THE
PARENT PODCAST
Ending Intersex Stigma with Compassion:
A Doctor’s Path to Empowerment
with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - A Healer’s Origin Story
10:17 - Seana’s Story: Intersex, Schizophrenia, and Community Transformation
21:18 - Takeaways, Tools, and How to Get Involved
Resources from
this episode:
Show Notes
In this moving episode of the Warrior Parent podcast, Marci and Debbie welcome trauma psychologist and spiritual integration expert Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, co-author of I, Seana. Together they explore Seana’s extraordinary journey as a homeless intersex woman living with schizophrenia, the community that rallied around her, what it really means to be intersex, and why ending non-consensual “normalizing” surgeries matters. This heartfelt, spiritually grounded conversation offers parents practical, compassionate ways to support neurodivergent individuals, foster inclusion, and turn pain into purpose.
A Healer’s Origin Story
Marci and Debbie welcome trauma psychologist and spiritual integration expert Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, founder of Soulwise Solutions. Dr. Kirsten shares her humanitarian roots, the influence of her parents’ resilience and philanthropy, and the personal losses and relationships that drew her into trauma work, near-death studies, and complex mental health—ultimately shaping her integrative, heart-forward approach. She reflects on how purpose, inclusion, and compassion have guided her path from the playground to the therapy room and beyond.
Seana’s Story: Intersex, Schizophrenia, and Community Transformation
Dr. Kirsten recounts meeting Seana, a beloved La Jolla community figure who spent years unhoused and living with schizophrenia—and who later learned she is intersex. Their friendship sparked a grassroots response that moved Seana into stable housing and inspired a broader community to embrace understanding over fear. Together, they advocate for ending non-consensual intersex surgeries and replacing stigma with dignity, choice, and education. Dr. Kirsten explains how reframing schizophrenia as a form of neurodivergence and simple human connection—like greeting Seana by name—can de-escalate distress and affirm personhood. Their co-authored book, I, Seana, chronicles Seana’s resilience and the power of being seen.
Takeaways, Tools, and How to Get Involved
This episode invites listeners to lead with empathy: stay open, say yes to the nudge to help, and trust that meaningful action—however small—matters. Explore I, Seana (available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at soulwisesolutions.com) and join the Warrior Parent community. Try the CourTools app (Apple App Store and Google Play) to build daily mind-body practices, and connect with fellow moms in the Facebook group “From Chaos to Calm: A Sanctuary for Moms.”
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
THE
PARENT PODCAST
A Mother’s Journey - Turning Indescribable Grief Into Action
with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison
Show Notes
In this moving episode of the Warrior Parent podcast, Marci and Debbie welcome trauma psychologist and spiritual integration expert Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, co-author of I, Seana. Together they explore Seana’s extraordinary journey as a homeless intersex woman living with schizophrenia, the community that rallied around her, what it really means to be intersex, and why ending non-consensual “normalizing” surgeries matters. This heartfelt, spiritually grounded conversation offers parents practical, compassionate ways to support neurodivergent individuals, foster inclusion, and turn pain into purpose.
Key Points
From This Episode:
01:57 - A Healer’s Origin Story
10:17 - Seana’s Story: Intersex, Schizophrenia, and Community Transformation
21:18 - Takeaways, Tools, and How to Get Involved
A Healer’s Origin Story
Marci and Debbie welcome trauma psychologist and spiritual integration expert Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison, founder of Soulwise Solutions. Dr. Kirsten shares her humanitarian roots, the influence of her parents’ resilience and philanthropy, and the personal losses and relationships that drew her into trauma work, near-death studies, and complex mental health—ultimately shaping her integrative, heart-forward approach. She reflects on how purpose, inclusion, and compassion have guided her path from the playground to the therapy room and beyond.
Seana’s Story: Intersex, Schizophrenia, and Community Transformation
Dr. Kirsten recounts meeting Seana, a beloved La Jolla community figure who spent years unhoused and living with schizophrenia—and who later learned she is intersex. Their friendship sparked a grassroots response that moved Seana into stable housing and inspired a broader community to embrace understanding over fear. Together, they advocate for ending non-consensual intersex surgeries and replacing stigma with dignity, choice, and education. Dr. Kirsten explains how reframing schizophrenia as a form of neurodivergence and simple human connection—like greeting Seana by name—can de-escalate distress and affirm personhood. Their co-authored book, I, Seana, chronicles Seana’s resilience and the power of being seen.
Takeaways, Tools, and How to Get Involved
This episode invites listeners to lead with empathy: stay open, say yes to the nudge to help, and trust that meaningful action—however small—matters. Explore I, Seana (available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at soulwisesolutions.com) and join the Warrior Parent community. Try the CourTools app (Apple App Store and Google Play) to build daily mind-body practices, and connect with fellow moms in the Facebook group “From Chaos to Calm: A Sanctuary for Moms.”
Thank you so much for listening to this episode! This podcast is dedicated to supporting families through the ups and downs of parenting and mental wellness. We know how tough it can be to raise kids in today’s world, but you don’t have to do it alone. Join us and let’s lift each other up.
With love,
Marci & Debbie
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 100,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699
We're on a mission to educate, inspire and transform lives, ages 4-104 using basic scientifically proven methods and tools to decrease stress, anxiety and to increase resiliency and overall well-being.
2882 Prospect Park Dr. Suite 100,
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
(916) 340-5252
© 2019 Cour Experience Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Non-Profit 501c3 EIN: 84-3383699