571: From Trauma to Federal Prison to Purpose with Ranae Van Roekel

What happens when unresolved trauma quietly shapes your life for decades?In this deeply honest episode, LauraAura sits down with Ranae Van Roekel to talk about childhood trauma, dissociation, people-pleasing, shame, healing, and the series of choices that eventually led Ranae to federal prison.Ranae shares how growing up in a generation that didn’t talk about trauma left her carrying pain she didn’t know how to process, and how those unresolved experiences slowly showed up through unhealthy coping mechanisms, disassociation, and self-destructive patterns.Together, they unpack the emotional weight of shame, the courage it took for Ranae to turn herself in, and how prison unexpectedly became the catalyst for her healing journey. They also explore the power of therapy, healthy coping tools, identity work, self-responsibility, and why healing isn’t about pretending the past didn’t happen — it’s about no longer letting it define who you are.This conversation is raw, compassionate, and an important reminder that you are not the worst thing that has happened to you… or the worst thing you’ve ever done.In this episode:How unresolved trauma can shape behavior and decision-makingThe connection between trauma, dissociation, and people-pleasingWhy shame and silence keep so many women stuckRanae’s decision to turn herself in and the emotional breaking point behind itHow prison became the beginning of her healing journeyThe importance of therapy, EMDR, and asking for supportReleasing your identity from painful moments and past choicesHealthy coping tools for healing and emotional regulationThe role of self-responsibility in recovery and growthWhy healing is ongoing — not a one-time breakthroughSecond Chance Month and Ranae’s advocacy for justice reformResources from this episodeJoin The Gutsy CollectiveThe Gutsy Collective is a community space where women rebuild self-trust, grow their confidence, and start making the gutsy moves that evolve their life. This isn’t about burning it all down - this is about putting yourself at the front of the line, maybe for the first time ever.If you’re feeling drawn towards a life or career change and want support and clarity as you do it, start your free 30-day trial at https://lauraaura.com/gutsy-collective 🎙️ Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify📲 Follow LauraAura on TikTok: @ThatLauraAura🔥 Join The Gutsy Collective: Learn More💡 Work with LauraAura: www.LauraAura.comConnect with RanaeFacebook  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  Connecting to Cope LinkedInSign up for Ranae’s newsletter at ConnectingtoCope.com to get a free Tools for Coping and Self-Care Guide.Connect with LauraAuraFacebook  |  TikTok  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn  |  WebSupport the showLeave a Review!We love, love, love to read your comments, feedback, and reviews. It also helps other women like you know they're in the right place to get support.https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-gutsy-podcast/id1445481970