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Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/

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

In this episode, Brad and Kayleen dive into a topic that quietly affects almost every trauma survivor: how to stay true to yourself despite what other people think. When you’ve lived through PTSD or trauma, it’s easy to lose touch with what you want, what you like, and who you really are under all the fear, doubt, and people-pleasing.

Together they break down why trauma often leads to indecision, self-doubt, and constantly looking to others for approval — and how to rebuild the lost skill of self-trust. You’ll hear simple, real-life examples (captions on TV, Santa suits, pink walls, and zipline choices) that show how everyday decisions can become powerful reps in the “being-yourself” muscle.

Brad and Kayleen also explore the deeper side of this work: giving yourself permission to have opinions, desires, and preferences, even when they don’t match what others expect of you. They share how this shift not only supports PTSD recovery, but also attracts healthier relationships, more aligned success, and a life that actually feels like yours.

You’ll leave this episode with a very practical challenge you can start today to practice self-validation, make more honest choices, and slowly step off the fence so you can live as your true self — not the version that trauma tried to turn you into.

💡 What You’ll Learn

Why PTSD and trauma make it so hard to know what you actually want

How to start rebuilding the “self-trust muscle” with tiny daily decisions

A simple question you can ask yourself to reconnect with your true desires

How people-pleasing, “I don’t care,” and staying neutral keep you stuck in survival mode

Why being authentically yourself is a hidden key to success in trauma recovery and life

How to handle the fear of what others will think when you choose something different

Practical examples of choosing for yourself (from movies to furniture to big life moves)

How practicing self-validation leads to better boundaries and healthier relationships

A weekend challenge you can use to physically practice staying true to yourself

🧠 Key Takeaway

Healing from PTSD and trauma requires learning to trust yourself again — every honest decision you make for you is a rep in becoming your true self.

🔗 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 • staying true to yourself • authentic self after trauma • self-validation skills • people-pleasing and PTSD • rebuilding identity after trauma • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • decision making confidence • overcoming fear of judgment • recovery hero identity • daily trauma healing practices • practical PTSD recovery strategies