132. The Good Mood Method: Movement, Music, and Meaning After TBI with Gilad Miller

Good Mood Method is a nervous system therapy program designed for individuals recovering from physical and emotional trauma. The approach combines music, movement, and meaning to help clients rebuild biological safety in their nervous system and feel like themselves again after traumatic experiences. Founded by Gilad Miller, a Polyvagal and Logotherapy Practitioner, Foundation Training Specialist, and Trauma-Informed Somatic Coach who recovered from a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), Good Mood Method leverages clinically-proven somatic practices to create sustainable healing. By emphasizing recovery at home between appointments, the program helps the nervous system anchor itself in safety and presence—the foundation for a meaningful recovery. Summary of the Episode In this episode, host Bethany Lewis (The Concussion Coach) speaks with Gilad Miller about his journey of recovery from a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) sustained in a skateboarding accident. Gilad shares his experience of being discharged from the hospital and later being told he was “medically fine,” despite battling debilitating symptoms like insomnia, sensory overload, and depression. The conversation explores the critical gap between physical recovery and holistic healing, emphasizing the need to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Gilad introduces his integrative approach, the Good Mood Method, which is built on three pillars: 1. Music: Using the Safe and Sound Protocol (a Polyvagal Theory-based listening therapy) to retune the nervous system and reduce sensory sensitivity. 2. Movement: Utilizing a trauma-informed version of Foundation Training to restore the body’s structural integrity and teach the nervous system that it is safe. 3. Meaning: Employing Logotherapy (inspired by Viktor Frankl) to help individuals define what “getting better” truly means to them and anchor their recovery in a sense of purpose. Gilad and Bethany discuss the importance of social connection for co-regulation, how to build a compassionate relationship with one’s own body, and the necessity of moving at a pace that feels safe to the nervous system. Resources Mentioned • Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP): A five-hour listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory designed to reduce sound sensitivities and improve social engagement. • Foundation Training: A bodyweight movement practice focused on restoring the posterior chain (spine, hips, and head carriage) to build structural stability. • Logotherapy: A therapeutic approach developed by Viktor Frankl focused on finding meaning in all forms of existence, even suffering. • Viktor Frankl’s Book: Man’s Search for Meaning Guest Contact Information • Website: http://goodmoodmethod.ca (http://goodmoodmethod.ca/) • Social Media: @goodmoodmethod (Instagram) • Free Class: https://www.goodmoodmethod.ca/no-cost... Connect with Bethany: • Website: www.theconcussioncoach.com (http://www.theconcussioncoach.com/) • Free Guide: "5 Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Dealing with a Concussion" on the website