The Complex Trauma Podcast

You've done the work. You've been in therapy, read the books, and you can name what happened to you. So why doesn't it feel like enough?That gap between understanding your story and actually feeling different in your body has a reason. And it's not because you haven't tried hard enough. It's because childhood emotional neglect creates a very specific kind of wound that requires a very specific kind of repair. In this episode we're going past the recognition and getting into what that repair actually looks like and how to start creating it in your real life.In this episode we cover:What implicit emotional learnings are and how to recognize the ones that may still be running in the background of your relationshipsWhy insight alone often doesn't move them and what the brain actually needs insteadThe three step sequence that allows the brain to revise an old emotional learning at its rootWhy CEN survivors often have no discrete memory to target and how the implicit learning tends to surface insteadHow corrective experiences can happen in therapy through co-regulation, rupture and repair, EMDR, and somatic workHow they can also happen outside of therapy in your relationships, your body, and your daily lifeWhat interoception is and why rebuilding it is a core part of this workHow to start recognizing a corrective experience when it's happening because it often doesn't feel the way you might expectWhat hyperindependence has to do with all of thisWhy animals, nature, and routine can be legitimate corrective experiences for people who feel isolated right nowWhat earned secure attachment is and what the research suggests about getting thereWhat tends to get in the way, including shame, and what active receiving looks like in practiceThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've been diagnosed with more than one thing, and it feels like every provider is treating each piece in isolation, this episode is for you.Complex PTSD doesn't just show up as one condition. For many people, CPTSD symptoms include a stack of co-occurring diagnoses that are deeply connected at the nervous system level but rarely treated that way. In this episode, I break down exactly what might be happening underneath seven of the most common conditions that show up alongside complex trauma, and why understanding the connection changes everything about how healing can work.In this episode you'll learn:What the window of tolerance is and how complex PTSD shrinks or collapses itThe faux window of tolerance: the nervous system concept that explains why behaviors like restriction, compulsions, and substance use are so hard to give upA quick nervous system primer covering sympathetic activation, dorsal vagal shutdown, and the vagus nerveHow CPTSD and eating disorders are connected at the nervous system level, including restriction, bingeing, and purgingThe research-backed link between complex trauma and OCD, including a documented posttraumatic subtypeWhy substance use, workaholism, chronic pain, dissociation, and emotional dysregulation are all nervous system adaptations in people with complex PTSDWhy treating these complex PTSD symptoms in isolation so often stalls, and what integrated trauma-informed treatment actually looks and feels likeThe three phases of healing: stabilization, the thaw, and integrationWhether you're early in understanding your CPTSD symptoms or years into treatment and still feeling like something is missing, this episode offers a framework that finally puts all the pieces in the same room.Free Resource: Dysregulation Toolkit for CPTSDThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've spent your life being told you're "too nice," "a people-pleaser," or that you just need to "set better boundaries," this episode is for you. Fawning is the fourth trauma response, and for most folks with complex PTSD, it's been... a thing... for decades. In this episode, Sarah unpacks what fawning actually is (hint: it's not a personality flaw), how it gets built in childhood, what it can feel like in the body, and three small experiments to begin the work of coming home to yourself.This is one of the most requested topics on The Complex Trauma Podcast. Sarah brings together the foundational work of Pete Walker, current research on complex trauma and emotional neglect, parts work and structural dissociation from Janina Fisher, polyvagal theory, and somatic experiencing into one  conversation about why so many of us learned to disappear into other people, and how we begin to find our way back.In this episode, you'll learn:The difference between fawning and people-pleasing, and why the distinction matters for healingHow fawning develops as a brilliant survival adaptation in childhood, often before you have language to remember itWhy the latest research shows emotional neglect is the strongest predictor of complex PTSDSeven somatic markers of fawning, including the rehearsing, the scanning, the voice change, and the disappearanceHow blended states (sympathetic activation plus dorsal shutdown) explain why fawning leaves you exhausted and wired at the same timeThe reframe that changes everything: you are not a fawner. You have parts of you that fawn.Three small, sticky experiments you can try this week: The Body Audit, The 1% Honest Answer, and The Tiny NoWhy titration (slow, tiny, repeated) is the only way trauma responses actually unwindMentioned in this episode:Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete WalkerFawning by Dr. Ingrid ClaytonEmbracing our Fragmented Selves by Janina FisherWaking the Tiger and In an Unspoken Voice by Peter LevineThe CDC-Kaiser ACE StudyWhy Regulation Feels So Hard with CPTSD (previous episode)Sarah's conversation with Janina Fisher (previous episode)Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've ever sat in your therapist's office and thought "I sort of just want you to take care of me" and then felt embarrassed for even thinking it, this episode is for you.Listener Laurie wrote in after the "I Finally Stopped Shrinking" episode asking why being truly seen by a therapist can feel so activating, why grounding doesn't always hit the way her therapist intends it to, and why part of her just wants her therapist to show up more parentally even though she knows that's not the answer.We took her question and ran with it.Today I'm joined by Katie Fries, LCSW, RPT, founder of All of You Therapy in Philadelphia, to talk about what's actually happening in the nervous system when the therapy relationship itself becomes the source of activation, and why that's not a sign something is wrong with you.In this episode we cover:Why wanting your therapist to parent you is not pathology, it's your nervous system doing exactly what it learned to doWhy being truly seen can trigger a threat response for people with complex traumaWhen grounding can actually widen a rupture instead of helpingWhat needs to happen before any regulation tool can landWhat co-regulation really looks like in the therapy roomWhy the therapist's own nervous system regulation matters more than most people realizeWhat relational repair actually looks like in practiceHow to bring a rupture into the room even when it feels terrifyingHow to know if this is a healing edge or a therapist fit issueAbout Katie Fries: Katie Fries, MSW, LCSW, RPT is the founder of All of You Therapy, a group therapy practice in Center City Philadelphia serving clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Katie works from a relational, body-oriented, experiential lens with a deep specialization in early relational trauma, attachment, and parent-child relationships. She is trained in AEDP, IFS, Gestalt, Theraplay, EMDR, and Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy among many others. Katie also offers clinical and business consultation.Learn more about her therapy practice: allofyoutherapy.net For theraists looking for consultation: katiefries.comThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've ever wondered why the harshest voice in your head won't quiet down, this episode might help you reframe the why's behind it.This week I sits down with Emily Pagone, LCPC, founder of Authentic Growth Wellness Group and host of The Inner Critic Podcast. Emily specializes in IFS therapy, EMDR, and somatic approaches with a particular focus on complex trauma and neurodivergent trauma recovery.We talk about what the inner critic actually is through an IFS lens, why it developed, and why trying to silence it usually backfires. We get honest about our neurodivergent nervous systems, masking, and the shame that builds when your brain was never really understood growing up.If parts work is new to you, this is a great place to start. If you've been in it for a while, there's still something here.Find Emily at the Inner Critic Podcast on Apple and Spotify, and on Instagram at Emily @emilypagone. Learn more about her therapy practice, Authentic Growth Wellness Group here.Listen to The Inner Critic Podcast on Apple Podcasts Listen to The Inner Critic Podcast on SpotifyThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

You did the work. You stopped shrinking. You let someone in. And it still ended with you feeling invisible.So what do you do with that?In this episode I'm responding to a message from a listener going through a divorce. She didn't shrink. She showed up fully. And it still ended in abandonment. Her question was simple and devastating: how do you reconcile that? And, how do you ever trust again?On today's episode I get into why adult relationships can reopen old wounds rather than heal them, what your nervous system is actually doing when someone starts pulling away, the difference between a trigger and a real present wound, and what rebuilding trust actually looks like from the inside out.This one is for anyone who thought they'd finally broken the pattern only to find themselves right back in the wound.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Libby Ward, creator, speaker, and author of Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself, to talk about what it really looks like to wake up mid-motherhood and realize you never actually knew yourself to begin with. Not because motherhood took you away from yourself, but because trauma did that long before your kids ever showed up.We talk about the overfunctioning, the perfectionism, the hypervigilance disgused up as "being a good mom," and the moment Libby hit a wall in her car on an ordinary morning that changed everything. We also get into repair, the grief that comes with cycle breaking, and why loving your kids, while beautiful, is not actually enough on its own.This one is raw, honest, and so worth your time.In this episode we cover:How Libby recognized her childhood trauma well into motherhoodThe nervous system reality behind why "just calm down" isn't a real optionOverfunctioning and perfectionism as trauma responsesThe granola bar moment (you will feel this one)What cycle breaking actually looks like on a regular TuesdayThe grief of knowing better and still strugglingWhy repair might be the most powerful thing you can offer your kidsLibby's book Honest Motherhood and what's inside the pre-order bonusLinks and resources:Libby's website: https://libbyward.com/ Pre-order Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself at https://libbyward.com/honest-motherhood-bookFollow Libby on InstagramFollow Libby on TikTokThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

You might not call it shame. But if you were emotionally neglected, there's a chance it's been running the show.Most people who grew up emotionally neglected don't have a name for what they carry. They just know that asking for help feels wrong, that they can't stop replaying conversations, that being seen makes them want to disappear.This episode is about why that story forms, where it lives in the body, and why it's so hard to recognize as shame at all.I break down the difference between shame from overt trauma and the kind that grows from absence, why a child's nervous system is wired to turn unmet needs into self-blame, and what it actually looks like to start healing something you can't even point to.In this episode:Why emotional neglect is described as an invisible injuryHow shame forms as a survival strategy to preserve attachmentThe version of freeze that looks like high-functioningWhy self-awareness can sometimes be shame in disguiseWhat it means that your nervous system never built a map for settledThe grief of growing up in an environment that couldn't hold all of youWhat healing actually looks like when insight alone isn't enough-Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Sex and complex trauma. It's one of those topics that doesn't get nearly enough airtime, and yet it comes up so frequently in the therapy room.In this episode I'm talking with Rachael Garner, a certified sex therapist and EMDR clinician who works with complex trauma survivors, about what actually happens to our relationship with sex, desire, and our bodies when we've experienced complex trauma. And there is a lot more nuance here than most people realize.We talk about why dissociation during sex happens and what your body is doing when it checks out. We get into the difference between physiological arousal and actual desire, why zero libido sometimes has nothing to do with your partner, and how sexual neglect, not just abuse, can shape the way you relate to your own sexuality.We also talk about what healing looks like in this area, why it has to be slow, what partners often get wrong even with the best intentions, and how nervous system flexibility connects trauma work and sexual healing in a way that's genuinely hopeful.Rachael Garner is a Certified Sex Therapist, an EMDR Certified Therapist, and an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant-in-Training specializing in complex trauma and sexual issues through a somatic- and attachment-based lens. She is in private practice in Jackson MS, where she resides with her husband and two boys. Learn more about Rachael and her work at https://www.garnercounseling.com.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've ever gone completely blank in the middle of a hard conversation, or found yourself frozen, heart hammering, unable to say a single thing, this episode is for you.A listener wrote in asking why she shuts down instead of getting upset. Why everyone else seems to cry or fight while she just goes numb and feels nothing. And whether something is wrong with her.The answer is no. And this whole episode is the explanation.We cover the difference between freeze and shutdown, because they get used interchangeably and they are not the same thing. Freeze is high activation trapped under stillness. Shutdown is the system going offline entirely. Two different nervous system responses, two different origins, two different things that actually help.We also talk about why the tools that usually work, breathing, grounding, thinking your way through it, don't reach you when you're in shutdown, and what actually does.If you recognize yourself in either of these patterns, this episode will give you language for something that's probably been really hard to explain.-Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've done the work, learned the tools, and still feel like you're white knuckling through every single day, this episode is for you.For many people with complex PTSD and developmental trauma, calm isn't somewhere familiar to return to. It's something that has to be built, maybe for the first time. And that changes everything about how healing needs to look.This episode breaks down three concepts from developmental trauma research that explain why nervous system regulation can feel so darn hard, and why that has nothing to do with how hard you're trying.Foundational dysregulation. Blended autonomic states. Defensive accommodations.These are the missing pieces that explain why you can feel wired and exhausted at the same time, why your coping strategies became your personality, and why the standard regulation tools keep hitting a wall.This episode draws on the work of Peter Levine and clinical literature on the side effects of developmental trauma.You are absolutely not broken. There is a real reason you feel the way you do.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Childhood emotional neglect doesn't always look like what you'd expect. Sometimes it looks like a parent who showed up to every game, made dinner every night, and still wasn't really there. That gap between what was present and what was missing is exactly what we're unpacking today.Dr. Danica Harris is a somatic experiencing practitioner and complex trauma expert, and she breaks down why emotional neglect is so hard to identify, what it costs the body to grow up as the easy kid, and what healing actually looks like when you go low and slow. If you've ever said "I had a good childhood" and still felt like something was off, this one is for you.Find Dr. Danica Harris@theempoweredtherapist on Instagram and Facebook @empoweredhealingdallas for her group practiceCheck out her group practice here and learn more about working with Danica here-Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

After my conversation with Janina Fisher about dissociative parts, my inbox exploded with questions about dissociation. So today, I'm answering three that showed up a few timesIn this episode, we're covering:Why you might dissociate MORE in therapy than anywhere else (and why that doesn't mean therapy isn't working)How to tell the difference between zoning out and actual dissociationWhy you can tell your trauma story without feeling anything, and what that really meansIf you've ever driven home from therapy wondering why your brain keeps checking out, or if you've told your story a hundred times but can't seem to access the feelings, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Early warning signs of dissociation in your body (before it fully takes over)How to use orienting to stay present when things get heavyThe difference between depersonalization and derealizationWhy emotional numbness is protection, not proof that nothing happenedThree concrete ways to start rebuilding the bridge between your story and your bodyMentioned in This Episode:Episode with Janina Fisher on dissociative parts (listen if you haven't yet!)Window of toleranceState-dependent memoryDorsal vagal shutdown responseThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Betrayal doesn't just hurt. It rewires your nervous system, shakes your ability to trust yourself, and makes you question everything you thought you knew about your relationship. In this episode, Joe Sanok shares what happened when his marriage ended suddenly on an RV trip, how he navigated the shock of becoming an unexpected single dad, and what it actually took to rebuild his life without replaying the same patterns.Joe talks openly about waking up in a camper next to someone who was already gone, the nervous system chaos that followed, and why he built a "support committee" instead of white-knuckling his way through alone. We also get into dating after betrayal, how to show up for yourself when everything feels uncertain, and what it looks like to trust again without abandoning the parts of you that are still healing.This conversation is for anyone who's been blindsided by betrayal, anyone who's had to rebuild their sense of safety from the ground up, or anyone who's wondered if they'll ever feel solid in a relationship again.Topics covered:What betrayal trauma does to your nervous systemHow Joe's marriage ended and what the early days looked likeWhy building a support committee matters more than going it aloneDating after betrayal without repeating the same patternsLearning to trust yourself again after your judgment feels brokenHow to parent through your own crisisRebuilding safety in your body and relationshipsDownload Joe's new book: Dating After Betrayal: A Guided Healing and Re-Entry Experience here.Listen to Joe's podcast, Practice of the Practice on Apple or SpotifyLearn more about Joe's Consulting ServicesThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if forgetting your childhood, feeling disconnected from your emotions, or experiencing different "versions" of yourself weren't signs that something's wrong with you, but evidence of how brilliantly your brain protected you?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Janina Fisher, one of the leading experts on trauma and dissociation, to unpack what dissociation actually is and why it's a survival response, not a pathology. We talk about why so many people say "I had a good childhood" even when they can barely remember it, what's really happening when you lose time or feel like different parts take over, and how understanding your parts can change everything about how you heal.Dr. Fischer breaks down her Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) model and explains why chasing "safety" might be the wrong goal if you've never known what safety feels like. This conversation gets real about fight parts, attached parts, and why noticing what's happening inside you matters more than remembering every detail of what happened to you.If you've ever felt fragmented, disconnected, or like parts of you don't quite fit together, this episode will help you see yourself through a completely different lens.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

This episode is a bit different. If it's not for you, that's okay.Right now, a lot of us are struggling. The anxiety that won't quit, the rage that scares you, the numbness that makes you wonder what's wrong with you, the exhaustion that feels bone-deep. You're not overreacting. Your nervous system is responding to real threat.In this episode, we talk about what happens in your body when threat is ongoing and there's no clear way to resolve it. We look at vicarious trauma, suppressed anger, grief that doesn't feel like sadness, and the shame of struggling when you think you should be stronger.If you're trying to figure out how to care without being destroyed by it, how to stay engaged without depleting yourself completely, this one's for you.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, I sit down with Cassidy DuHadway, author of "Becoming Me," to talk about religious trauma as complex trauma. We dig into how growing up in systems that demand you not be yourself creates deep attachment wounds, shame spirals, and an outsourcing of your internal knowing.Cassidy breaks down what religious trauma actually is, how it shows up in adult relationships, and why leaving or deconstructing your faith creates such profound grief and identity loss. We talk about the cost of purity culture, the weight of intergenerational patterns, and what it takes to rebuild when everything you knew gets questioned.This conversation is for anyone who's felt the quiet pressure to conform, who's carried shame that never quite made sense, or who's grieving what could have been if they'd had different choices earlier in life.About Cassidy DuHadway: Cassidy DuHadway, LCSW, is a trauma therapist, EMDR Approved Trainer, and author of "Becoming Me: Unraveling and Healing the Sacred Wounds of Religious Trauma." She specializes in complex trauma and emotional neglect and is the CEO of Purple Sky Counseling in Utah.Connect with Cassidy:Follow Cassidy on Instagram: @therapywithcassidyCheck out her website: cassidyduhadway.comPurchase her book: "Becoming Me: Unraveling and Healing The Sacred Wounds of Religious TraumaLearn more about her Utah therapy practice and work with her team: Purple Sky CounselingThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

"What counts as a trigger for CPTSD? And why do I get triggered by everyday stuff that shouldn't feel threatening?"If you've ever found yourself completely activated by something that seems small to everyone else (a text message, a tone of voice, someone's silence), this episode is for you.I'm breaking down what triggers actually are in complex trauma, why your body responds to threat cues that your conscious mind doesn't recognize, and what to do when you feel like you're walking around with an invisible tripwire system.What we cover:Why triggers are often reminders of a state rather than a specific eventThe neuroscience behind why your body can hold trauma even when you don't have clear memoriesHow to tell the difference between being triggered and being overloadedSeven practical steps to work with your triggers without turning life into a self-monitoring projectWhy the whole "I shouldn't be triggered because I don't remember anything" mindset is keeping you stuck.Download my FREE Dysregulation Toolkit Here! Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if your anxiety, depression, or chronic overwhelm aren’t personal failures, but the echoes of unprocessed trauma?In this week’s episode, Sarah sits down with EMDR therapist, consultant, and author Thomas Zimmerman, whose work has shaped how thousands of clinicians around the world approach complex trauma. Together, they unpack what recovery from complex trauma actually looks like and why it’s not about willpower, positive thinking, or pushing through.You’ll hear Thomas’ refreshingly honest take on:Why trauma is “learning that’s not meant to be changed easily”How EMDR helps the nervous system update old survival learningWhy so many survivors struggle to “slow down and notice” (and what to do instead)The importance of preparation and resourcing before trauma processingHow to widen your window of tolerance without getting floodedAnd why, even though recovery takes time, it’s one of the most beautiful acts of self-liberation there isThis conversation is both validating and practical for anyone walking the long, brave path of reclaiming themselves after complex trauma.Connect with Thomas Zimmerman:Book: EMDR with Complex TraumaYouTube: Thomas Zimmerman EMDRHis website: Thomas Zimmerman EMDRConnect with Sarah & Reclaim Therapy:https://www.yourcomplextrauma.comFollow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

It's New Year's Eve, and if you're feeling anything other than excited, there's absolutely nothing wrong with you.This isn't your typical "new year, new you" pep talk. It's for the trauma survivors who are exhausted by the pressure to transform, who feel like they're failing because they didn't have some massive breakthrough this year, or who are just relieved the dumpster fire of 2025 is over.In this episode, I talk about why New Year's can be so hard when you're healing from complex trauma, why your nervous system doesn't care about artificial timelines, and what actually supports healing (spoiler: it's not punishing yourself into productivity).I also get real about my own year, what I'm hoping for in 2026, and the moment I realized I've been so busy overfunctioning that I don't even have hobbies.Plus, a sneak peek at what's coming in 2026: narcissism in families, religious trauma, emotional neglect, dissociation, and betrayal trauma.Whatever you're feeling tonight, it's allowed. You're allowed to be exactly where you are.Happy New Year....Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

That weird week between the holidays and New Year's hits different. You've survived the holiday chaos, the family dynamics, the endless to-do lists, and now you're supposed to just... exist? Enter: the emotional hangover.In this episode, we break down why that post-holiday crash feels so brutal and what actually helps when you're running on empty.What We Cover:Why 80-90% of adults report increased stress during the holidays (and why the crash afterwards is inevitable)The real reason that week between Christmas and New Year's feels like floating through spaceHow family dynamics amplify emotional exhaustion (hello, suddenly being 12 years old again)Five practical ways to take care of yourself when you're emotionally hungoverWhy grief shows up in unexpected ways during this seasonHow to honor your actual capacity instead of pushing throughKey Takeaways: Research shows more than half of adults need weeks to feel regulated after the holidays. If you're crashed on the couch questioning everything, you're recovering. That's what your nervous system is supposed to do.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

You set a boundary. They ignored it. You repeated yourself. They pushed again. And by the fourth time, you weren't calmly redirecting anymore, you were yelling, crying, or walking out. Now you're sitting with shame, wondering if all that therapy was pointless.In this episode, I answer a listener question about what to do when family members repeatedly violate your boundaries during holiday gatherings. I talk about what's actually happening in your body when boundaries get crossed (spoiler: you're not choosing to lose your temper, you're in a survival response), why family systems resist your boundaries so hard, and the difference between a boundary and a request (this one's huge).In this episode, we cover:What happens in your nervous system when boundaries get violated repeatedlyWhy your family pushes back so hard when you start setting limitsThe difference between boundaries and requests (and why this matters)How family roles (peacekeeper, scapegoat, parentified child) affect boundary violationsSix practical strategies to protect yourself at Christmas gatheringsWhat to do if you lose your temper again (because it might happen)Why losing your temper doesn't erase your healing workResources mentioned:Free Dysregulation SOS ToolkitHave a question for the podcast?Head to www.yourcomplextrauma.com/contact to record your question. We only share with your permission.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If family gatherings leave you feeling drained or like you're reverting to an old version of yourself, you're not alone. EMDR therapist and yoga teacher, Abby Albright, returns to discuss the invisible rules governing dysfunctional family systems and how they intensify during the holidays.We explore six categories of unspoken family rules: emotional (don't feel, don't be sad), need-based (don't need anything), relational (don't rock the boat, don't outshine anyone), role-based, loyalty (protect the family image), and safety rules. These aren't written anywhere, but they live in our bodies and shape how we show up.Abby shares how these patterns create physical tension, why breaking invisible rules feels scary, and practical ways to find choice within challenging family dynamics. We talk about being a pattern breaker and giving yourself permission to show up differently, even in small ways.What You'll Learn:How to recognize the six types of invisible family rulesWhy family gossip reinforces dysfunctional patternsThe gap between family image and realitySmall ways to practice choice during difficult gatheringsWhen to lean into curiosity vs. contain awarenessCheck out Abby's Therapeutic Yoga offerings hereFor more on dysfunctional family dynamics around the holidays, tune into:Family Dysfunction: What It Is and What To Do With ItDysfunctional Family Dynamics & The HolidaysThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Judith Herman, author of the groundbreaking book Trauma and Recovery, to talk about complex PTSD, trauma recovery, and what justice actually means to survivors.Dr. Herman explains why complex trauma is still overlooked in mental health training, what the three stages of trauma recovery really look like in practice, and why isolation is one of the biggest predictors of poor outcomes. We also dig into her latest book, Truth and Repair, where she interviewed 30 survivors about what they actually want when it comes to accountability and healing.This conversation challenges everything you think you know about justice, punishment, and what it takes to move forward after trauma. If you've ever felt invisible, unheard, or like the system wasn't built for you, this episode will validate every single thing you've been feeling.Topics covered:The three stages of trauma recovery: safety, remembrance and mourning, and reconnectionWhy complex PTSD still isn't recognized in the DSMWhat survivors want more than anything (acknowledgment and vindication)Why most survivors don't want punishment or even apology from their abusersThe role of bystanders in healing and harmHow isolation impacts recovery and why finding your people mattersDr. Herman's one message to trauma survivorsIf this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If you've been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, or bipolar - but nothing quite fits - you might actually be dealing with Complex PTSD. In this episode, I break down the crucial differences between PTSD and CPTSD, why so many trauma survivors get misdiagnosed, and why traditional therapy approaches often miss the mark for complex trauma. Be sure to listen to my interview with Dr. Judith Herman next!Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Welcome to the Complex Trauma Podcast, formerly Reclaim You. If you’ve been minimizing your experiences as “not that bad,” holding it together for everyone else because you don’t know another way, or you’re finally ready to understand why you are the way you are in the world, you’re in the right place.Host Sarah Herstich shares the story behind the rebrand, her journey from treating eating disorders to specializing in complex trauma, and what’s coming next.What You’ll Learn:• Why the podcast evolved from Reclaim You to the Complex Trauma Podcast• The connection between eating disorders and complex trauma that kept showing up in practice• How becoming a parent (especially to a neurodivergent child) deepened Sarah’s understanding of trauma and the nervous system• What complex trauma actually looks like in daily life beyond the symptoms• Why so many survivors say “it wasn’t that bad” and minimize their experiences• What to expect from upcoming solo episodes and expert interviews• How having language for complex trauma can change everything about your healingWhat’s Coming:• The critical difference between PTSD and CPTSD• Expert conversations with Janina Fisher, Dr. Judith Herman, and Thomas Zimmerman• Deep dives into how trauma lives in your body and nervous system• Understanding overlooked childhood experiences that shape who you are todayWho This Podcast Is For:Cycle breakers. People re-parenting themselves. People who’ve been holding it together for everyone else because they don’t know another way. People who feel numb or dissociated. There are really good reasons for the way you are in the world.New here? Subscribe to the Complex Trauma Podcast and join a community where you can feel seen, understood, and less alone.Been here since Reclaim You? Thank you for walking alongside us through every version of this work. Same heart, same mission, new name.If this episode resonated, leave a review to help other complex trauma survivors find this podcast when they need it mostThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Does love feel overwhelming, triggering, or just plain scary? If you have Complex PTSD, your nervous system might be treating intimacy like a threat, even when you desperately want connection.In this episode, I break down why CPTSD makes love feel so complicated, what's actually happening in your nervous system when someone gets close, and the real (messy, non-linear) path to trusting love again. If you're wondering about Complex PTSD and relationship, this episode is for you.You'll learn:What CPTSD actually is and how it's different from PTSDWhy your body goes into alarm mode when someone shows you genuine loveHow childhood attachment wounds show up in adult relationshipsPractical steps to start rewiring your nervous system for safety in loveWhat to do when you get emotionally triggered by your partnerHow to support someone you love who has CPTSDThis episode is for you if:You pull away when someone gets too closeYou're constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop in relationshipsYou know you deserve love but your body doesn't feel safe receiving itYou love someone with trauma and want to understand how to helpWhether you're struggling to accept love yourself or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a bit of hope and concrete tools for healing.Resources mentioned:Original blog post: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/a-cptsd-therapist-shares-tips-to-accept-love-as-a-complex-ptsd-survivorPTSD vs CPTSD: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/ptsd-vs-cptsd-trauma-therapyFree Attachment Guide: https://www.subscribepage.com/attachment-style-guideConnect with the Reclaim Therapy Team: https://www.reclaimtherapy.orgThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this solo episode, trauma and EMDR therapist Abby Albright breaks down what trauma-informed yoga actually is and why it can be such a powerful support for healing. She explores how this gentle approach to movement creates space for choice, consent, and nervous system awareness, especially for those living with trauma.You’ll learn how trauma-informed yoga differs from traditional yoga classes, why it’s rooted in Polyvagal Theory, and how practices like grounding, breathwork, and mindful movement can help shift you out of survival states and into connection. Abby also shares real-life examples of how she uses yoga to navigate hyperarousal, shutdown, and moments of presence in her own life and practice.Whether you’re a beginner, a trauma survivor, or a therapist curious about incorporating somatic practices into your work, this episode offers an accessible, embodied entry point into healing.Read this episode on the blog here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/what-is-trauma-informed-yogaLearn more about yoga with Abby here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/trauma-informed-yoga-therapyGrab a FREE 30 minute Yoga Class here: https://www.subscribepage.com/abbys-yoga-newsletterThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this mini episode, Abby gets personal, sharing how her journey from dance to yoga became a turning point in her own healing. She opens up about what it meant to shift from performance to presence, and how yoga helped her slow down, reconnect with her body, and build a foundation rooted in awareness and self-trust.You’ll hear reflections on the lessons she’s learned on the mat (and off), the power of starting with the basics, and why community matters just as much as the poses. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning after a long break, this episode offers a gentle reminder: it’s not about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing it with care.Read the full blog at https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/5-ways-yoga-has-supported-me-in-my-healingLearn more about Abby's Yoga offerings here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/trauma-informed-yoga-therapySign up for Abby's FREE 30 minute on demand yoga class at https://www.subscribepage.com/abbys-yoga-newsletterThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

You’ve been showing up to therapy. You’re naming your patterns, doing the work and still wondering: Why am I not feeling better?In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma and EMDR therapist Ashley Fox to explore why therapy can feel stagnant, confusing, or even discouraging at times and how those exact moments might reflect slow, meaningful change beneath the surface.Together, they unpack three reasons therapy might feel like it’s not working, including:Why insight isn’t the same as nervous system readinessWhat it means when emotional discomfort increases in recoveryHow “nothing happened today” sessions are often signs of deepening trustThe role of relational healing, body awareness, and pacing in long-term changeIf you’re navigating trauma or eating disorder recovery and questioning your progress, this conversation will help you recognize the more nuanced signs of healing and reconnect with the work you’re doing.Be sure to: → Subscribe to Reclaim You for more conversations on healing, embodiment, and recovery → Visit https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/ashley-fox-trauma-therapist-pennsylvania to learn more about Ashley’s clinical work and availability at Reclaim TherapyThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If the words “be kind to yourself” make you want to roll your eyes (or run) you’re not alone. For many trauma survivors, self-compassion doesn’t feel good. It feels awkward. Threatening. Even fake.In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma therapist Erin Witmer for an honest conversation about what makes self-compassion so hard to access, and why the resistance itself is often a form of protection. Erin shares her personal and professional journey with softening toward herself, the early life messages that shape people's inner voice, and what it looks like to meet shame and perfectionism with something gentler.They explore: → What self-compassion actually is (and isn’t) → Why it can feel so cringey—even in recovery → The inner critic’s role in survival → Tiny ways to begin practicing self-kindness without forcing itLooking for a trauma therapist or an EMDR therapist? Learn more about Erin here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/erin-witmer-trauma-therapist-horsham-paAnd, be sure to grab the FREE Self-Compassion Myth-Buster PDF here:https://www.subscribepage.com/self-compassion-myth-busterThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

If asking for help feels like a risk…If you pride yourself on being “the strong one”…If burnout sneaks up on you even when you're doing everything right,  this episode is for you.Sarah and Abby are talking about the hidden costs of hyper-independence. They unpack how this survival strategy gets wired into your nervous system, why it often stems from trauma or emotional neglect, and how it can quietly erode your capacity for rest, trust, and connection.They explore: → Why over-functioning is often a form of self-protection → How hyper-independence shows up in recovery from CPTSD and eating disorders → What it takes to unlearn “I’m fine” conditioning → The power of nervous system safety and relational healingAs always, this one’s not about blame, it’s about awareness, self-compassion, and tiny ways to soften. Download the FREE Hyper-Independence Self-Inventory A reflection tool to help you name where over-functioning is showing up, and what it might be protecting. 👉 https://www.subscribepage.com/hyper-independence-self-inventoryThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if the biggest signs of healing aren’t big at all?In this episode, Sarah is joined by Laura for a conversation about the micro-moments that might mark recovery from trauma and disordered eating. Together, they unpack five powerful cues that your nervous system is shifting toward safety: like noticing your body, making a small choice, or feeling a flicker of joy without shutting it down.You’ll hear:Why awareness is a milestone, not a “first step”How setting the tiniest limit can signal huge changeWhy pleasure often feels threatening before it feels goodWhat reconnection really looks like after bingeing, freezing, or shutting downThis is your permission to stop waiting for the “aha” moment—and start honoring the quiet ones.🎧 Plus: Grab our free Micro-Moments Tracker to help you notice what’s already healing. https://www.subscribepage.com/tiny-moments-tracker✍🏼 Check Out This Week's Blog: Signs of Safety to Look for in Trauma Recovery: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/signs-of-safety-to-look-for-in-trauma-recoveryThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if your anxiety, shutdown, or overwhelm aren’t signs of failure—but signs your body is finally healing?In this episode of Reclaim You, Sarah breaks down one of the most misunderstood ideas in trauma recovery: that nervous system regulation = being calm. (Spoiler: it doesn’t.)You’ll learn:Why calm isn’t always regulation—and why stillness can be a shutdown in disguiseWhat dysregulation actually means in a trauma-informed frameworkHow real healing builds nervous system flexibility, not perfectionThe truth about survival states, and how your body completes what it never got to finishIf you’ve been doing the work and still feel overwhelmed, this conversation will reframe how you see your nervous system—and help you stop judging what’s actually progress.🔗 Free downloads: [Regulation Isn’t the Goal Worksheet] https://www.subscribepage.com/nervous-system-regulation [Window of Tolerance Worksheet]https://www.subscribepage.com/windowoftoleranceThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Ever felt like you’re floating through life, watching it all happen from the outside? That might be dissociation—and no, it's not as scary as it soundsIn this episode, Sarah and Casey unpack what dissociation really is (hint: it’s more common than you think). They explore how it shows up across a spectrum, from zoning out during conversations to feeling completely disconnected from your body—and why these responses make so much sense in the context of trauma.You'll hear:How dissociation functions as protection, not pathologyWays it can show up in daily life without you realizingPersonal stories from Sarah and Casey’s own healing journeysWhy reconnecting with your body takes time, care, and zero shame💌 Grab the free resource mentioned in the episode: Free Embodiment Map: Tiny Bridges Back to Your Body — a gentle guide to help you feel a little more here.Grab our Window of Tolerance Worksheet hereIf this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s healing from disconnection too. And make sure you're following Reclaim You so you don’t miss what’s next 🧡.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if the thing you're grieving never even happened?In this mini episode, Sarah explores the quiet ache of emotional neglect—the grief of what you didn’t get. No big event. No goodbye. Just an invisible heaviness that lingers. If you've ever felt sadness you can't explain, this one’s for you.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

What if your body was never the problem?In this episode, Sarah sits down with Registered Dietitian, Heather Rudalavage for a real, unfiltered conversation about body image, intuitive eating, and the messy truth behind self-acceptance. Together, they unpack the unrealistic expectations we’re taught to have about our bodies, and explore what it actually looks like to build a more compassionate relationship with ourselves.They talk about: ✨ Letting go of “shoulds” around body size and health ✨ How aging impacts body image (and why that’s not a bad thing) ✨ Why intuitive eating isn’t about rules—it’s about trust ✨ Moving beyond appearance to appreciate what your body can doThis episode is a gentle reminder: you don’t have to earn your worth through your appearance. Coming home to your body is possible—at any age, in any size.Learn more about Heather and her work at https://intuitive-nutrition.com or follow her on Instagram at antidiet.heather Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, Sarah and Kri Gore LMFT dive into ADHD, neurodivergence, and sober curiosity, exploring how societal norms shape our identities and what it takes to break free. They unpack the power of self-compassion, the impact of sensory overload, and how somatic practices can help you reconnect with your body.Takeaways:Why ADHD can make you feel different, and how to embrace it.The truth about sober curiosity (no labels, just exploration).How somatic practices support healing and emotional regulation.The role of community in reclaiming your identity.Be sure to check Kri out on Instagram @the_introvertish_therapist and on her website at https://www.healingfromthecouch.com/ Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Join Abby Albright, a trauma and EMDR therapist, each month for a mindful moment.This month's meditation is centered around rest.We trust that you'll use your discretion, listening and/or participating when you are safe (not driving) and distraction free. Feel free to download this episode to refer back to the meditation as you need.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, Sarah and Casey take a deep dive into loneliness—the kind that lingers even when you're surrounded by people. They explore how childhood experiences shape our sense of connection, why loneliness can sometimes feel protective, and why "just make friends" is the worst advice ever. Together, they unpack the emotional roots of isolation, the role of emotional attunement, and how understanding your loneliness can actually be a path to healing.Takeaways:Loneliness is about disconnection, not just being alone.You can feel lonely in a crowded room.Sometimes, loneliness serves as self-protection.Making friends isn’t always the fix.Exploring loneliness can lead to self-awareness and growth.Childhood experiences shape how we experience loneliness.Emotional attunement is key to meaningful connection.Social anxiety often traces back to trauma and attachment wounds.Resilience and loneliness can coexist.Join us for a conversation that validates your experience, challenges the myths, and offers a deeper understanding of loneliness beyond the usual “just put yourself out there” advice.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this mini episode, we get real about self-care in eating disorder.Not the bubble bath, surface-level version, but a deeper dive into reclaiming your worth and even the smallest sense of safety in your body. Join me as we unpack how eating disorder recovery is about challenging toxic beliefs and understanding the vital role our nervous system plays in coping. I share insights on finding those small, powerful moments of safety that pave the way for healing, trusting your body, and stepping into a life where you truly matter. If you're ready to break old patterns and embrace a self-care practice that honors your complex journey, this mini episode is just for you.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Social media is full of trauma talk—but how much of it is actually helpful? In this episode, Sarah and Laura unpack the rise of ‘social media therapy,’ the dangers of misinformation, and why trauma healing requires more than just a viral post. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Do I actually have trauma, or is this just life?’ this one’s for you.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Let’s be real- life can feel like a lot. Between social media making us feel like we’re always falling behind, relationship struggles, and the never-ending pressure to be better, it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed. In this episode, Sarah and Emily are digging into the weight of expectations. Where they come from, how they mess with our self-worth, and what we can actually do about it.We’ll talk about the sneaky ways societal standards shape how we see ourselves (spoiler: they’re mostly nonsense), why self-care isn’t just bubble baths, and how to create breathing room in your life... think social media breaks, breaking tasks into bite-sized pieces, and, yeah, maybe even therapy.At the end of the day, falling into shame filled cycles of feeling pressured to do more, to be more, is a trap. You are already enough and taking action in your life that is free from shame and the external pressure cooker that is our culture is the name of the game. Join us as we talk about working on untangling self-worth from all the noise telling us otherwise. Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, Sarah explores the often-overlooked impact of childhood emotional neglect- what happens when emotional needs go unmet. She unpacks the subtle signs, like difficulty identifying emotions, chronic anxiety, and hyper-independence, and explains how these patterns shape relationships and self-worth. She also dives into the science behind emotional neglect and shares practical insights on healing. Tune in to learn how recognizing, grieving, and validating your experiences can lead to deep emotional recovery—because you are not broken, you are healing, and you are worthy of love.Read the full blog at: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/how-childhood-emotional-neglect-can-show-up-in-adulthoodHow Trauma Affects the Brain:https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/how-trauma-affects-the-brainOverlooked Traumatic Childhood Experienceshttps://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/overlooked-childhood-trauma-experiences Shame- What It Is & Where It Comes Fromhttps://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/what-is-shameThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Join Abby Albright, a trauma and EMDR therapist, each month for a mindful moment.This month's meditation is centered around balance.We trust that you'll use your discretion, listening and/or participating when you are safe (not driving) and distraction free. Feel free to download this episode to refer back to the meditation as you need.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this episode, Sarah and Ashley dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- what it is, how it shows up, and ways to cope. They unpack the symptoms and different types of SAD while offering practical tips like working on sleep hygiene, light therapy, better sleep habits, and when to seek extra support. Ashley normalizes the tough emotions that can come with SAD and shares ways to face the changing seasons with hope and proactive care. If winter blues feel familiar, this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Happy 2025!!Today the entire team is here to share 18 things to do in 2025 instead of going on a diet.We know the lure toward dieting this time of year is strong, so if you're feeling pulled, we're sending you endless compassion and our unwavering belief that you are and your body are worthy of love, care, kindness and connection in the here and now, exactly as you are 🧡.Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

On today's mini episode, Sarah shares about the concept of post-traumatic growth. She outlines ten signs of post-traumatic growth, highlighting the importance of inner strength, authentic connections, and self-compassion. Additionally, she introduces the five stages of post-traumatic growth.To read more about post traumatic growth, head to our blog post here:https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/what-is-post-traumatic-growthThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

Today, Sarah is joined by special guest Johanna Kulp, a therapist and author of the upcoming book "Finding Peace With Your Body: A Body Image Guide for Women."Johanna shares about her book, which aims to provide tools for women to reclaim their body image and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies and talks about the many complexities of body image. From her personal journey with an eating disorder to her professional insights as a therapist, Johanna truly embodies what it is like to find heal from body-shame.Throughout the conversation they explore the societal and cultural factors that shape our perceptions of body image, the importance of addressing these issues in therapy, and the need for rebellion against harmful narratives. Be sure to check Johanna out on instagram @johannakulp.lcsw and tiktok @johannakulp.lcswPreorder her book on:AmazonBarnes and NobleRoutledgeThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

In this conversation, Sarah and Laura explore the intersection of spirituality and psychology, discussing the importance of reclaiming ancient wisdom practices and the three centers of knowing: intellectual, heart, and embodied. Laura shares about her journey through recovery, explains wisdom practices, the significance of joyful movement in recovery and the ripple effect of wisdom in personal and communal contexts. The discussion also touches on the challenges of modern life and the need for connection and understanding in therapeutic practices.Also be sure to check out our new logo on our website and let us know what you think! Check out Laura's Blog here:https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/reclaiming-our-voices-healing-wisdom-for-the-worriedThanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcswLearn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim TherapyThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.