How to Be a Safe Person: Trauma-Informed Listening with Ciji Wagner

In this episode of Her Best Chapter, we continue the conversation with Ciji Wagner, CEO and founder of Louder Than Silence and a best-selling co-author in Empathy Impact, shifting from the why behind trauma recovery to the how of supporting survivors in everyday life. Host Michelle Savage and Ciji unpack what it truly means to be a "safe person," exploring emotional and psychological safety, the impact of well-intentioned but harmful responses, and why listening well is a learned skill, not an instinct. Together, they discuss how survivors are often retraumatized by dismissal or clichés, why being believed matters so deeply, and how each of us can respond with more care when someone trusts us with their story. This episode offers guidance for navigating hard conversations (whether in friendships, families, workplaces, or communities) and introduces the core principles of trauma-informed spaces.  What You'll Hear About: What it really means to be a "safe person" for someone sharing trauma Why emotional and psychological safety matter as much as physical safety How poor responses can deepen harm and prolong trauma recovery Why clichés shut conversations down—and what to say instead The importance of self-awareness when supporting others How to set clear intentions before sharing or receiving heavy information What survivors most need to hear: "I believe you" Simple grounding techniques for listeners in emotionally charged moments How trauma-informed spaces can be created in workplaces and communities The trainings Louder Than Silence offers to build safer, more supportive environments Guest Links Ciji Wagner, CEO & Founder of Louder Than Silence 🌐 Learn more: louderthansilence.org 📸 Connect with Louder Than Silence: Instagram @louderthansilence  Read Ciji's Chapter in Empathy Impact: https://www.amazon.com/Empathy-Impact-Effects-Kindness-Action/dp/B0G4R4D9DD Listen to Part 1 with Ciji: https://www.sulitpress.com/podcast/episode/3b582f5a/breaking-the-silence-on-trauma-emdr-and-recovery-with-ciji-wagner More from Sulit Press Want to become a published author? Join our multi-author book program → sulitpress.com Follow Sulit Press on Instagram → @sulitpressbooks