The Complex Trauma Podcast

Let’s be real- life can feel like a lot . Between social media making us feel like we’re always falling behind, relationship struggles, and the never-ending pressure to be better , it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed.  In this episode, Sarah and Emily are digging into the weight of expectations. Where they come from, how they mess with our self-worth, and what we can actually do about it. We’ll tal...

In this episode, Sarah explores the often-overlooked impact of childhood emotional neglect- what happens when emotional needs go unmet. She unpacks the subtle signs, like difficulty identifying emotions, chronic anxiety, and hyper-independence, and explains how these patterns shape relationships and self-worth. She also dives into the science behind emotional neglect and shares practical insights...

Join Abby Albright , a trauma and EMDR therapist, each month for a mindful moment. This month's meditation is centered around balance. We trust that you'll use your discretion, listening and/or participating when you are safe (not driving) and distraction free. Feel free to download this episode to refer back to the meditation as you need. Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podca...

In this episode, Sarah and Ashley dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- what it is, how it shows up, and ways to cope.  They unpack the symptoms and different types of SAD while offering practical tips like working on sleep hygiene, light therapy, better sleep habits, and when to seek extra support.  Ashley normalizes the tough emotions that can come with SAD and shares ways to face the cha...

Happy 2025!! Today the entire team is here to share 18 things to do in 2025 instead of going on a diet. We know the lure toward dieting this time of year is strong, so if you're feeling pulled, we're sending you endless compassion and our unwavering belief that you are and your body are worthy of love, care, kindness and connection in the here and now, exactly as you are 🧡. Thanks for l...

On today's mini episode, Sarah shares about the concept of post-traumatic growth. She outlines ten signs of post-traumatic growth, highlighting the importance of inner strength, authentic connections, and self-compassion. Additionally, she introduces the five stages of post-traumatic growth. To read more about post traumatic growth, head to our blog post here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.co...

Today, Sarah is joined by special guest Johanna Kulp, a therapist and author of the upcoming book "Finding Peace With Your Body: A Body Image Guide for Women." Johanna shares about her book, which aims to provide tools for women to reclaim their body image and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies and talks about the many complexities of body image. From her personal journey...

In this conversation, Sarah and Laura explore the intersection of spirituality and psychology, discussing the importance of reclaiming ancient wisdom practices and the three centers of knowing: intellectual, heart, and embodied. Laura shares about her journey through recovery, explains wisdom practices, the significance of joyful movement in recovery and the ripple effect of wisdom in personal and...

On today's mini episode, Sarah discusses the limitations of traditional body image work and emphasizes the importance of understanding the nervous system's role in healing. She introduces practical approaches to body awareness and emotional regulation, advocating for gentle, mindful practices that respect individual boundaries and promote a healthier relationship with one's body. To...

Join us for an essential guide to holiday gathering survival! Our entire team is here to unpack practical responses to dreaded comments and questions to support you in maintaining your peace of mind and protecting your recovery this holiday season. This episode tackles the delicate art of handling those tricky family conversations – from deflecting body image comments to navigating the dreaded &qu...

Join hosts Sarah and Abby as they unpack the challenging terrain of family dysfunction and its often heightened impact during the holiday season.  This episode explores how trauma shapes family systems, the lasting effects of shame and abandonment, and the vital role of healthy relationships in the healing journey.  Abby shares practical wisdom for managing complex family dynamics and reminds list...

Why is it so hard to heal your relationship with your body, even when you know all the right things to think and say? In this mini episode, we explore why positive affirmations and "just love yourself" advice often isn't enough, and how understanding your nervous system can transform your healing journey. We'll dive into: Why disconnection from your body served a purpose How yo...

It's a big week here in the US. Today, Emily is sharing 5 quick tips to manage election week anxiety.  Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw   Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy...

Happy Halloween! Today Sarah and Laura are sharing a Halloween episode, unpacking the masks that we wear.  They explore the concept of masking in our daily lives, particularly in relation to mental health, neurodivergence, and societal expectations. They discuss the various masks people wear to fit in, the exhaustion that comes from constant masking, and the journey towards authenticity.  The conv...

On today's episode Sarah and Casey dive deep into how capitalism shapes our daily lives, mental health, and sense of self-worth. From the historical roots of Wall Street to the modern housing crisis, they unpack the often invisible ways our economic system impacts everything from basic needs to personal hobbies. Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure to follow, share and...

Today Sarah and Casey are back talking about relationships between money and trauma. From feeling lack of choice and safety to how that might manifest later in life, they're peeling back a few layers of this proverbial onion. Our hope is that you feel *even a little* seen and can make some heady connections about your personal relationship with money that you can bring to the therapy couch (o...

Today, hosts Sarah and Casey kick off a new series on money and mental health.   This is the first episode of a handful to explore your relationship with money, how it came to be, how society impacts it and how to re establish a relationship with it. Today Casey and Sarah dive into their personal financial journeys, from childhood experiences to adult realizations, exploring how money shapes our l...

On today's episode, hosts Sarah and Ashley dive deep into the world of college support systems. They explore the various resources available to students, with a special focus on mental health, academic assistance, and the crucial role of friendships. Key topics include: Mental health resources on campus, including counseling centers and crisis hotlines Strategies for academic success and mana...

On today's mini episode, Sarah is sharing how trauma affects the brain and memory after experiencing trauma. Be sure to head to our blog to view the images discussed, and to learn more about regions of the brain, the amygdala and hippocampus. Check out the blog here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/how-trauma-affects-the-brain Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure...

Tune in as Sarah and Laura pull back the curtain on perimenopause on today's episode. They dive into the physical and emotional rollercoaster that comes with this transitional phase, offering a mix of personal stories and practical knowledge. From hormone havoc to mental health hurdles, Laura is sharing common symptoms folks might experience throughout perimenopause. They explore why society...

On today's mini-episode Sarah is sharing her hot take on the popular notion of food freedom, what it might really mean, and steps to get there on your journey in recovery. Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw   Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw Learn more...

In this episode, Sarah and Paige Thompson discuss discuss mental health in athletes. Paige shares her personal journey as a collegiate athlete, detailing the challenges she faced, including an eating disorder and burnout. They explore the pressures athletes encounter, the importance of support systems, and strategies for navigating mental health issues.  Takeaways Connection is a vital theme in me...

On today's mini episode, Sarah discusses the concept of toxic positivity, particularly its effects on trauma survivors. She explains how the pressure to maintain a positive outlook can invalidate genuine emotions, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation. Today's mini episode also offers trauma-informed strategies for navigating these challenges. Thanks for listening to The Com...

In this episode of Reclaim You, Sarah and Emily discuss the common feelings of falling behind in life, particularly during the pressure-filled decades of the 20s and 30s.  They explore societal expectations regarding career, relationships, and financial stability, emphasizing the importance of building a supportive community and recognizing that everyone's journey is unique. The conversation...

On this mini episode, Sarah dives into 10 reasons why you should stop watching what I eat in a day videos. Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast! Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw   Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy T...