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Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare

Caitlin Roberts – How to Be Present for a Trauma Survivor

August 01, 2022 Marcus Engel Season 1 Episode 61
Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Caitlin Roberts – How to Be Present for a Trauma Survivor
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Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Caitlin Roberts – How to Be Present for a Trauma Survivor
Aug 01, 2022 Season 1 Episode 61
Marcus Engel

Trigger warning: This episode contains the true story of the attempted murder of the guest, Caitlin. Please listen with caution if you’ve been touched by domestic violence.

Caitlin shares a little background about her life in southern California, then what drew her to work in higher education administration, specifically fraternity and sorority life. Then, Marcus asks Caitlin to share the experience that changed and nearly ended her life. She tells the story of Andy, a nurse in the emergency department who held her hand during the experience. They deconstruct the efforts of healthcare professionals to provide therapeutic presence to patients before discussing forgiveness and coming to terms with the fact another human being nearly ended one’s life. They talk about grace and contemplation of life, reflections on how family and friends are one’s biggest supporter and how holding onto hatred and resentfulness only ends up hurting oneself. 

Key topics:

  • 00:00 – Introduction
  • 01:37 – Trigger warning: Please use caution because this episode contains accounts of domestic abuse and extreme violence.
  • 02:07 – Marcus asks what Caitlin’s childhood was like and how she got into the fraternity and sorority world.
  • 05:30 – Marcus then asks about her work in Greek Life.
  • 08:23 – Caitlin is asked about her traumatic experience and domestic abuse.
  • 22:00 – Marcus asks about her son and mother's experience that night.
  • 24:30 – Marcus asks about moving on with life after the event.
  • 29:30 – The two talk about the idea of forgiveness and living with hate. 
  • 32:07 – Marcus brings the conversation back to healthcare and asks about other acts of compassion. 
  • 39:20 – Caitlin shares a final story about Andy.
  • 43:40 – Marcus asks his rapid-fire questions.
  • 47:10 – Thank you and conclusions! 

Resources for you: 

Learn More About Caitlin:

Caitlin was born and raised in southern California, where she grew up riding horses and even spent a couple of years on her family's own farm. After completing her bachelor's in Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino she went on to pursue a master's in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. In the middle of her grad program she had the opportunity to start working in higher education, and never looked back. Since 2001 she has worked with fraternities and sororities to develop strong leaders and citizens who prioritize their communities. She has spent time at Chapman University, Long Beach State, and University of North Georgia before landing at University of Oregon 4 1/2 years ago. 

In December 2019 she was attacked by her partner of 7 1/2 years, the father of her son. He stabbed her 19 times and left her to die on her living room floor. She feels like she survived so that she can speak for the victims who are no longer here to speak for themselves. Caitlin is sharing her story to help others who don't recognize unhealthy relationships.

Caitlin and her 8-year-old son, AJ, live in Eugene and enjoy spending time with their dog McKenzie. Living in Oregon, spending time outside is a must and they are always up for an adventure!

Date: 08/01/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number

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Show Notes

Trigger warning: This episode contains the true story of the attempted murder of the guest, Caitlin. Please listen with caution if you’ve been touched by domestic violence.

Caitlin shares a little background about her life in southern California, then what drew her to work in higher education administration, specifically fraternity and sorority life. Then, Marcus asks Caitlin to share the experience that changed and nearly ended her life. She tells the story of Andy, a nurse in the emergency department who held her hand during the experience. They deconstruct the efforts of healthcare professionals to provide therapeutic presence to patients before discussing forgiveness and coming to terms with the fact another human being nearly ended one’s life. They talk about grace and contemplation of life, reflections on how family and friends are one’s biggest supporter and how holding onto hatred and resentfulness only ends up hurting oneself. 

Key topics:

  • 00:00 – Introduction
  • 01:37 – Trigger warning: Please use caution because this episode contains accounts of domestic abuse and extreme violence.
  • 02:07 – Marcus asks what Caitlin’s childhood was like and how she got into the fraternity and sorority world.
  • 05:30 – Marcus then asks about her work in Greek Life.
  • 08:23 – Caitlin is asked about her traumatic experience and domestic abuse.
  • 22:00 – Marcus asks about her son and mother's experience that night.
  • 24:30 – Marcus asks about moving on with life after the event.
  • 29:30 – The two talk about the idea of forgiveness and living with hate. 
  • 32:07 – Marcus brings the conversation back to healthcare and asks about other acts of compassion. 
  • 39:20 – Caitlin shares a final story about Andy.
  • 43:40 – Marcus asks his rapid-fire questions.
  • 47:10 – Thank you and conclusions! 

Resources for you: 

Learn More About Caitlin:

Caitlin was born and raised in southern California, where she grew up riding horses and even spent a couple of years on her family's own farm. After completing her bachelor's in Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino she went on to pursue a master's in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. In the middle of her grad program she had the opportunity to start working in higher education, and never looked back. Since 2001 she has worked with fraternities and sororities to develop strong leaders and citizens who prioritize their communities. She has spent time at Chapman University, Long Beach State, and University of North Georgia before landing at University of Oregon 4 1/2 years ago. 

In December 2019 she was attacked by her partner of 7 1/2 years, the father of her son. He stabbed her 19 times and left her to die on her living room floor. She feels like she survived so that she can speak for the victims who are no longer here to speak for themselves. Caitlin is sharing her story to help others who don't recognize unhealthy relationships.

Caitlin and her 8-year-old son, AJ, live in Eugene and enjoy spending time with their dog McKenzie. Living in Oregon, spending time outside is a must and they are always up for an adventure!

Date: 08/01/2022
Name of show: Compassion & Courage: Conversations in Healthcare
Episode title and number