AwakenHer with Corissa Stepp

You’ve done the work. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, even named the patterns — gaslighting, trauma bonding, narcissism. You understand what happened. So why do you still feel stuck? In this episode of AwakenHer, we explore the disconnect that so many trauma survivors experience between intellectual awareness and embodied healing. It's time to gently challenge the common beli...

In today’s episode of AwakenHer , I’m unpacking the widely shared “Let Them” theory—popularized by Mel Robbins—and exploring how this seemingly empowering phrase can sometimes be misunderstood or misused, especially when we’re still healing from relational trauma. We’ll look at what it really means to let someone be who they are from a trauma-informed lens—and how to discern whether your boundarie...

In this deeply moving episode of AwakenHer , host Corissa Stepp welcomes Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld for an honest and soul-stirring conversation about transforming pain into strength and finding true purpose through life’s harshest challenges. Judy—an author, spiritual leader, and founder of the Nachshon Minyan in Texas—brings powerful insights on healing, trauma recovery, and the eternal questio...

If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I so angry all the time?” — this episode is for you. Host Corissa Stepp explores how anger shows up as a trauma response after narcissistic abuse, how it functions as a protector part through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and why you might be snapping at the people you love. Tune in to learn how to listen to your anger with compassion, reg...

Welcome to another empowering episode of AwakenHer with Corissa Stepp! In this transformative episode, Corissa explores how women can break the cycle of blame, release the weight of past trauma, and step confidently into healing after experiencing narcissistic abuse. Episode Highlights: Understanding Victimhood After Narcissistic Abuse: Corissa explains why her book, The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Thri...

This week on AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp dives into the transformative topic of experiencing guilt-free joy—especially in the small, everyday moments. Sparked by a heartfelt listener message, Corissa explores why so many women struggle with feelings of guilt when prioritizing themselves and feeling joy, and how these patterns often begin in childhood through people-pleasing and codependency. Key...

Are you feeling stuck in your healing journey, despite doing all “the work”? Do you sense patterns, limiting beliefs, or traumas surfacing—ones that don’t seem entirely your own? On this transformative episode of AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp sits down with holistic mentor, bestselling author, and energy healer Edit B. Kiss. Together, they unravel the mysteries of ancestral trauma, spiritual awake...

In this transformative episode of AwakenHer , Corissa is joined by Cristina Calvi, a certified herbalist, Nutrition & Health Coach, for a deep-dive conversation into the powerful, often overlooked connection between trauma and gut health. Together, they explore how trauma—especially chronic or relational trauma—disrupts the gut-brain connection, impacts our nervous system, and alters our abili...

Have you ever struggled to remember details from your past—and wondered if something was wrong with you? You’re not alone. And no—you’re not crazy. In this heartfelt episode, Corissa gets personal about how trauma impacted her ability to recall memories and tell stories, and why this is especially common for survivors of narcissistic abuse. She unpacks the science behind trauma brain fog, how the...

In this episode, Corissa, your host, explores the complex relationship between forgiveness and narcissism. She discusses the importance of understanding forgiveness as a personal choice and practice, emphasizing that it is ultimately for one's own healing. The conversation delves into the necessity of compassion, both for oneself and for those who have caused harm, particularly narcissists. C...

In this special “Ask Me Anything” episode of AwakenHer , I dive into listener-submitted questions about relationships, boundaries, and self-trust. I share insights on how to navigate narcissistic personalities, heal from emotional harm, and rebuild trust in yourself. If you’re struggling with toxic relationships or wondering how to strengthen your boundaries, this episode is full of practical advi...

This episode delves into recognizing critical red flags in relationships, such as lack of genuine apologies, breaches of trust, absence of affection, power imbalances, and any form of abuse. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these issues and considering whether to stay in a relationship. The script also provides insight into how one's physical and emotional responses to their part...

This moment episode discusses the vital role of processing emotions, particularly grief and anger, for mental health. Corissa and Aypril highlight how holding in emotions like anger can negatively impact the nervous system, likening it to trying to hold a beach ball underwater. They emphasize the significance of creating safe spaces, whether with a coach or therapist, for individuals to fully expr...

This moment episode explores the nuances of empathy, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion as a foundation for extending genuine empathy towards others. It discusses Daniel Goleman's three levels of empathy: cognitive, emotional, and empathic concern. The conversation also highlights the risks of empathic imbalance, particularly for individuals with past traumas, and underscores the n...

In this Moment episode of 'Awaken Her,' I dive deeper into how childhood experiences with critical and emotionally neglectful parents can lead to patterns of seeking validation and love through narcissistic relationships in adulthood. It explains the concept of trauma bonds, the cycle of abuse, and how familiar abusive dynamics can be mistakenly perceived as love. The discussion clarifie...

In this Moment episode of 'Awaken Her,' I dive deeper into a profound conversation I had with Veronika Archer about the intricacies of co-parenting, the significant impact of internal energies on children, and emotional navigation post-separation. Veronika shares practical tools for transforming feelings of guilt and resentment into acceptance and positive influence. This episode is a va...

In this episode of AwakenHer, I sit down with Dr. Christina Wise, a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma and family dynamics. We explore practical strategies for empowering children when co-parenting with a narcissist. The discussion covers the importance of understanding different perspectives, fostering healthy narratives, and setting boundaries through open communication. Dr. Wise empha...

In this episode of 'Awaken Her,' host Corissa Stepp interviews Dr. Jolene Arasz, a practicing psychologist specializing in anxiety management and author of the book 'Why on Earth Do I Feel This Way? Understanding Anxiety and Mental Health Through Control Theory.' The discussion delves into the connection between trauma and anxiety, the mechanisms behind anxiety responses, and p...

In this episode of AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp speaks with Jennifer, who shares her deeply personal experience navigating and ultimately breaking away from a narcissistic friendship. Corissa and Jennifer discuss the patterns of narcissistic abuse, such as manipulation, lack of empathy, and the pretending of genuine concern to maintain control.  In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of se...

Welcome to a transformative episode where we delve deep into the aftermath of abusive relationships and uncover the tools and strategies for healing and empowerment. Join me as I speak with Jennifer Parker, an experienced therapist and author, who sheds light on the crucial steps toward recovery, co-parenting post-abuse, and fostering resilience for a stronger future. In this episode, you’ll:  Lea...

Welcome to another insightful episode of our podcast, where we delve into the heart of dating, self-discovery, and cultivating authentic love. Join us as we welcome the incredible Lilli Bewley, a dating coach with a unique perspective forged from her personal transformation and a decade of expertise in personal development. In this episode, we journey through the dynamics of dating, the significan...

Join us for an enlightening episode where Corissa Stepp and trauma recovery coach Veronika Archer tackle the complexities of co-parenting with a narcissistic ex. In "How To Co-Parent With A Narcissist Ex," you'll discover how to focus on your children's well-being and your own emotional health, rather than being drawn into your ex's toxic behaviors. In this episode, you’ll...

In this week's episode, we delve into the world of narcissism and how it affects us. We discuss the importance of boundary setting as a defense against emotional manipulation and how certain behavioral patterns make us a target for narcissists. The episode also explores the role of our StrongHer group coaching program in the healing journey from narcissistic abuse. What You'll Learn:  -...

Welcome, beautiful souls, to the very first glimpse of "AwakenHer," a sanctuary we’ve crafted together for every woman stepping through shadows into her light. I’m Corissa Stepp, your companion on this journey of healing, growth, and empowerment. Born from a tapestry of our shared experiences, "AwakenHer" is more than a podcast; it’s a calling for us to unite, to share, and to...

In this week's episode, we dive into the Top 8 reasons Why a Narcissist Won't Change. Whether you've experienced toxic relationships firsthand or are seeking to understand and support a loved one who has, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable tips. Here are 5 key takeaways from the episode that you won't want to miss: 1. Narcissists lack self-awareness an...