trau·ma
noun
an injury (such as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent
a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury
an emotional upset
Merriam-Webster
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Sarah Furuya
Based in Tokyo since 2001, Sarah Furuya is a systems coach (ORSC™) with a BSc in Human Psychology and Biology. She specializes in fostering collective awareness through coaching, community, and transformative events like retreats and podcasts. Her work integrates science, psychology, and spirit. Sarah co-facilitates with Gretchen Miura the Lighthouse Grief Circle, a sacred space to honor trauma and grief in community. While not a trauma-specialist, she explores its impact through "Trauma Talks" to better serve the collective. Sarah serves on the board of Refugee Empowerment International and lives a nature-filled life near Kamakura.
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![Black and white photo of a woman with short curly hair smiling at the camera, standing in front of a reflective background with vertical wooden panels and a visible moon in the sky.]()
Paula Esguerra
Paula Esguerra is a senior leader in cultural diplomacy and communications, a certified mindfulness coach, and a yoga teacher based in Japan. With over 15 years of experience across diplomacy, academia, and the private sector, she leads peace programs and global initiatives that bridge inner awareness with social transformation. Drawing on contemplative practices and wisdom traditions, Paula's mission is to help build a more harmonious world through self-knowledge, mindful leadership, dialogue, and reconciliation. She currently serves as Japan Director for All Here and the World Meditation League, advancing the science and benefits of meditation for individual and collective well-being.
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María Paula Farfán
María Paula has dedicated 20 years to transforming lives through social projects and productive inclusion initiatives with NGOs, governments, and multilateral organizations. She has supported vulnerable children, youth, and women in Colombia, Spain, and across Latin America. Her deep commitment to personal growth led her to the field of trauma. As a trauma-informed facilitator, she has worked with both men and women living in prisons, which has brought clarity to her purpose of freeing minds and hearts from suppressed pain through the transformative power of community. Her life mantra is: Love is for-giving!
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Mary Stanley
Mary Stanley, a Human Services student at ETSU with a minor in Trauma and Resilience-Based Therapies, brings a unique perspective from her previous career as an entrepreneur. For nearly two decades, she owned a hairstyling business, building trust and providing an empathetic, confidential space for her clients. Now studying remotely from Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, she combines this real-world experience in supportive relationships with her academic knowledge. Mary is uniquely positioned to serve and empower individuals in both the US and Japan, leveraging her skills to foster resilience and healing.
Why talk about trauma? Because it helps us feel seen, heard, and less alone. Sharing our stories creates space for understanding, healing, and genuine connection with one another.
Episode 1
The landscape
Understanding trauma starts with recognizing it's not just about what happens to you—it's about what happens inside you as a result. In this inaugural episode, four trauma-informed professionals explore the landscape of trauma from scientific, psychological, and spiritual perspectives.
Episode 2
the Spectrum
Trauma isn't binary—it exists on a spectrum from healthy effort to complete overwhelm. This episode explores how to recognize your capacity limits, understand when you're pushing too hard, and develop compassionate awareness of your nervous system's signals.
EPISODE 3
tHE BODY, MIND, & sYSTEM
Episode 3 explores how trauma lives in the body, how we work with it through various modalities, and the miracle of survival. The hosts discuss the Prison Compassion Project, the sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system, somatic practices, and the power of community in healing. This episode bridges understanding trauma with practical approaches to working with it.
EPISODE 4
THE sPACE
Coming Soon
Content Note: This series contains frank discussions about trauma.
The speakers reference various books and theories to explore this complex topic. Please note that some material may be controversial and is not universally endorsed.
Our conversation will define trauma and explore its various dimensions, which can be activating. We encourage you to prioritize your self-care and listen at your own pace. Feel free to pause or step away at any time.
Please remember that all content is offered as an invitation for personal exploration, not as a prescription or medical advice. No one in this video is a licensed medical doctor.
Tokyo Trauma Talks - Professional Disclaimer
Content Advisory
The information shared in Tokyo Trauma Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Our hosts are not doctors, psychiatrists, or licensed therapists. This podcast explores trauma from various perspectives including coaching, facilitation, meditation, and lived experience.
If you are experiencing mental health concerns, trauma symptoms, or emotional distress, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider, licensed therapist, or mental health professional. In case of emergency, contact your local crisis hotline or emergency services immediately.
Always seek professional guidance for your specific situation.
Guest Blog post by tokyo trauma talks panelist Mary stanley
“I often find myself on the side of TikTok where parents are asking for advice on how to wean their child from a pacifier. As a childfree person, I hold my tongue and read all the comments as if I am an expert in child-rearing. I look at tips from cutting holes in the nipple to sending them with Santa, and I thank heaven my parents did not do that to me. I was in 1st grade when I got rid of mine…”
