111. Healing Childhood Trauma and Navigating Complex PTSD with Jennifer Ginty

In this episode, we are joined by Jennifer Ginty, the founder of My Moody Monster and a mental health advocate. Jennifer shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma and living with Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder. From her experiences in the legal system to her path to emotional recovery, Jennifer provides valuable insights and tools for listeners who may be dealing with their own trauma. Episode Highlights: - Understanding the Long-term Effects of Childhood Trauma: Jennifer discusses how her childhood abuse led to CPTSD and depression and the challenges of navigating the court system. - What is Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?: Learn about CPTSD, its symptoms, and how it differs from other forms of PTSD. - Healing through Therapy: Jennifer shares how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) helped her rewire her trauma-affected brain. - The Creation of My Moody Monster: Jennifer's unique therapeutic plush toy, Moody, helps children express their emotions in a safe way, especially those dealing with trauma or autism. Moody offers a way for families to communicate about emotions in a healthy and constructive manner. - Breaking Free from Toxic Shame: we discuss the concept of toxic shame, how it affects trauma survivors, and how to overcome it. Key Takeaways: - Subsequent Trauma: Trauma doesn’t end when the abuser leaves. Jennifer explains the secondary trauma that comes with reliving abuse in legal settings and how that can impact healing. - The Importance of Therapy: Seeking the right therapist and using methods like DBT and EMDR can be life-changing for trauma survivors. Learn how Jennifer found the right professional to guide her healing journey. - Using Tools like My Moody Monster: Jennifer discusses how her plush toy helps children—and even adults—express and manage their emotions through tactile interaction, creating a path to healthier emotional expression. Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Jennifer Ginty 05:00 – Complex PTSD & Major Depressive Disorder 12:15 – EMDR and DBT therapy for healing 16:30 – The birth of My Moody Monster and its impact on families 24:45 – Dealing with toxic shame and finding self-acceptance 35:00 – Jennifer's mission Connect with Jennifer: Website: http://www.mymoodymonster.com YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@mymoodymonster Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mymoodymonster Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/my-moody-monster TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@mymoodymonster Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/93141440 Subscribe & Follow for more: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095156184970 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatickel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamtickel/ Website: https://healingandgrowinghandinhandpodcast.com/ Love this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and leave us a review! You can also share this episode with someone who may benefit from hearing Jennifer’s powerful story of resilience and healing.