How Trauma and Grief Shape Decisions for Alienated Parents

In this episode of The Beyond The High Road Podcast, Shelby Milford discusses the profound impact of trauma and grief on personal responses and decisions. She highlights a listener review, thanks Alexandra Unshakable for her feedback, and encourages listeners to leave reviews. Shelby shares personal stories and insights into how unprocessed trauma and grief manifest in daily life, affecting decisions, especially in parenting. She uses a comparison from Grey’s Anatomy to illustrate how trauma, irrespective of its source, can lead to similar responses in different people. Shelby emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and understanding one’s responses to past trauma, recognizing that these reactions are often driven by the nervous system’s need for safety and security. She provides examples from her own life, describing her struggles and the lingering effects of grief, and offers advice on shifting perspectives to alleviate self-blame and shame. Shelby concludes by urging listeners to leave reviews on Apple Podcasts to support other parents in similar situations.

00:00 Introduction and Listener Review

01:27 Today's Topic: Trauma and Grief

02:00 Personal Flashbacks and Reflections

04:42 Understanding Past Decisions

06:34 Shifting Narratives and Self-Blame

13:48 Relating to Fictional Characters

24:09 Grief and Its Impact

32:17 Conclusion and Call to Action