The Heal Thrive Dream Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Heal Thrive Dream Podcast, I sit down with John P. Boyle to discuss his journey of surviving childhood trauma, healing from Complex PTSD, and finding hope through faith, recovery, and resilience. John and I explore the lasting effects of childhood trauma, how Complex PTSD impacts relationships, marriage, parenting, and physical health, the long road to receiving the...

Grief and chronic illness have a way of changing every part of your life. In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cyndee Dhalai to talk about what it really looks like to keep going when life doesn't go as planned. Cyndee Dhalai has worn many hats throughout her life, teacher, counselor, wife, mother, widow, patient, and writer. After spending more than 25 years in education, she...

In this episode, we welcome Julie Barth for a powerful conversation about loss, caregiving, emotional abuse, survival, and rebuilding life after trauma. JULIE BARTH is a writer, mother of six, trauma survivor, and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women-led households in times of crisis. Julie’s memoir, NOTES FROM A BLACKBERRY, is a deeply moving accoun...

Can flower essences support trauma healing and emotional transformation? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Maribeth Swan, a trauma-informed practitioner whose work is rooted in ritual, nature connection, compassionate inquiry, and custom flower essences. Maribeth Swan is guided and grounded by the power of ritual connection to the Divine calling us into deeper relationship with all aspects...

Betsy Holmberg, PhD, is an award-winning psychologist and author specializing in overthinking and negative self-talk. She writes for Psychology Today, and has been featured in radio, television, and podcasts. Her first book, Unkind Mind, comes out June 1 by New Harbinger Publications. Before settling into writing and therapy, Betsy ran the global behavioral health service line at McKinsey & Co...

Sophora Acheson serves as the Executive Director and Co-President of Ruby's Place, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence, human trafficking, and violent crime through hope, advocacy, and connection. Under her leadership, Ruby's Place has expanded its services and outreach, notably opening the first human trafficking shelter in the U.S. for men, addressing the often...

Christina Braver writes steamy, contemporary romance usually set in the Pacific Northwest. Her stories are character driven and feature strong heroes with softer sides, heroines who make it happen, and the guaranteed happily-ever-after we all need. “A little bit nerdy and a little bit dirty”, her books address deeper issues such as women’s sexual health and sex positivity for all. When she isn’t w...

Kendra has specialized in Sex & Porn Addiction, Affair Recovery and Sex Therapy for over 5 years and has over 10 yrs of experience working in the Mental Health & Substance Use field. Kendra is an eclectic therapist who is passionate about her clients becoming healthier versions of themselves and believes that anyone who is willing to put forth the genuine effort to achieve personal growth...

Beth Wilson is one of the speakers at the Finding Your Voice After Trauma Summit, happening May 14–15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. ✨ Beth is one of 19 incredible speakers coming together to support you in reconnecting with your voice and your truth. Join us: https://www.healthrivedream.com/FindingVoiceSummit Beth Wilson is an intuitive guide, energy healer, international best-selling author and B...

Lauren Kappel is one of the speakers at the Finding Your Voice After Trauma Summit, happening May 14–15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. ✨ Lauren is one of 19 incredible speakers coming together to support you in reconnecting with your voice and your truth. Join us: https://www.healthrivedream.com/FindingVoiceSummit Lauren Kappel is a sales leader and the founder of Your Boss Vibe, a coaching platfor...

Dr. Gertrude Lyons is one of the speakers at the Finding Your Voice After Trauma Summit, happening May 14–15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. ✨ Dr. Gertrude is one of 19 incredible speakers coming together to support you in reconnecting with your voice and your truth. Join us: https://www.healthrivedream.com/FindingVoiceSummit At the heart of her work, Dr. Gertrude Lyons has a deep commitment to help...

Amy Vincze is one of the speakers at the Finding Your Voice After Trauma Summit, happening May 14–15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. ✨ Amy is one of 19 incredible speakers coming together to support you in reconnecting with your voice and your truth. Join us: https://www.healthrivedream.com/FindingVoiceSummit Amy Vincze has been a dedicated professional in the health and wellness industry for over 2...

Aly Angel is one of the sponsors and speakers at the Finding Your Voice After Trauma Summit, happening May 14–15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. ✨ Aly is one of 19 incredible speakers coming together to support you in reconnecting with your voice and your truth. Join us: https://www.healthrivedream.com/FindingVoiceSummit Aly Angel is a Nurse Practitioner and U.S. Army Veteran. She began her career c...

Steve Nagib is one of the sponsors and a keynote speaker at the Finding Your Voice After Trauma Summit , happening May 14–15 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET. Registration will be available soon! Steve Nagib is a board-certified athletic trainer, holistic wellness guide, and community builder on a mission to help modern professionals heal, perform, and live without leaving themselves behind. For over a...

Neena Perez is a Transformational Life and Business Coach, Chef, Speaker, and host of the podcast Straight Talk No Sugar Added. With over 20 years of experience leading women—whether in high-pressure kitchens or life-changing coaching programs—Neena has a gift for turning purpose into power. Her journey from executive chef to empowering coach is fueled by her personal story of resilience—overcomin...

Linda Feig Knipe is a retired Medina High School counselor. Knipe is a Rotarian, sits on the board of Genesee Orleans Regional Arts Council, and is an active church member. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam and a Master's Degree and Certificate of Advanced Studies in Counselor Education from SUNY University at Buffalo. Knipe is Western New Yorker; much of her writing is...

Lisa Happ is a Certified Trauma and Divorce Coach, Grief Specialist, Certified Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach, and Breakup Recovery Mentor. She supports women navigating heartbreak, betrayal, loss, and the aftermath of toxic or abusive relationships—guiding them toward healing, clarity, and empowerment. With deep compassion and lived experience, Lisa helps clients move through some of life’s mo...

Therapist confronts childhood abuse, sharing a powerful story of survival, resilience and empowerment in new memoir SEATTLE – Seasoned psychotherapist Carol Odell's memoir “Girl, Groomed: A Therapist’s Memoir of Trauma” (She Writes Press, April 22, 2025) is an unflinching exploration of her journey to confront and heal from the complex trauma of childhood sexual abuse within the world of Virginia’...

Lisa Tickel is a resilient survivor of childhood abuse, dedicated to an inspiring journey of healing and transformation. After spending many years in survival mode, simply trying to get by, Lisa worked diligently to heal and reach a new chapter in her life. Her personal experiences have empowered her to help others embark on their own healing journeys. Her goal here is to help others shorten their...

Gina Economopoulos was born in Syosset, NY, to a strong Italian and Greek-loving family. She graduated from Eastern CT State University and bartended before embarking on a 12-year convent journey after her mother's passing. Settled on the Jersey Shore, Gina now works as an End-of-Life Doula, extending her compassionate heart to those in their final chapter. She found solace in sobriety as a proud...

Melissa Saleh is a force of nature—former lawyer and journalist turned serial entrepreneur, masterful storyteller, and advocate for survivors of trauma. With a career spanning technology, media, and brand strategy, she has shaped the narratives of Fortune 500 giants and startups alike, helping them carve out their place in a fast-moving world. As the co-founder of FairPlayAI, she works to promote...

Master of Clinical Psychology (SWPS University, Warsaw) and Theology with a specialization in Spirituality (School of Theology in Chicago). She earned her Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) certification under the method’s creator, Gary Craig, in the United States. In 2006, she introduced EFT to Poland, initiating its development in the country. Since 2007, she has been running a therapeutic pract...

Melissa Crook is a woman in her 50’s who currently lives in Fresno, CA with the great love of her life, best friend, spouse, and father of their children, Brady Crook. Melissa loves her husband, her daughters, her son-in-law, the beach, the lake, sunsets, mountains (you can take a woman out of the Pacific Northwest (PNW), but you can’t take the PNW out of the woman ;) ), the WSU Cougs, the 49ers,...

PATRICIA BONIS is a renowned interior designer who has spent more than three decades designing the homes, offices, and embassies of some of the world’s most influential leaders, including top CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers. In addition to her design career, Patricia is a competitive equestrian, actively participating in prestigious events like the World Equestrian Festival and the...

DR. DAVID CHOTKA has taught nationally and internationally on prayer principles and equipping for more than twenty-five years. He is the founder and director of Spirit-Equip Ministries, an organization designed to help people grow in the spiritual disciplines one small step at a time (www.spiritequip.com). He serves as the co-chair of the Alliance Pray! Team (APT—the prayer mobilization team of Ch...