Healing Spaces Podcast

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The Courage to Be Imperfect | Healing Spaces Ep. 2

What does it really mean to be human? In this episode of Healing Spaces, trauma counsellor Raquel Nicolau explores the weight of "shoulds" we carry — the expectations to be perfect, put-together, and always okay. From the illusion of social media perfection to the survival mechanisms behind people-pleasing and hyper-independence, Raquel unpacks why we confuse making a mistake with being a mistake, and how self-compassion can lighten the load.

She also opens up about humanity in the therapy room — why therapists are human too, the sacred exchange between counsellor and client, and why healing isn't linear. If you've ever felt like you're not enough, this episode is a reminder that you were never broken.

Chapters:
0:00 — Introduction
1:26 — The Heavy Shoulds
3:21 — Social Media & Perfectionism
8:43 — Emotional Needs & Protective Strategies
11:31 — Humanity in the Therapy Room
14:14 — Therapists Are Human Too
17:20 — Healing Isn't Linear
20:48 — Closing Thoughts

Question of the episode: What would change in your life if you stopped treating your humanity as something to overcome — and started embracing it instead? Drop your answer in the comments below.

If this resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. You can also support the channel to help bring more episodes like this one.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME

Thank you for listening to Healing Spaces Podcast! If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

💛 Let's stay connected!

🌿 Website: https://www.raquelnicolau.com

📸 Instagram: @healing_spaces.podcast @raquel.counselling

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelnicolaucounselling

🎙️ Follow Healing Spaces Podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you don't miss an episode.

WORK WITH ME

I'm Raquel Nicolau, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), specializing in trauma, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing.

I offer in-person counselling in North Vancouver and online sessions across British Columbia.

✨ Learn more or book a free consultation:
https://www.raquelnicolau.janeapp.com

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this conversation, consider following the show, leaving a review, or sharing this episode with someone who might need to hear it. It helps Healing Spaces reach more people and grow our community.

A GENTLE REMINDER

This podcast is intended for education, reflection, and connection. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care or individualized therapeutic support....

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Why is it so hard to let ourselves be seen? 

In this debut episode of Healing Spaces, Raquel Nicolau — a trauma counsellor and your host — opens up about her own fear of exposure, the one that kept this podcast in a drawer for three years. 

She talks about the stories we tell ourselves ("Who do I think I am?"), the armor we wear to avoid shame, and the uncomfortable truth that vulnerability is the price of admission for real connection. Along the way she references Brené Brown's definition of vulnerability — uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure — and shares how slow, controlled exposure helped her move through the fear. 

If you've ever felt too afraid to put yourself out there, this one's for you.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME

Thank you for listening to Healing Spaces Podcast! If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

💛 Let's stay connected!

🌿 Website: https://www.raquelnicolau.com

📸 Instagram: @healing_spaces.podcast @raquel.counselling

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelnicolaucounselling

🎙️ Follow Healing Spaces Podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you don't miss an episode.

WORK WITH ME

I'm Raquel Nicolau, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), specializing in trauma, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing.

I offer in-person counselling in North Vancouver and online sessions across British Columbia.

✨ Learn more or book a free consultation:
https://www.raquelnicolau.janeapp.com

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this conversation, consider following the show, leaving a review, or sharing this episode with someone who might need to hear it. It helps Healing Spaces reach more people and grow our community.

A GENTLE REMINDER

This podcast is intended for education, reflection, and connection. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care or individualized therapeutic support....

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to the Healing Spaces Podcast 

Healing is not about becoming someone new. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, understanding your experiences, and creating space for growth, self-compassion, and change.

The Healing Spaces Podcast is a gentle space to explore mental health, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, relationships, and the many layers of being human. Through meaningful conversations, practical tools, and compassionate insights, we explore how to navigate life’s challenges, deepen self-awareness, and cultivate a more grounded and connected relationship with ourselves and others.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, healing from past experiences, or simply looking to understand yourself more deeply, you’re welcome here.

Take a breath, settle in, and give yourself permission to be exactly where you are.

Support the show

CONNECT WITH ME

Thank you for listening to Healing Spaces Podcast! If this episode resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

💛 Let's stay connected!

🌿 Website: https://www.raquelnicolau.com

📸 Instagram: @healing_spaces.podcast @raquel.counselling

💬 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquelnicolaucounselling

🎙️ Follow Healing Spaces Podcast on your favourite podcast platform so you don't miss an episode.

WORK WITH ME

I'm Raquel Nicolau, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor (RTC), specializing in trauma, nervous system regulation, and emotional healing.

I offer in-person counselling in North Vancouver and online sessions across British Columbia.

✨ Learn more or book a free consultation:
https://www.raquelnicolau.janeapp.com

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

If you enjoyed this conversation, consider following the show, leaving a review, or sharing this episode with someone who might need to hear it. It helps Healing Spaces reach more people and grow our community.

A GENTLE REMINDER

This podcast is intended for education, reflection, and connection. It is not a substitute for professional mental health care or individualized therapeutic support....