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How To Set Boundaries With Yourself In PTSD Recovery

Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

In this episode, Brad and Kayleen dive deep into one of the most overlooked foundations of PTSD and trauma recovery: setting boundaries with yourself. Instead of starting with other people’s behavior, they walk through why your healing has to begin with how you treat, speak to, and show up for yourself every single day.

You’ll hear how self-boundaries apply to addictions, relationships, routines, and even the way you think. Kayleen shares powerful personal examples—from family dynamics to sobriety and TV use—that show how everything changes when you decide, “This is the line I do not cross with myself,” even when no one else is watching.

They also explore why self-respect can’t depend on external approval, how to stay solid in your values during your most triggered moments, and why “being selfish” in a healthy way is actually one of the most loving things you can do for the people around you. This conversation is both challenging and deeply encouraging if you’re ready to step into a stronger, calmer version of yourself in recovery.

💡 What You’ll Learn

Why boundaries must begin with you before they can work in any relationship

How a lack of self-respect quietly sabotages your PTSD and trauma boundaries

The difference between using boundaries to feel better vs using them to stay healthy

How to build internal and external “rules and guidelines” that support your healing

Practical examples of self-boundaries around addictions, TV, spending, and conflict

How to handle triggering environments without relying only on external controls

A simple mirror self-talk practice to get through urges and rock-bottom moments

Why “being selfish” in a healthy way actually makes you more loving and present

How one strong boundary win can permanently change your confidence in recovery

🧠 Key Takeaway

When you learn to respect and protect yourself with firm inner boundaries, you stop waiting for others to change and finally become the steady, safe person you’ve always needed.

🔗 Next Steps

Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.

To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.

CHAPTERS:

Topics Covered:

PTSD recovery • trauma healing • setting boundaries with yourself • self-respect and PTSD • trauma coping tools • addiction and trauma recovery • nervous system regulation • emotional regulation skills • stopping self-sabotage • sober living with PTSD • mindset for trauma recovery • healing childhood trauma patterns • people-pleasing and boundaries • self-talk for PTSD healing • trauma-informed relationships • recovery routines and habits • overcoming urges and triggers • empowering trauma survivors