A Different Path to Trauma Healing I Dr. Brian Livesay
- S5E98
- 1:05:55
- January 18th 2026
In this episode of Beyond the Front Line, host Donna sits down with Dr. Brian Livesay, clinical psychologist, military veteran, and Director of Clinical Research at Arise Alliance, to explore innovative and effective approaches to veteran mental health care.
Dr. Livesay shares his personal journey from military service to specializing in trauma and developmental psychology. He introduces listeners to Critical Memory Integration (CMI), an experiential therapy modality designed to help veterans and first responders process trauma, moral injury, and deeply held memories that traditional talk therapy may not fully address.
Together, Donna and Dr. Livesay discuss the importance of trust, agency, and safe therapeutic spaces—and how understanding how the brain processes and reconsolidates memory can transform healing outcomes.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
- Dr. Livesay’s military background and path to clinical psychology
- Why connection and trust are essential in trauma therapy
- The limitations of traditional talk therapy for trauma and moral injury
- What Critical Memory Integration (CMI) is and how it works
- The science behind memory reconsolidation and experiential therapies
- How CMI differs from other modalities like EMDR
- The role of agency, choice, and safety in the healing process
- Guidance for veterans and first responders seeking mental health support
- How to advocate for yourself and explore alternative therapy options
Resources & Links:
Learn more about Critical Memory Integration: https://criticalmemoryintegration.com
Beyond The Frontline
Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
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Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.