The Pursuit of Happiness: Finding New Paths After Life-Altering Trauma

What if the real damage from personal injury isn’t physical at all? In this episode of Unseen Impact, host and attorney Rory Pendergast sits down with clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist Dr. Clark Clipson (https://clarkclipsonphd.com/home-page) to explore the unseen emotional toll of trauma. With over 4,300 evaluations under his belt, Dr. Clipson shares how injuries can lead to isolation, shame, and a loss of identity—especially for men whose sense of self is tied to work and purpose.


We dig into real-life stories of suppressed trauma, how emotional pain becomes physical, and why our culture’s obsession with independence can make recovery harder. Plus, Dr. Clipson opens up about his own family’s mental health struggles and how he’s turning to music as a new form of healing in retirement.


Whether you’re a legal professional, a caregiver, or someone navigating trauma, this episode offers powerful insights into the true cost of injury—and what it really means to reclaim the pursuit of happiness.


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Here are some highlights from this episode:


00:00:00 – Introduction: Trauma, Injury & the Pursuit of Happiness


00:01:14 – Why Dr. Clipson Chose Psychology


00:04:07 – Trauma’s Physical Manifestations: The WWII Veteran Story


00:06:12 – Coping Mechanisms: Avoidance and Addiction


00:07:41 – Men, Identity & Shame After Injury


00:10:54 – Minor Injuries, Major Psychological Impact


00:14:38 – From Accident to Isolation: The Mind-Body Connection


00:20:14 – Finding Hope Through Human Connection


00:28:07 – Proving Emotional Trauma in Court


00:34:04 – Dr. Clipson’s New Chapter: Healing Through Songwriting


 


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