In this week's episode, Jessalynn welcomes Alex Vigue, host of the "Let's Not Sugarcoat It" podcast, who shares her incredible story of resilience and recovery. In 2009, Alex faced a life-threatening battle with the H1N1 virus, leading to a hospital stay of 169 days and a daunting recovery process. With only a 25% chance of survival, she endured a significant physical and emotional toll that left her with both physical and invisible scars. Alex opens up about the impact of her traumatic health scare on her mental well-being, as well as her tumultuous relationship with alcohol and her journey with sobriety. Alex's story is one of overcoming adversity through self-reflection, the importance of addressing trauma, and the transformative power of self-love and accountability. We are so grateful for her honesty and vulnerability, and we can't wait for you to listen!  Be sure to follow and keep up with Alex on Instagram and listen to her podcast here!  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn is joined by Dr. Tanya Cotler to explore the nuances of intergenerational trauma-its transmission, impact, and pathways to healing. Dr. Cotler, a seasoned clinical psychologist, shares insights on the role of cycle breakers in families, what it means to be one, navigating family members who aren't on the same page, and some of the common misconceptions and misinformation fuelled by social media. Highlighting the significance of addressing trauma to prevent its inheritance, they discuss the power of self-awareness, especially in parenting, to raise healthier future generations, the benefits of therapy, and so much more. Dr. Cotler's insights offer hope and affirm that it's never too late to confront and mend the wounds of the past. Be sure to follow and keep up with Dr. Tanya on Instagram and learn more about her practice here.   If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn is joined by Paige Mathison, a clinical counselor (and part-time comedian!) with a background in psychiatric nursing who now specializes in helping trauma-exposed professionals. Paige discusses what sparked her transition into counseling, from the limitations she faced in nursing to her profound desire to support her peers, to then suffering from her own mental health injury while at work. This journey not only deepened her commitment to destigmatizing mental health in healthcare but also shaped her holistic and empathetic approach to counseling. Through her story, Paige highlights the significance of tuning into our body awareness when healing from trauma, why she prioritizes incorporating humour into her practice, and how to break up with your counselor. Paige's insights shine a light on the complex journey of healing, the power of empathy, and why laughter really can be the best medicine. Be sure to follow and keep up with Paige's practice on Instagram and visit www.anotherchapter.ca Check out the books mentioned in today's episode: The Choice and The Gift by Edith Eger  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, join Jessalynn in a heartfelt conversation with Shannon Jenkins, host of the Starting Over Podcast, to hear Shannon's journey of overcoming a narcissistic relationship and rebuilding her life as a solo parent. In this episode, Shannon opens up about her marriage, parenting, and the challenging custody battle that ensued after parting ways with her partner. She candidly reflects on the signs of narcissism that became apparent in her relationship, recounting the internal alarms that made her realize she needed to make a change in her life for both herself and her son. The discussion centers around the importance of trusting one's intuition and listening to the signals from the unconscious mind. Lastly, Shannon offers valuable advice for anyone navigating a narcissistic relationship and reassures listeners that there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel once the decision to prioritize your well-being is made. This is such an inspiring episode, and we can't wait for you to listen!  You can find out more about Shannon on her Instagram, website, and be sure to check out her podcast! If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn is sitting down with her friend Brooke Wilson to discuss her journey in navigating her son Jack's epilepsy diagnosis and rare neurological condition, polymicrogyria (PMG). Brooke takes us through the complexities of Jack's condition, the impact on her family, marriage, mental health, and the flawed medical system they've had to deal with over the years. Despite the hardships, including Jack's surgeries and his ongoing care needs, Brooke's advocacy has turned into an inspiring mission to support other families facing similar struggles. Now 10 and seizure-free for three years, Jack's story is one of resilience, underscoring the importance of community and understanding in facing life's unexpected challenges. This episode is a heartfelt look into the realities of parenting a child with complex health needs. Brooke is such a resilient human and supermom, and we're so honoured that she shared her story with us!  Be sure to follow and keep up with Brooke on Instagram @brookemedicalmama  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

**TRIGGER WARNING: Detailed discussion of Aaron's severe burn injury**This week, Jessalynn is sitting down with former NHL player Aaron Volpatti to hear his truly inspiring story of resilience following a traumatic campfire accident in 2005. Growing up, Aaron always had a passion for hockey, with dreams of playing on a professional level. However, in 2005, his life changed forever. Suffering from second- and third-degree burns to 40% of his body, Aaron was told his hockey career was over. With years of intense recovery ahead and no scholarship offers heading into his last year of junior hockey, the odds were insurmountably against him. Today, Aaron shares that he was committed to defying the odds and leaned into a powerful visualization practice to persevere through multiple surgeries and a gruesome recovery. Remarkably, he was able to return to the ice just four months after the accident. Five years later, in 2010, his dream of playing in the NHL came true, and he signed with the Vancouver Canucks, his home NHL team. This is such an inspiring story, and we can't wait for you to hear it!  You can find out more about Aaron and his story by reading his book or by visiting his website! You can also learn more about his cinematic mind mapping course here!  If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn is sitting down for a solo episode where she reflects on the new year so far and candidly shares how she's been feeling! She shares a personal reflection on how she's been navigating finding the right balance between making choices that are beneficial for her health and well-being, and she acknowledges the moments of self-doubt that stem from the small voices of her past. She dives into the relatable feeling we've all dealt with at some point when it comes to breaking old patterns and encourages listeners not to be disheartened if progress isn't immediate. We all have good and bad days, and it's so important to give ourselves grace! This is such an honest and relatable episode, and we can't wait for you to hear it!If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn is sitting down with Amanda Gurman, mental health advocate and host of the Honest as a Mother Podcast. Together, they're diving into all things motherhood, parenting, and the many challenges and pressures that new moms face when it comes to postpartum and parenting. They discuss how trauma can look different for every individual and how children's behaviors can trigger our own emotions that stem from past traumas. This is such an impactful conversation, and we are so excited for you to hear it!  You can find Amanda on Instagram @amanda.gurman and be sure to check out her podcast! If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

Trigger Warning: Child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and human trafficking This week, Jessalynn is sitting down with Alexandra Ford, an anti-human trafficking expert, public speaker, author, and survivor. Alexandra started her anti-trafficking work at 11 years old, and 10 years later, she was trafficked by a boyfriend. It wasn't until another 10 years passed that Alexandra was able to identify what happened to her as trafficking. In this conversation, Alexandra shares her powerful story, shedding light on the signs that led her to realize the nature of her experience years later. Her resilience is breaking barriers around trauma and driving awareness of this critical topic. This is such an amazing conversation, and we can't wait for you to hear it!  You can find Alexandra on Instagram @thelaughingsurvivor and be sure to visit her website! If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟

This week, Jessalynn sits down with former hosts of the Love Fix Podcast, Sherry Gaba and Carla Romo, for a fun, hilarious, and light-hearted conversation on dating, relationships, co-dependency, and love addiction. Covering topics including rebuilding trust after trauma, decoding co-dependency for healthier connections, and the signs of love addiction in relationships, Sherry and Carla bring their experience in the coaching space to reveal the signs to look out for and advice on how to heal. Sherry and Carla's vibrant personalities shine through in this fun conversation, and we are so excited for you to hear this episode!If you or someone you know is suffering from the effects of trauma, please know you are not alone in your healing journey. If you would like to speak with a professional therapist, you can reach out to [email protected] to book an appointment. Don't forget to follow Jessalynn on Instagram @invisiblescarspodcast, and visit her website! 

✨ Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Invisible Scars! ✨

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more people who need these stories.

💬 Continue the Conversation:
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invisiblescarspodcast/

🔗 Resources & Links:
📖 Explore my e-book on healing from narcissistic abuse → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/store
🎧 Listen to more episodes → https://www.invisiblescarspodcast.com/home

🌟 You are not alone in your healing journey. Keep going. 🌟