The Science Behind Recovery with Dr. Smita Das

The Science Behind Recovery with Dr. Smita Das

Author: Guy Crawford Macpherson December 19, 2025 Duration: 28:34
Dr. Smita Das is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine, and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford. 
With over 20 years of experience in clinical care, research, and leadership—including her role as VP of Psychiatry & Complex Care at Lyra Health—she’s known for bringing nuance and compassion to how we talk about trauma and addiction. 
What sets her apart is how she addresses overlooked trauma, especially among high-functioning populations. She’s been a leading voice in reframing motherhood—not just as joy, but as a potential mental health breaking point. Dr. Das explores how sleep deprivation, identity rupture, hormonal shifts, and the invisibility of caregiving pain can mirror complex trauma, challenging the notion that maternal crises are rare.

In This Episode


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Guy Macpherson holds a space for conversations that go beyond textbook definitions of trauma. In The Trauma Therapist, he engages with practitioners from diverse fields-including mindfulness, addiction recovery, and yoga-to explore the nuanced reality of healing. Each episode is built around the personal journeys of these dedicated professionals, uncovering not just their clinical insights but the human experiences that shaped their approach. You’ll hear how they navigate the complexities of pain and resilience, offering a sense of connection and practical wisdom for anyone interested in the process of recovery. This podcast is sustained by its community, and some guest appearances are sponsored, with those segments always clearly identified for transparency. It’s a resource that honors the depth of its subject, providing listeners with authentic stories about the dedication required to support the human spirit through its most challenging moments.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Trauma Therapist
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