The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood trauma responses: freeze . If you’ve ever gone blank in conflict, shut down in conversations, or felt disconnected from your own life, this episode will help you understand why. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to: Clearly understand what the freeze response is and why your body uses it Recognise how freeze shows up in your...

In this episode, we walk through the five key steps that help you finally understand how trauma has shaped you. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to: Identify which type of trauma you’ve experienced Understand the core wound that experience left in your sense of self Recognise how trauma shows up in your body, emotions, and beliefs Spot the protective patterns that were once survival stra...

In this episode, we explore anger as a trauma-based fight response , helping you understand why it can feel so intense and how to begin working with it rather than against it. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to: Understand the difference between everyday anger and a trauma-based fight response Recognise how your body and nervous system communicate through anger Identify the underlying w...

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of the human nervous system and why our bodies sometimes overreact, get stuck in survival mode, and how trauma can shape our nervous system responses. By the end of this episode you'll be able to: Understand the basic structure and function of the human nervous system. Recognise how trauma can impact nervous system responses. Understand your pers...

In this episode we explore how early relational trauma shapes our sense of self - and what we can reclaim as we begin to heal. We dive into how protective adaptations like people-pleasing, perfectionism, withdrawal, or over-achieving often feel like “who we are,” and how to start reconnecting with the authentic self beneath the layers of survival. Alec also shares practical insights from therapy,...

In this episode, we explore what it means to move from contraction to expansion after relational trauma. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: How relational trauma can show up as contraction in your body, emotions, and relationships - from slumped posture to emotional withdrawal. What contraction looks like in everyday life and why it’s often a protective response. How small, embodied moments...

In this episode, we explore one of the deepest dilemmas many of us face after relational trauma: How do we form meaningful connection with others - when parts of ourselves are still protecting us from getting hurt? You’ll walk away with: A clearer understanding of why you relate the way you do. Insight into your own protector parts and what they might be trying to keep you safe from. And a practic...

In this episode, we’re breaking down a common misconception about trauma - that it only “counts” if it’s something dramatic or extreme. By the end of this episode you'll: Know the difference between Big T and little t trauma Understand how the more subtle, everyday experiences - like emotional neglect or inconsistency - can quietly shape the way we see ourselves and relate to others. Understand ho...

In this foundational episode, we unpack one of the most important questions at the heart of this series: What is relational trauma? By the end of this episode, you’ll understand: The difference between relational trauma, developmental trauma, and attachment trauma Where and how relational trauma often develops - from families to adult relationships and workplaces The common signs and symptoms that...

Episode 1: Welcome to Healing Relational Trauma In this very first episode of Healing Relational Trauma , host Alec Williams , a psychotherapist and relational trauma specialist based in London, shares the inspiration behind the podcast and what you can expect from the journey ahead. You'll get a sense of why he created this podcast - to explore what it means to heal, connect, and live more fully...