#86 | Ed Tick’s Mission: Healing PTSD & Soul Wounds in Ukraine and Russia
🎧 Full Episode: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Is it possible to prevent the lasting trauma of war by addressing PTSD in soldiers while they’re still on the battlefield?
Over the course of four decades, Dr. Ed Tick has dedicated his life to healing the invisible wounds of war. His work transcends borders and conflicts, bringing hope and healing to veterans, trauma survivors, and, most recently, soldiers on both sides of the Ukrainian-Russian war. Through spiritual practices, deep soul work, and ancient traditions, Ed addresses trauma in ways that modern approaches often fail to do.
“Trauma is cumulative and transgenerational. Our ancestors’ wounds live inside us, and if we don’t stop and heal, the pain only grows. Healing isn’t just for the present — it’s for the past and future, too.” — Dr. Ed Tick
In this episode, Ed discusses his current work, providing mental health support to soldiers during the active conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a groundbreaking and urgent mission to prevent the solidification of trauma before it becomes a permanent part of the psyche. As he shares stories from the frontlines—some of which arrive via Zoom sessions with troops in bunkers—Ed’s wisdom and compassion shine through, offering listeners a perspective that few have experienced.
Beyond his work in Ukraine and Russia, Ed discusses his latest poetry collection, Coming Home in Vietnam, a deeply moving reflection of his two decades leading veterans on healing journeys to Vietnam. The power of poetry, as Ed reveals, lies in its ability to capture the essence of human resilience, suffering, and, ultimately, healing. He graces us with a reading of one of his poems, which resonates deeply in the context of our global struggles.
Dr. Ed Tick comforting a war veteran
Topics in this Episode:
Ed’s innovative approach to preventing and treating PTSD during war, and the challenges he faces working with both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers.
The soul-wounding effects of war and the importance of addressing trauma from a spiritual, holistic perspective.
How poetry plays a crucial role in healing and reconciliation, particularly through Ed’s book Coming Home in Vietnam.
The profound personal connection Ed has with the Russian and Ukrainian conflict, rooted in his family’s history.
How Ed’s work with ancient spiritual and healing traditions informs modern approaches to treating PTSD.
