Midlife Alchemy & the Healing Power of Pleasure w Carla Wainwright
Midlife Alchemy & the Healing Power of Pleasure w Carla Wainwright
By Brian Arbor | July 26, 2026
This episode of Traces of Trauma features holistic wellness coach and “midlife alchemist” Carla Wainwright, who bridges biology and sacred practice to help people heal from trauma and reclaim vitality during midlife. It's a warm, science-meets-spirit conversation that gives listeners real tools to reframe midlife struggles as an invitation to healing rather than a crisis.
About Carla Wainwright
Carla Wainwright is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Sexual Awakening Facilitator, and Midlife Alchemist who supports women in navigating the challenges and transformations of midlife. With a background in biology, homeopathy, and more than 30 years as an embodiment teacher, Carla bridges science and sacred practices to help women heal, reconnect with their bodies, and rediscover their vitality. She is especially passionate about guiding women through the emotional, relational, and physical impacts of perimenopause and menopause, including how trauma can shape these experiences. Through her work, Carla creates spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to transform survival into thriving.
Key Topics:
Carla's own healing journey — from childhood anxiety and a nervous breakdown after sexual assault, to discovering embodiment and tantra as a path to recovery
Why midlife (perimenopause/menopause and its parallels in men) is a “powerful portal” rather than a decline, and how to use it as a catalyst for deep healing
The surprising link between metabolic health and trauma recovery — including practical, science-backed tools like a 12-hour eating window, morning sunlight, and gut-supportive foods to stabilize blood sugar and calm the nervous system
BEST QUOTES (Two…because they both need said)
“Pleasure has an enormous capacity to heal.” — CARLA WAINWRIGHT
“One of the most healing things you can do is to just grace yourself with enough time and space.” — CARLA WAINWRIGHT
Connect with GUEST:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlaWainwrightCreatrix/
Link to Gift from GUEST:
The Vibrancy Guide is a free resource designed to help women in midlife reconnect with their energy, vitality, and sense of possibility. Inside, you’ll find simple but powerful tools to support your hormones, calm your nervous system, and reawaken pleasure so you can feel more alive and aligned in your body every day.
Traces of Trauma Podcast is currently sponsored by the following:
Embrace The Darkness: Somatic Breathwork for Grief and Healing | embracethedarkness.org
Practical Sanctuary: Sensory Interior Design | practicalsanctuary.com
Connect with Brian:
Website: https://tracesoftrauma.com/
Email: brian@tracesoftrauma.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracesoftrauma
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tracesoftrauma
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracesoftrauma/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/brianarbor