Courage to Heal

Discover the most effective trauma therapy approaches in this comprehensive guide to healing. In this episode, we explore trauma and the symptoms of PTSD that millions struggle with daily.

Whether you're dealing with a single traumatic event or complex trauma, we break down seven evidence-based therapy methods that can help: Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Approaches.

Learn how each therapy works, what makes it unique, and who might benefit most from each approach. From body-based therapies that release stored trauma to cognitive approaches that reshape harmful beliefs, this episode provides practical insights to help you or someone you love find the right path to recovery.

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this eye-opening episode of "Courage to Heal," host Anna welcomes Suzanne Culberg, the self-proclaimed "Nope coach" who specializes in helping over-givers and people pleasers set healthy boundaries and prioritize themselves.

Suzanne shares practical wisdom on:

• How to start setting boundaries (hint: don't begin with family and friends!)
• Practical strategies for dealing with pushback when you establish new boundaries
• The telling signs of chronic people-pleasing and how it differs from genuine kindness
• Why rescuing others from natural consequences prevents their growth

With her straight-talking approach and relatable examples, Suzanne explains how proper boundaries teach others how to treat us. Whether you struggle with over-explaining your "no," ghosting people to avoid conflict, or feeling responsible for others' feelings, this conversation provides actionable advice to help you put yourself at the top of your to-do list—without the guilt.

LINKS:

Suzanne’s Newsletter

Suzanne's Website

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this powerful episode of "Courage to Heal," host Anna welcomes Jonathan Schechter, founder of Blue Magic Alchemy. Jonathan shares his remarkable personal journey from a challenging marriage to discovering the transformative power of breathwork, somatic experiencing, and psychedelic integration.

Jonathan candidly discusses how recreational psychedelic use evolved into intentional healing work, revealing how these expanded states of consciousness repeatedly guided him toward important life changes. Listeners will learn about:

• The difference between active and passive psychedelic integration
• How breathwork serves as a gentle, self-controlled alternative to plant medicine
• Why somatic experiencing creates powerful pathways for processing trauma
• The importance of creating safety in the nervous system for true healing to occur

Whether you're curious about alternative healing modalities or searching for tools to process your own trauma, this episode offers practical insights into combining ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience for genuine transformation. Jonathan's story demonstrates how facing our discomfort with compassion can lead to profound healing and personal growth.

LINKS:

Jonathan’s Skool Community

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Craig Polsfuss, author of "Reality Shattering Insights." Craig shares his powerful journey of personal awakening that completely transformed his life and professional approach.

Discover how Craig combines psychology, spirituality, and brain science to reveal the profound truth that everything we're seeking is already within us. Learn about:

• How one simple insight can radically change your entire reality
• The "outside-in" paradigm trap that keeps most people stuck
• Why the mind was designed first as a receiver, not a thinker
• The inspiring story of a welder whose life was transformed by a single realization
• Practical steps to access your inner source of healing and transformation

Craig explains how his four-book series "The Vortex of Living Truth" guides readers toward experiencing what he calls "personal heaven on earth." If you've ever felt that something significant is missing from traditional approaches to personal growth, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on how complete transformation is possible in an instant.

LINKS:

Craig's Book

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

This episode features a conversation with Jill McMahon, a licensed professional counselor, trauma specialist, and gun violence survivor who shares her personal journey and professional insights.

In this deeply moving interview, Jill discusses the unique challenges faced by gun violence survivors, the neurobiological effects of trauma on the brain, and effective approaches to healing.

Drawing from both her personal experience of being held hostage at gunpoint as a child and her two decades of clinical work, Jill offers compassionate guidance for survivors, caregivers, and mental health professionals.

Her book "Bulletproof: Healing After Gun Violence and Trauma" serves as a toolkit for understanding and recovering from trauma, with a powerful message that healing is possible and that survivors can emerge with a richer perspective on life.

LINKS:

Jill's Book

Jill's Website

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this episode of Courage to Heal, host Anna interviews Leah Carey, a sex and relationship coach and host of the "Good Girls Talk About Sex" podcast. Leah shares her personal journey from growing up in an emotionally abusive household to becoming a respected voice in sexual education and healing.

She discusses her work with clients affected by purity culture, trauma, and societal conditioning around sexuality, offering insights into developing healthier relationships with intimacy.

The conversation covers topics like consent, the "good girl" stereotype, media portrayals of sexuality, and practical tools for exploring desires safely. Leah also explains what it's like to work with a sex coach and shares valuable resources for individuals and couples looking to improve their intimate relationships.

Leah’s website

Leah’s YouTube Channel

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Nicole Laurent, an experienced psychotherapist specializing in the use of ketogenic diets for treating mental illness and neurological disorders. Nicole discusses the mechanisms of how ketogenic diets work, their potential benefits for conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, as well as the support systems needed to effectively implement such dietary changes. They explore the rationale behind this approach, the importance of professional supervision, and emerging research supporting the mental health advantages of ketogenic diets. The conversation offers hope and new perspectives for those living with chronic mental health conditions.

Nicole's Website

Nicole's Instagram

Nicole's YouTube Channel

Research on Keto

Brain Energy by Chris Palmer

Living Well After Schizophrenia

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this episode of Courage to Heal, Anna interviews Larry Bilotta, an expert with a unique approach of reviving relationships on the brink of collapse. Larry emphasizes that it takes one person to heal a marriage and the importance of shifting from fear to love through conscious effort. He also discusses tools like the 'Love Strands Test' and concept of the 'Chaos Kid' to help individuals understand their relationship dynamics and improve them. Larry's insights provide hope, showing that even one motivated individual can transform a marriage.

Larry’s website

Larry’s YouTube Channel

Are you pushing your spouse away without realizing it? Get the guide here.

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this powerful episode, Family Constellation Therapy facilitator Kat Daou shares her transformative journey from being the "black sheep" of her family to becoming an empowered cycle breaker. She explains how generational trauma gets passed down through epigenetics and discusses practical ways to heal ancestral wounds while maintaining family connections. Kat also reveals the unique therapeutic process of Family Constellation Therapy, including how it combines energy work, somatic healing, and emotional release to help clients transform their inherited trauma into generational gifts. Whether you're struggling with family dynamics or seeking to understand your role in your family system, this episode offers valuable insights on turning pain into purpose and reclaiming your authentic self.

Kat's website

Experience a live Family Constellation session on Kat’s podcast

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Courage to Heal, I sit down with Molly Booker—author, speaker, and advocate for authenticity. Molly shares her transformative journey of coming out in her 40s, overcoming perfectionism, and rediscovering her true self. Together, we explore the deep connections between self-worth, identity, and the courage it takes to step into your most authentic life.

Discover how perfectionism often stems from a fear of not being good enough, how to shift from self-criticism to self-compassion, and why embracing the messiness of life is the key to connection and healing. Molly offers powerful advice for those struggling with their identity and the importance of accepting and loving one's true self.

Buy a copy of Magic in the Mess HERE.

Learn more about Molly HERE.

HOST BIO:

Anna Khandrueva, LCSW, is a trauma and couples therapist and owner of Courage to Heal Therapy in Broomfield, Colorado. She uses EMDR, IFS, and other trauma-focused approaches to help adults heal from complex trauma and childhood emotional neglect, and helps couples build stronger, more connected relationships. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity affirming. Anna grew up in 1980s Russia, worked in finance before becoming a therapist, and brings both lived experience and clinical skill to every conversation.

Anna’s Website: https://www.couragetohealtherapy.com

Anna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragetohealtherapy