Ep. 83 - How to Reclaim Your Worth and Resilience with Susanna Johnson, LCSW

Send us Fan MailTrauma has a way of sneaking into your identity until “what happened to me” turns into “this is who I am.” Keila Aldea sits down with Susanna Johnson, a licensed mental health clinician at McLean Hospital, to name that pattern out loud and lay out a different path: one where your experiences matter, but they never get to decide your worth. We talk about trauma-informed therapy through a practical lens, including TF-CBT, CBT, and DBT skills that help women and teen girls rebuild resilience. Susanna breaks down why dialectics can be a game changer for PTSD recovery and self-esteem: you can be hurt and still be powerful. We also dig into the “two C’s” trauma often steals control and choice and how healing can start with small decisions, clear boundaries, and honest language that replaces shame with reality. Self-forgiveness comes up in a big way, especially the brutal inner questions many survivors carry: Why didn’t I stop it? Why did I stay? Susanna explains how to separate behavior from identity, stop judging the past with today’s information, and begin finding “glimmers,” the small moments of strength inside your story. If therapy feels intimidating, we also share how to take the first step, why therapist fit matters, and what to do if you don’t feel safe or seen. If you’re ready to stop living as “broken” and start rebuilding your confidence one small win at a time, press play. Subscribe, share this with a woman who needs it, and leave a review to help more women find trauma healing support that actually works.Connect with Susannah: [email protected] I IG@sunshinewithsuze  Ready to nurture your mind, body, and spirit? Get our FREE Self-Care ChallengeVisit Our Website - The show now has a website and blog!! Come visit and read more!Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter - Come subscribe to Heal & Thrive Wednesdays and get the mid-week reset you need. Follow me on IG @shecanhealpodcast for upcoming episodes and more inspiration.I want to hear your thoughts on the show:Reviews help my show so much, please leave a review on your favorite platform.Subscribe to the showYou'll be notified when a new episode is available, so you never miss an episode.