Episode 30: Transformative Healing: Jackie Durnin’s Path from Trauma to Innovation in Mental Health

In this inspiring episode of Inspiring Journeys, Paul Stroessner
sits down with Jackie Durnin, founder of Hinterland Health
Retreat, to explore her journey from trauma to healing and her
groundbreaking work in mental health. Jackie shares the
experiences that led her to become a counselor and EFT (Emotional
Freedom Technique) practitioner, opening up about how her own
challenges and traumas shaped her path toward helping others.



Jackie introduces us to the unique modalities offered at
Hinterland Health Retreat, where she combines advanced
neuro-technology with holistic therapies for a truly
transformative healing experience. Together, Paul and Jackie dive
into powerful approaches for mental well-being, including EFT,
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and the
importance of the mind-body-spirit connection in achieving
lasting health.



Whether you’re new to these modalities or curious about mental
health innovation, this episode will inspire you to consider new
ways to approach healing and self-care.


Key Takeaways:


Jackie’s journey from personal trauma to a career in
counseling and EFT

Introduction to the innovative therapies at Hinterland Health
Retreat

The power of EFT, EMDR, and neuro-technology in mental health
recovery

Exploring the vital role of mind-body-spirit connection in
holistic healing



This episode is dedicated to 22 Too Many Veteran:






Michael McCarthy











In Memory of Michael Shane McCarthy


February 19, 1982 – August 12, 2021


Navy Corpsman


Marines 2/7 Weapons Unit Afghanistan


“Michael was the most amazing human.  He never
considered himself, always putting the needs of the
less fortunate before his own.  He often gave the
shirt off his own back.  (As his mother, it got
expensive replacing them all!)  He was a
phenomenal artist, loved gardening and loved all of
humanity.  He was extremely intelligent and that
fact caused him some suffering during his
lifetime.  


He had helped one of the Afghan interpreters finish
medical school after his mother passed away.  Then
he was working to bring this interpreter to the US from
Afghanistan with his wife and 4 children.  When
the Taliban took Kabul, he lost hope of helping them
and took his own life. There were quite a few
interpreters he was trying to help. But this family
meant so much to him.


He had done very well for a while.  The PTSD
really didn’t show for about 5 years really.  But
then things turned.  I am quite certain he had a
traumatic brain injury as well.  He moved out to
LA 7 years ago, lived as a homeless man for about 4
years, became addicted to street drugs…even went to
jail for a few months.  He finally accepted that
he needed help and was working with the VA in LA. 
They got him an apartment through subsidized housing
that he loved and a monthly income.  They helped
him with medical and dental issues too.  We really
thought he had turned the corner.  It was a shock
to all of us when he took his own life.  He had
been making so many plans with so many people.  We
spend the first week just sending screenshots and
emails to each other from him…even from the day before
his suicide.  None of us saw anything that gave us
any concern.  He was even starting a foundation
with the interpreter…had just finished building the
website and getting 501C3 status and a friend of his
had made the foundation logo for him.” Shared by his
mother, Vicki 


Places he called home: Rhode Island and California


Resting Place: The Veterans Memorial Cemetery in
Exeter, RI


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You can contact Jackie through the Hinterland Health
Resort web site:


https://hinterlandhealthretreat.com/


 


You can find Paul - The Rhode Runner in the following
places:


Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner


Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner


Facebook


 


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