This week on Blindsight, we’re taking a pause from our 12-step series to focus on trauma—what it is, how it impacts recovery, and why understanding it is essential for personal growth. Host Bill Lundgren sits down with Anneliese Knop, a mental health counselor, to explore how trauma affects our sense of safety, our ability to set boundaries, and the ways it ties into addiction and the 12-step program.

Together, they dive into the connection between trauma and Step 6, the role of self-agency in healing, and how we can take ownership of our recovery by creating safe spaces. Whether you’re working through the 12 steps, dealing with past trauma, or just looking to understand the impact of emotional wounds, this episode offers valuable insight.

Next week, we’re back on track with Step 7: Surrendering to a Higher Power, featuring special guest Jeff Schlund.

Chapter Markers

⏱ 00:00 – Introduction: Why we’re pausing the 12-step series to discuss trauma

⏱ 01:30 – The role of trauma in addiction and recovery

⏱ 02:14 – Meet our guest: Anneliese Knop, mental health counselor

⏱ 04:17 – What is trauma? Defining emotional and psychological wounds

⏱ 06:24 – Understanding compassion fatigue and its connection to trauma

⏱ 08:52 – Trauma in the disability community: Grief, microaggressions, and identity

⏱ 11:06 – Safe spaces and the foundation for healing

⏱ 14:42 – Accepting what we can’t control and moving forward

⏱ 16:58 – Step 6 and trauma: Recognizing our patterns and wounds

⏱ 19:03 – Internal Family Systems Therapy and how it applies to the 12-step journey

⏱ 21:19 – Preview of next week’s episode: Step 7 with Jeff Schlund

⏱ 23:41 – Addiction as a false sense of control: How trauma plays a role

⏱ 26:48 – Boundaries, consent, and self-agency in trauma recovery

⏱ 31:25 – The power of saying “no” and reclaiming autonomy

⏱ 38:10 – Final takeaways: Trauma healing starts with safety

⏱ 39:51 – Closing thoughts and listener feedback details

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