backed 0.1 Hz breathing techniques and real-time data to activate the vagus nerve and reduce inflammation.

Together, they explore how consistent breathwork can help regulate hormonal fluctuations, migraines, and menopausal symptoms—and why personalized, holistic tools are the future of women's health.

🕰️ Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer 00:52 – Meet Celine Vignal and Seesaw Health 03:07 – Personal Journey with Chronic Migraines 05:35 – The Science Behind Seesaw Health 16:19 – Daily Use and Benefits of the Device 29:49 – Broader Applications and Future Plans 31:59 – Privacy and Data Security 36:03 – Conclusion and Contact Information

🌐 Learn More About Seesaw Health: Website: https://www.seesaw.health Instagram: @seesaw.health

🔗 Connect with Dr. Soma Mandal: Website: www.somamandalmd.com Instagram: @drsomamandal YouTube Channel: Soma Says Apple Podcasts: Soma Says Podcast