Post Traumatic Wisdom

In the very first episode of Post-Traumatic Wisdom, Daniela welcomes Simon, the "signpost" from her book. They met after a yoga class where a wobbly tree pose and an honest conversation led them both to own their stories.

Together they talk about why shame keeps survivors silent for so long, and why finding safe community and knowing "none of us are actually alone" matters. They also talk about attachment wounds, the inner critic, and meeting your own pain with compassion instead of judgement. Simon and Daniela share the small, practical steps that helped them: pausing, taking one breath, and celebrating tiny wins at your own pace.

The episode ends on Simon's message: loving yourself first, with no criticism, isn't selfish. It's what lets you show up for others.

Content note: this episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse and addiction.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Welcome, and why Simon is the first guest

0:26 – How Daniela and Simon met at a yoga class

2:22 – Refusing to be ashamed, and the power of the wobble

5:16 – Community and support groups: "none of us are actually alone"

6:48 – Why it can take decades to speak about abuse

9:47 – What helps when you feel stuck in the cycle of suffering

12:10 – Calling the Samaritans for a first disclosure

13:35 – Attachment wounds and the "baby part" of us

16:40 – The inner critic and giving it loving kindness

19:13 – A 2:40am wake-up: journalling, breathwork and holding yourself gently

21:11 – Letting go of the wait for external validation

23:04 – Triggers, rejection wounds and the power of the pause

27:45 – Daniela's wellbeing practices and rebuilding after rock bottom

35:29 – Turning toward the light, one small step or one breath at a time

39:53 – No ranking, no comparison: doing what serves you

42:31 – Why loving yourself first isn't selfish

43:20 – Closing thoughts: trauma "alchemized" into compassion

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

- Survivors UK (survivorsuk.org): support for men, non-binary and genderqueer survivors. Helpline: 0808 801 0332.

- Survivors Together (survivorstogether.co.uk): a London support group for women survivors. Contact: [email protected].

- The Survivors Trust (thesurvivorstrust.org): helpline 0808 801 0818.

- NAPAC (napac.org.uk): support line 0808 801 0331, Monday to Thursday 10am-9pm and Friday 10am-6pm.

- Samaritans (samaritans.org): call 116 123, free, 24/7.

- In an emergency, call 999.