Courageous Journeys® ~ Impact & healing from childhood trauma

This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description Having a healthy relationship can be a very helpful and important part of the healing journey. However, unhealthy relationships can not only hinder the process but also add to the depth of the negative beliefs we hold about who we are… causing more wounding. In today's episode, I talk about how to d...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description “Is healing actually possible for me?” How often have you asked yourself this question? How often has this fear kept you from starting or stopped you from continuing healing? In today’s episode I share the biggest factor in causing you to believe in this fear and a few things that influence a person’s c...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description Coping mechanisms… we all use them. Unfortunately, most of us tend to cope in fairly unhealthy ways which often leads to a lot of shame. One of my most watched videos, month after month, is one from 9 years ago. I get emails often from people who find it helpful in making sense of their behavior or choi...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. If you’re like most people I know, you’ve likely felt frustrated at times thinking about “having” to work with a therapist (or other professional) in order to heal. I have certainly felt this in my own journey. A few reasons might be because of time, resources, or fear… fear of judgment, abandonment, shame, or any number of other things. This leads to one...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. Link mentioned: https://courageousjourneys.com A personal message to all of you incredible, courageous humans. ❤️ Choosing to listen to podcasts related to things most people don’t want to talk about because of the discomfort it brings, is a representation of your openness and, yes, courage. I’ve said it thousands (hundreds of thousands? 😉) of times, heal...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. In recent years, it’s undoubtedly that mental health has become a widely discussed and prevalent topic. People started to create more conversations around it and a result more people are aware of it and they try to understand it which is a great thing specially for us, childhood trauma survivors. However, the way we talk about mental health may not always...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description We all do it. Sometimes it’s deliberate and sometimes we aren’t aware at all… We may have several masks we wear depending on who we’re around or how we believe we “should” behave. There’s the mask of smiles or humor. The mask of confidence or independence. The mask of perfectionism or containment. The m...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. Relationships can be challenging for everyone. For survivors of childhood trauma there are additional factors that can make it more difficult to cultivate the relationships you desire… and deserve. How do you learn to trust when you’ve been hurt or let down by people you care about or trust? How can you identify and create healthy boundaries if the people...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. Navigating feelings, desires, needs, and decisions can be difficult for most people, at least at times. For many childhood trauma survivors, it can create significant anxiety and/or self-doubt. One of the reasons is because we tend to think of many things as black and white. This includes how we believe we “should” or “shouldn’t” feel, do, think, etc. Much...

This episode originally aired on YouTube. The link mentioned is further down in the description Did you see the interview Drew Barrymore had with Brooke Shields in which they talked about sexual abuse and exploitation? It is a beautiful example of the healing power of vulnerable conversations. In today’s episode, I share my thoughts on their recent conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show and what...

The words, tone, and facial expressions used by professionals has a significant impact on whether we feel supported and understood or dismissed and even shamed. I’ve heard many stories over the years and have even had my own experiences that left me wondering about the person’s intention.. and judgment. In today’s video I’ll share one of those experiences and address some of the issues around this...

This episode originally aired in video format on YouTube. Have you been seeing the term "trauma informed" and wonder what it actually means?  In this episode, I share what it means to be trauma informed (hint... there is no standard for the term) and if it is sufficient for helping people heal trauma. Particularly prolonged, interpersonal, and/or childhood trauma. This is for those searc...

This episode originally aired in video format on YouTube. In today’s episode, I share my thoughts on when a trauma therapist may be necessary and when it’s not. For example, times when a trauma-informed therapist or a general life coach may be most beneficial. We’ll also delve into the spectrum of wounding and trauma. To understand the concept of Trauma Informed, check out this episode . Do you wa...

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on our lives, affecting our self-worth, relationships, and overall well-being. It can lead to shame and a deep sense of not being enough. Healing is a process of many practices practiced over time. Self-compassion is a vital component of this process and practice, offering a gentle and important way to address the wounding and foster deep core healing. In...

In today’s episode, we’ll dive deep into the layers of responsibility that childhood trauma survivors carry, extending far beyond the initial abuse or trauma. From personal relationships to professional endeavors, survivors often assume responsibility for various aspects of their lives, perpetuating a cycle of unworthiness and fear. I’ll share how the need for control and understanding of traumati...

In today’s episode, I respond to a community member’s question about the self-blame that arises through the grooming process. I address the erroneous idea that survivors bear any responsibility for the acts perpetrated against them. Throughout this episode, I explain the different ways a perpetrator manipulates a victim into thinking that she/he is also a participant thus making the victim feel sh...

In today’s episode, we discuss the layers of wounding and healing associated with childhood trauma. We’ll explore how the nature of the relationship with your abuser adds layers to both how you’re affected and what is necessary for healing. I’ll also delve into how childhood trauma affects our sense of self-worth, trust, and struggle with relationships.  For more on understanding the impact the ty...

In today’s episode, I answer a question from the community about the impact of sexual abuse as it relates to the relationship with the abuser. I share my thoughts on the harmful message that the listener’s wounding shouldn't be as significant as some other people’s. As a survivor, remember that the long-term impact of sexual trauma is often very similar regardless of who the perpetrator is.  A...

Shame can be an incredibly difficult thing to talk about. Unfortunately, it’s something we, as survivors, experience so deeply and the impact is far reaching. In today’s episode, I talk about a source of shame that is rarely talked about. Though it is incredibly common and important to address on this healing journey. I also share a bit of my own story and how we can release this shame. Remember,...

*This podcast does not include a recording of a 911 call There are days that can feel like the worst day of your life that becomes the beginning of a journey you never imagined possible. In today’s episode, I share the story of how my healing journey unfolded.... from one of the most shameful days of my life to using my story and professional experience to connect with you. ❤️ Join me as I share t...

Childhood trauma often involves experiences of betrayal, neglect, or abuse by trusted individuals. These traumatic experiences can shatter a child's trust in others making it incredibly challenging to build safe, healthy relationships. With the use of denial, minimizing, and rationalizing to cope with it, it can destroy a child’s (and the adult they become) ability to trust themselves. In toda...

In today’s episode, we explore the practice of gratitude in trauma and emotional healing. However, how you practice gratitude determines whether it is helpful or potentially harmful to your journey and how you feel about yourself. I’ll share some practices to help you connect with gratitude in ways that help shift what you believe about who you are and what you’re worthy of. Join the community! Yo...

In today’s episode, I delve into the profound effects of childhood trauma on attachment bonds. I talk about the complex nature of attachment issues and the healing process. From understanding the importance of secure attachment to the challenges faced by survivors, I offer practical advice and explore the journey of rebuilding trust and connection. Join the community! YouTube: https://www.youtube....

There are many layers to the impact of experiencing childhood trauma. Attachment wounds are woven throughout many of these layers. In today’s episode I’ll share an example of how they can manifest on this healing journey and what happens when they’re not recognized as part of the overall healing process.  This episode underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of symptoms rather than...

So many of us are disconnected from what we truly desire and need. As survivors of childhood trauma, we were taught that it was not safe to want or need anything.  We spend so much of our lives denying that we want or need anything or anyone. It is a way to self-protect. Deep healing requires us to open to our physical and emotional needs. But, how do we do this? In today’s episode I share how to...