Have you ever felt like motherhood cracked you open in ways you never expected? Like suddenly, the person you thought you were vanished, replaced by someone you barely recognize? If you've found yourself hiding in the laundry room, tears streaming down your face, wondering "What's wrong with me?" – this episode is for you.

Before becoming a mama, you might have been the epitome of strength and achievement. But now? The smallest things feel insurmountable. You're reactive, overwhelmed, and carrying a heavy burden of shame. Let me assure you: You are not broken. What you're experiencing isn't weakness or failure – it's unhealed pain finally finding a safe space to surface.

As your host and a fellow mama on this healing journey, I'm here to share my own story of transformation. Like many of you, I thought I had "done the work" before becoming a parent. But motherhood acted as a powerful mirror, reflecting back all the wounds I had tried to outrun.

In this raw and honest episode, we explore:

If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I didn't used to be like this," know that you're not alone. Together, we'll unpack why:

Are you ready to start understanding your emotional reactions and find more peace, even in the chaos of motherhood? I've created a free resource just for you. The Unlocking Peace guide is your first gentle step towards regulation and release.

Grab your copy now at freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide

Remember, mama: You're not behind. You're not too much. You're becoming, one healing moment at a time. Let's mend the past together, so we can mother with peace and presence.

Have you ever felt like your past experiences were holding you back from fully embracing motherhood? For many of us, childhood wounds and traumatic events can cast long shadows, making it challenging to trust ourselves and connect with our children.

In this raw and honest episode, I'm joined by Galadriel, a woman whose journey of healing and self-discovery will inspire you to reclaim your power as a mother. From surviving a near-fatal car accident to navigating the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth, Galadriel shares how she learned to integrate fragmented parts of herself and cultivate deep self-trust.

Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:

Galadriel's story reminds us that healing isn't about perfection – it's about presence. She shares how motherhood became a catalyst for profound personal growth, teaching her that she couldn't give her son what she didn't first give herself.

"I've learned that I can love bigger than I've ever been able to love anything or anyone," Galadriel reflects. Her journey illustrates how embracing our whole selves – including our wounds and struggles – allows us to show up more authentically for our children.

Galadriel offers a powerful visualization exercise to help you reconnect with your inner child and create a sense of safety within yourself. This simple yet profound practice can transform how you relate to both yourself and your little ones.

"We can't change the past, but we can choose to not be crippled by our trauma."

If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself or struggled to trust your instincts as a mother, this conversation will remind you of the incredible strength and wisdom you already possess. It's time to reclaim your power and create the nurturing, joyful motherhood experience you and your children deserve.

Are you ready to start your journey towards wholeness and self-trust? Listen now and take the first step towards becoming the mother you've always wanted to be – for yourself and your little ones.

Have you ever felt like your emotions were too much to handle? Like you had to hide parts of yourself to fit in or keep the peace? For many of us, especially those navigating motherhood after trauma, emotional safety can feel like an elusive dream.

But what if I told you that creating a sense of emotional security isn't just possible – it's essential for healing and thriving as a mama?

In this heartfelt episode, I'm peeling back the layers on emotional safety. We'll explore what it truly means, why it matters so deeply, and how you can cultivate it for yourself and your little ones.

Let's start by clearing up some common misconceptions:

I share my personal journey of recognizing how my own lack of emotional safety impacted my children, and the transformative power of doing the inner work to create a more secure environment for all of us.

Do any of these resonate with you?

If so, you're not alone. These are common experiences for those of us healing from trauma.

I'll guide you through practical steps to build emotional safety:

Remember, emotional safety isn't about perfection. It's about having the tools to navigate difficult moments with grace and self-love.

Are you ready to create more emotional security in your life and for your family? This episode offers a roadmap to get you started. Your journey to healing and peace begins here.

As a mama who's survived trauma, do you ever worry about passing your pain onto your children? That fear of recreating your own difficult experiences can feel overwhelming, but there's hope for breaking the cycle.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Katie Turner, a registered psychologist and trauma therapist, to explore the delicate balance of healing ourselves while raising resilient kids. Katie shares invaluable insights on:

Katie reminds us that while we can't completely shield our children from all pain, we can equip them with resilience and model healthy coping strategies. By showing them how to navigate mistakes and emotions, we're giving them invaluable life skills.

If you've been struggling with the weight of your past while trying to create a brighter future for your family, this conversation offers a compassionate roadmap forward. You'll walk away with practical tools for self-compassion and a renewed sense of hope for your parenting journey.

Remember, mama: your commitment to healing is already making a profound difference. Let's continue growing together, one small step at a time.

Have you ever felt a deep longing for connection, yet found yourself hesitating to reach out? For many of us who've experienced trauma, especially the kind that shatters trust, building new friendships can feel like navigating a minefield. Your heart yearns for meaningful relationships, but your body sends warning signals at the mere thought of letting someone in.

I've been there, friend. I know the internal struggle of craving closeness while simultaneously feeling guarded, anxious, or even suspicious when others try to get close. It's a lonely place to be, but I want you to know you're not alone in this experience.

In this raw and honest episode, I dive deep into the complexities of female friendship and community after trauma. We explore why your nervous system might resist connection and how to create safety in relationships gently. Most importantly, we discuss why finding the right community is essential for healing and how to discover it.

If you've lived through trauma, especially relational trauma, your body may have learned that other people aren't safe. This isn't just an emotional response - it's biological. Your nervous system is doing its job, trying to protect you from perceived threats. But this protective mechanism can leave you:

Recognizing these responses is the first step toward healing. Remember, this isn't a failure on your part - it's your body's way of trying to keep you safe.

Healing happens in connection, but how do you create safety when your body is convinced that connection isn't safe? Here are some strategies to help you navigate this journey:

Not all communities are created equal. Healing happens in spaces where you feel truly seen and accepted, not where you have to perform to belong. When you're surrounded by people who hold space for you without judgment, your nervous system starts to recalibrate. It begins to learn that connection can be safe.

If you've been craving this kind of supportive environment, I invite you to explore the Mamahood After Trauma Inner Circle. It's a space where mamas like you can feel safe to share, heal, and grow without judgment.

Remember, mama, you deserve safe, supportive relationships. If you've struggled to find that, it's not because you're broken - you just haven't found the right space yet. You are capable of healing, and you don't have to figure it out alone.

Are you ready to take the first step towards creating meaningful connections in a safe, supportive environment? Your journey to healing and authentic friendships starts here. Listen now and discover how you can start building the community you've always longed for.

Have you ever felt like setting boundaries was an impossible task, especially after experiencing trauma? As survivors, we often struggle to define and communicate our limits, fearing rejection or conflict. But what if embracing healthy boundaries could be the key to unlocking a life of peace and fulfillment?

In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Kaylea, a survivor of domestic violence who transformed her life through the power of boundaries. She shares her journey from a boundary-less existence to creating a thriving six-figure business and helping other women rewrite their stories after trauma.

Kaylea dispels common misconceptions about boundaries, explaining that they're not walls keeping everyone out, but rather guideposts leading us toward our dream lives. You'll discover:

Through Kaylea's candid experiences, you'll gain insight into:

"You were born with worth. Nobody outside of you can determine your worth. Nobody outside of you can determine how you deserve to be treated."

As you listen, you'll be inspired to:

Are you ready to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and step into your power? This episode offers a compassionate roadmap for setting boundaries that honor your worth and create space for genuine connections.

Your journey to reclaiming your voice and creating a life you love starts here. Listen now and take the first step toward becoming the empowered version of yourself you've always dreamed of being.

Have you ever felt like you're constantly battling life's challenges, only to be knocked down again and again? As a mama who's walked this path, I understand the exhaustion of trying to stay strong through it all. But what if I told you that true resilience isn't about gritting your teeth and pushing through?

In this eye-opening episode, we're exploring the profound connection between healing and building genuine resilience. If you've been feeling stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed by triggers, or struggling to bounce back from setbacks, this conversation is for you.

We'll debunk common misconceptions about resilience and explore what it truly means to thrive, not just survive. You'll discover:

I'll share insights from my personal journey and offer practical steps to start building resilience through healing:

You'll walk away with actionable strategies to implement right away, including:

"Resilience isn't about being strong all the time. It's about knowing when to take care of yourself when you feel weak."

If you're ready to break free from the cycle of just surviving and start truly thriving, this episode is your first step. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Together, we can build the resilience you need to face life's challenges with grace and strength.

Ready to take your healing journey to the next level? Don't forget to check out the Trigger Toolkit, designed to give you practical tools for managing overwhelming moments with more ease and less guilt. Find the link in the show notes and start your path to greater resilience today.

Have you ever felt like your emotions were a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm you at any moment? For many trauma survivors and parents, this intense emotional experience is all too familiar. But what if I told you there's a name for this heightened sensitivity, and it's not a flaw, but a powerful trait?

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Melissa Schwartz, an expert on highly sensitive persons (HSPs). Together, we explore the fascinating world of high sensitivity and its profound impact on parenting, especially for those of us navigating the waters of trauma recovery.

Melissa shares her personal journey of growing up as a highly sensitive child and how it led her to become an advocate for HSPs. She breaks down the four key traits of high sensitivity:

As we discuss these traits, you'll likely find yourself nodding along, recognizing these qualities in yourself or your children. It's a powerful moment of validation for many who have felt "too much" their whole lives.

We dig deep into how high sensitivity can amplify the experience of trauma, making HSPs more susceptible to its lasting effects. But here's the silver lining: this same sensitivity can be a superpower in healing and growth when properly understood and nurtured.

Parenting is challenging enough, but add high sensitivity and trauma to the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. Melissa offers practical advice for:

Remember, you're not just raising your children – you're also raising yourself. This journey of parallel growth can be beautiful, albeit challenging.

One of the most liberating moments in our conversation is Melissa's advocacy for "imperfect parenting." She encourages us to lower the bar of perfectionism and embrace a more compassionate approach to ourselves and our children.

"There is no way to be perfect. There is no doing it right all the time," Melissa reminds us. It's a mantra worth repeating on those tough days.

If you've ever felt like you were "too much" or that your emotions were too intense, this episode is your invitation to see your sensitivity in a new light. It's not a weakness to overcome, but a strength to harness.

Are you ready to transform your relationship with your sensitivity and become the parent you've always wanted to be? Tune in now and take the first step towards understanding and embracing your highly sensitive nature.

Have you ever felt like setting boundaries in your relationships was selfish or even dangerous? For many of us who've experienced trauma, the idea of saying "no" or protecting our peace can feel incredibly challenging. We might worry about upsetting others, being abandoned, or simply not know where to draw the line.

But what if I told you that healthy boundaries are not only possible but essential for creating loving, safe relationships? That connection and safety can absolutely coexist?

In this raw and honest episode, I open up about my own journey with boundaries and share practical strategies for nurturing relationships where you feel truly seen, valued, and protected.

Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:

I share my own struggles with people-pleasing and the fear of disappointing others. You'll hear how I learned to set boundaries with loved ones, even when it felt terrifying, and how this practice transformed my relationships.

"A turning point for me was realizing that setting a boundary didn't mean shutting someone out. It meant staying connected while protecting my emotional health."

Setting boundaries isn't always smooth sailing. I'll walk you through what to expect when you start prioritizing your needs, including:

If you're tired of feeling drained in your relationships and want to create more authentic connections, this episode is your first step. I'll guide you through the process of identifying your needs, communicating them clearly, and holding firm with compassion.

Are you ready to build relationships where you feel safe, seen, and valued? Your journey to healthier boundaries and deeper connections starts here. Listen now and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace in all your relationships.

In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, we welcome Jessi, who shares their journey of overcoming addiction, battling self-doubt, and embracing self-love. Jessi's story is a testament to the power of self-awareness, intuition, and breaking free from harmful cycles. Tune in to hear how curiosity, self-reflection, and inner kindness transformed their life and how you can apply these insights to your own healing journey.

Key Takeaways:

The impact of childhood environments on self-worth and addiction

How external validation can contribute to destructive habits

The role of intuition in breaking free from negative cycles

Moving from self-judgment to self-compassion

Practical steps to identify and shift negative self-talk