I met Dr. Judith Belton (Dr. Jai) when we were training to become Trauma Recovery Coaches. She is brilliant, warm, charismatic and I had a strong sense she would make a fantastic guest for the show. Now I realize she'd make a great co-host! We cover a variety of subjects and make many notes for future podcasts we want to bring you. We talk about grief in its many forms and move on to a variety of topics. And do we have some opinions!

Dr. Jai's website is https://www.drjaibelton.com/ and she is available for coaching. If you visit the www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com/links there are recommended reading resources and books that Dr. Jai recommends on grief are there.

Dr. Jai has traveled the road to recovery. Through her own trauma healing journey, Dr. Jai has envisioned and created a community for healing and education about trauma, grief and loss and their lasting effects in our lives. Dr. Jai desires a DISCOVERY for her clients that have experienced loss and grief because of their trauma, bereavement, betrayal or other loss experiences. Dr. Jai's determination, authenticity, passion and experiences fueled her desire to create and maintain safe and supportive spaces for survivors (yes that's what you are). Dr. Jai gets in the trenches alongside of you. She's received instruction and training in trauma recovery, racial and generational healing, compassion fatigue, grief and loss, and the effects of being Not Parent Expected.

This episode is sponsored by Ascension Wellness, Creating a Culture of Authenticity and Belonging in the World of Healing. Founded by trauma trained life coaches, this community brings together misfits and old souls from diverse backgrounds and identities on their wellness journey and the wellness professionals who partner with them to deepen understanding, to development personally and professionally faster than we can on our own and to co-create an exclusive supportive community we can all call home so that collectively we can heal deeply while growing strong lives, careers and businesses that will build an integrated world of endless possibilities.

During this episode, serious mental health issues including trauma, racial, disordered eating and other sensitive topics are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available.

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

I'm also launching my second podcast, The Marketing Bodhisattva this week! Look for it where you find this one!

Cross My Heart, Hope to Thrive podcast is dedicated to the stories of trauma survivors and those who support them. I thank everyone who is willing to be vulnerable and share and I thank all who take the time to listen. Healed people heal people.

This is Episode 10, during which I have a big announcement.

In August, I will be launching a new program and also a new (additional) podcast to support this. If you are interested in finding out more about this trauma-informed marketing program, sign up https://endive-disc-sfkr.squarespace.com/mhjemails (here).

During this episode, I do not really discuss serious mental health issues, but they do come up in most episodes. If you are ever not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned. But, not so much in this episode!

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I have a recommended reading list on my website https://www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com/reading (here). There are also books recommended by my guest here.

Cross My Heart, Hope to Thrive podcast is dedicated to the stories of trauma survivors and those who support them. I thank everyone who is willing to be vulnerable and share and I thank all who take the time to listen. Healed people heal people.

This is Episode 9, Giving the finger to Diet Culture, my interview with Jen Monroe of Rising Strong Wellness. In this episode, we learn about Jen’s work in somatic healing and her personal crusade to enlighten about the damage that diet culture inflicts on all of us.

Jen Monroe is the founder and creator of Rising Strong Wellness.

When the body can be given a voice to express the stories that it holds, healing comes rushing in! Jen knows and believes that by creating intentional opportunities to invite the body into healing, you will witness powerful results of walking into wholeness. Jen approaches working with the body through a trauma informed lens and finds deep joy as others reclaim their power!

Jen is a somatic healing coach that works with those who are surviving and overcoming trauma to move into healing and wholeness. Her deepest commitment is to empower, inspire and allow you a brave space for healing.

Jen utilizes trauma sensitive yoga, somatic experiencing, CBT, breathwork. EFT tapping and many other mind- body based practices. Jen believes strongly in this work as a practitioner, but also as a survivor herself. She is deeply inspired to walk with others through their healing journey. Her specialities are body image, trauma, grief, anger and addiction.

Jen offers classes and individual work with clients. Jen's website is www.risingstrongwellness.com and she can be reached at [email protected].

During this episode, serious mental health issues including disordered eating, body image issues, abuse and trauma are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I have a recommended reading list on my website https://www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com/reading (here). There are also books recommended by my guest here.

This podcast is dedicated to the stories of trauma survivors. I thank everyone who is willing to be vulnerable and share and I thank all who take the time to listen. Healed people heal people.

Join me for the conclusion of my interview with Amy Lloyd of Ascension Wellness. Amy Lloyd has struggled with child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, poverty, abusive relationships, chronic health issues and much more. She not only found ways to overcome, but is now on a mission to give people like you the hand up that she never had. As Founder and Coach of Ascension Wellness, Amy is launching a free community to do just that. You can join now by emailing [email protected].

There is some bonus content at the end to help you find a trauma-informed therapist.

During this episode, serious mental health issues including suicide, abuse and neglect are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I have a recommended reading list on my website https://www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com/reading (here).

This podcast is dedicated to the stories of trauma survivors. I thank everyone who is willing to be vulnerable and share and I thank all who take the time to listen. Healed people heal people.

Join me today as I welcome Amy Lloyd of Ascension Wellness. Amy Lloyd has struggled with child abuse and neglect, sexual abuse, poverty, abusive relationships, chronic health issues and much more. She not only found ways to overcome, but is now on a mission to give people like you the hand up that she never had. As Founder and Coach of Ascension Wellness, Amy is launching a free community to do just that. You can join now by emailing [email protected].

During this episode, serious mental health issues including suicide, abuse and neglect are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I have a recommended reading list on my website https://www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com/reading (here).

You have questions, Anne has answers!

Please remember, these "answers" are Anne's unique viewpoint and are wholly her own. They are not a substitute for medical advice or mental health care.

Special thanks to the fabulous Celia Kirwan for asking the questions!

During this episode, serious mental health issues including suicide and disordered eating are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I have a recommended reading list on my website https://www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com/reading (here).

This is part three of Anne's story, well, a brief overview of her story. . .

This episode is about Anne's healing journey after a misdiagnosis and its treatment almost ended her life. She tells of her time in therapy, the paths she chose to help her heal and eventually becoming a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach. She studied to become the kind of person she wished she'd had as she was healing.

During this episode, serious mental health issues are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Triggers in this episode include; medical and child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, trauma and misdiagnosis.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I highly recommend reading "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, which you can find https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780143127741 (here), as well as, Pete Walker's "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, https://www.amazon.com/Complex-PTSD-Surviving-RECOVERING-CHILDHOOD/dp/1492871842/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ODFBBXGOVUGQanddchild=1andkeywords=pete+walker+complex+ptsd+from+surviving+to+thrivingandqid=1623065169andsprefix=pete+walker+complex%2Caps%2C184andsr=8-1 (here). They are both a good place to start.

This is part two of Anne's story, well, a brief overview of her story. . .

This episode chronicals early life, abuse history and the events that led to Anne almost dying. And a dancing television. . .

During this episode, serious mental health issues are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Triggers in this episode include; medical and child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, trauma and misdiagnosis.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com (www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com)

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I highly recommend reading "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, which you can find https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780143127741 (here), as well as, Pete Walker's "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, https://www.amazon.com/Complex-PTSD-Surviving-RECOVERING-CHILDHOOD/dp/1492871842/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ODFBBXGOVUGQanddchild=1andkeywords=pete+walker+complex+ptsd+from+surviving+to+thrivingandqid=1623065169andsprefix=pete+walker+complex%2Caps%2C184andsr=8-1 (here). They are both a good place to start.

This is part one of Anne's story, well, a brief overview of her story. . .

This episode chronicals early life, abuse history and the events that led to Anne almost dying.

During this episode, serious mental health issues are discussed and, if you are not in a safe space emotionally, you may want to listen when you are feeling better.

If you are having issues right now, please seek help. There are resources below, on my website and an internet search will give you many more.

Triggers in this episode include; medical and child sexual abuse, suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, trauma and misdiagnosis.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

Just a reminder, I do enjoy spicy language and sentence enhancers from time to time, so if adult language offends you, you have been warned.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at www.crossmyhearthopetothrive.com

If you are currently (or ever) experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). ). If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, you can reach out to RAINN, at rainn.org where they have a live chat or you may call 800-656-HOPE (4637).

Don't wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

If you're interested in learning more about trauma in general, I highly recommend reading "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, which you can find https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780143127741 (here), as well as, "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, https://www.amazon.com/Complex-PTSD-Surviving-RECOVERING-CHILDHOOD/dp/1492871842/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ODFBBXGOVUGQanddchild=1andkeywords=pete+walker+complex+ptsd+from+surviving+to+thrivingandqid=1623065169andsprefix=pete+walker+complex%2Caps%2C184andsr=8-1 (here). They are both a good place to start.

I am so pleased to welcome Kimberly Weeks to the podcast this week! Her story is both harrowing and inspirational. It is also, sadly, far too common and unrecognized.

Kimberly is a budding author, speaker and Advanced Certified Trauma Recovery Coach and Supervisor under the supervision of the International Association of Trauma Recovery Coaching. She is called to serve people with childhood trauma, codependency and narcissistic and psychological abuse. She is an entrepreneur and CEO of Kimberly Weeks Coaching LLC. and the founder of the Kimberly Weeks Freedom Academy that exists to eradicate the patterns, principles and practices of relational abuse. She supports survivors with one-on-one coaching and coaching communities by providing a healing space with Identity-Discovery coaching, teaching and equipping.

Kimberly was brought to coaching after a 13-year abusive marriage and an autoimmune diagnosis that left her searching for answers on the impact of long-term abuse on the body. She began her own recovery and loved the trauma-informed process so much, she wanted to help others. As both a childhood and narcissistic abuse survivor, Kimberly is passionate about supporting the rediscovery of identity and purpose for her clients. She spent 12 years in the corporate world in sales and marketing with fortune 100 companies like Coca-Cola North America, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, GE Capital and Shutterfly Inc. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel-Hill with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Kimberly integrates both her business and lived trauma experience as well as her faith relationship with God into her coaching to support both the natural and spiritual needs of her clients. She resides in the greater Atlanta, GA area in the United States with her 4 sons. She loves dancing, nature, laughter and covenant partnerships and friendships.

Kimberly can be found on the following social media tags and websites:

Social Media: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

@thenarcissisticabusecoach

Websites: www.thenarcissisticabusecoach.com

www.kwfreedomacademy.com

Kimberly has an AMAZING resource list for anyone interested in better understanding narcissistic abuse, which you can check out here: https://www.thenarcissisticabusecoach.com/resources (https://www.thenarcissisticabusecoach.com/resources )

During this episode, we do discuss mental health issues. Triggers include; narcissistic and sexual abuse, mental health issues and sexual assault.

Please remember, this podcast is not a substitute for mental health care and that healing is a journey best traveled with the support of professionals.

If you are interested in experiencing Trauma Recovery Coaching, visit the IAOTRC https://certifiedtraumarecoverycoaching.com/directory-of-coaches (here) and see the list of coaches available. You can also visit my website at https://my.captivate.fm/www.vondenmeer.com (www.vondenmeer.com).

If you are experiencing a mental health issue, please seek help. If you are in crisis, please dial 911 for help or go to the emergency room. If you are looking for support, there are many websites online. In the United States, consider calling Lifeline, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ (https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org), at 800-273-8255 or NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, https://nami.org/Home (https://nami.org/Home). Their hotline is 800-950-NAMI (6264). Don’t wait to call if you need help. That is what they are there for. Take care.

I would also like to add RAINN, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network for those who have experienced sexual assault or violence. You can contact them at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit their website to chat, www.rainn.org.