Seth Deutsch, right, performed The Recovery Album at a benefit concert at Bookclub in Chicago earlier this year.
“Like many survivors, I spent years trying to outperform my pain,” he said. “But underneath all of that was a nervous system carrying the effects of severe childhood trauma.”
Seth eventually discovered the work of Jacob Ham, PhD, a clinical psychologist who is Associate Clinical Professor in Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Complex Trauma at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Ham has a YouTube channel and a blog on which he shares his insights. The aim is to reach people—and to help them.
Seth, the Founder and Managing Partner of the Samson Partners Group, turned out to be one of those people.
“What resonated with me was that they weren't simply treating symptoms,” Seth recalled. “They were helping people understand trauma through the lens of relationships, nervous system regulation, attachment, and human connection.”
Healing Through Music
As part of Seth’s recovery, he began writing music. He described his songs as signposts along his healing journey—markers that capture the turning points, breakthroughs, setbacks, and wisdom he has gained along the way. One of those songs, “Trauma’s Whisper,” was directly influenced by Dr. Ham’s work.
“His writing helped me reach something I had struggled to find for years: full cognitive acceptance of my diagnosis,” Seth said. “For the first time, I wasn't fighting the reality of what had happened to me. I could understand it.”
Seth eventually emailed Dr. Ham to express his gratitude. The two men not only developed a friendship—they have continued to bond over their shared commitment to helping others navigating a similar path. That commitment now includes a year-long effort to raise awareness and contributions to trauma-informed, relationship-centered care for those living with cPTSD.
