43: Why Trauma Shows Up in Your Body: Healing, Boundaries, and Faith ft. Julie Conkle

Trauma does not always look like one massive life-shattering event. Sometimes it looks like emotional needs not being met. Sometimes it looks like learning to perform. Sometimes it looks like codependency, control, numbing, people-pleasing, or living in survival mode for so long that it feels normal. In this episode, Dr. Brook sits down with Julie Conkle for a powerful conversation about trauma healing, faith, boundaries, equine connection, and what it looks like to become a generational chain breaker. Julie shares her story of growing up in a faith environment that taught performance more than relationship, walking through addiction and an overdose at 21, and encountering Jesus in a way that changed the direction of her life. Together, Dr. Brook and Julie talk about what it means to stop identifying with what happened to you and start walking with God toward healing, responsibility, restoration, and freedom. Inside this episode: Why trauma can be more subtle than people think How emotional neglect, fear, and unmet needs can shape behavior Why codependency often grows from the need to feel safe How numbing behaviors can become a response to unprocessed pain Why healing requires both God’s power and your participation How comparison and regret keep people stuck Why community matters when you are trying to heal How horses can mirror emotions and create space for peace Why boundaries are essential for emotional and spiritual health How to take inventory of your relationships, environment, time, and beliefs Why setting a boundary is not self-rejection How the body can speak through inflammation, fatigue, pain, brain fog, sleep issues, and hormonal changes A key takeaway from this conversation: What happened to you may not have been your fault. But healing does invite you to take responsibility for what comes next. That does not mean shame. That does not mean blame. That does not mean pretending the pain did not happen. It means taking one honest step with God, with support, and with a willingness to let Him rebuild what was broken. Julie also shares how horses have played a powerful role in her healing journey. Through equine connection, she has experienced peace, grounding, emotional honesty, and a deeper picture of God’s love. This episode is a reminder that your story is not wasted. Your trauma does not get the final word. Your past does not have to define your identity. And your body may be showing you where healing is still needed. Connect with Julie: Instagram: @jewelseye314 Reach out to Julie on Instagram if you have questions, want to learn more about equine experiences, or are trying to take your next step toward a healthier life. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who is walking through pain, rebuilding after trauma, or learning how to set boundaries without guilt. ✨ Your body has been trying to tell you something. Find out what it's saying with the free 30-second Body Signal Decoder Assessment. Pick your signal, get your personalized guide straight to your inbox, and finally start making sense of what's going on inside. Get it here: os.drbrooksheehan.com/decoder 🎧 And if you caught the mention of the Talk to Me, Body affirmation card deck during the episode, here's where to grab yours. 63 scripture-anchored cards to help you trust the body God designed for you. Get yours here: drbrooksheehan.com/talk-to-me-body/ 📱 Come say hi on Instagram: @drbrooksheehan ⭐ If this episode spoke to you, would you take a second to leave a five-star review on Apple or Spotify? It helps more women find this show. And more women learning to listen to their bodies is exactly why I do this.