In this episode of Transforming Relationships, Dr. Eric Spiegel and Dr. David Alter sit down with Dr. Susanna Carolusson, a psychologist whose career has spanned five decades of work in trauma treatment, hypnosis, and ego state therapy. Drawing on both clinical wisdom and lived experience, Dr. Carolusson reflects on how her own childhood adversity—including growing up with a deeply troubled parent—shaped her lifelong curiosity about the mind and her commitment to helping others heal.

The conversation explores ego state therapy and parts work, the role of hypnosis in trauma treatment, and the importance of attunement and emotional safety in the therapeutic relationship. Dr. Carolusson describes how understanding the different "parts" of the self can help clients move toward integration, resilience, and a renewed sense of vitality.

Along the way, she offers practical wisdom for therapists and anyone interested in personal growth—from learning to listen to the body's signals to cultivating the kind of curiosity that restores energy, creativity, and connection.

Whether you're a clinician, a student of psychology, or someone interested in the process of healing, this episode offers a rare opportunity to learn from a therapist whose work bridges personal transformation and decades of trauma-informed practice.

Hosts: Eric Spiegel and David Alter

Guest: Susanna Carolusson

Watch this and all of our podcast episodes on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@transforming.relationships

Topics Covered:

Ego state therapy and parts work
Hypnosis in trauma treatment
Attunement and safety in psychotherapy
Curiosity as a therapeutic tool
Therapist–client boundaries
Resilience and childhood adversity
Listening to the body in the healing process

Keywords:

psychology, trauma therapy, hypnosis, clinical hypnosis, ego state therapy, parts work, trauma healing, attachment, psychotherapy, mental health, therapy techniques, resilience, personal growth, attunement in therapy, trauma treatment

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Transforming Relationships 05:26 The Role of Hypnosis in Trauma Treatment 10:51 Understanding the Parts of the Self 16:11 Curiosity as a Therapeutic Tool 25:39 Navigating Therapist–Patient Boundaries 34:56 The Dandelion Child: Resilience in Adversity 45:19 Listening to the Body: Intuition and Healing

Follow Dr. Susanna Carolusson:

General Info: https://carolussons.se/english.htm

Follow Dr. David Alter:

General Info: www.drdavidalter.com For Couples: www.partnersatcrossroads.com Follow Dr. Eric Spiegel:

General Info: www.ericspiegelphd.com Group Practice: www.therapistsinphiladelphia.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/drericspiegel