That's Where I'm At

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura speaks with licensed psychotherapist, creative arts therapist, and Brave Hearts Speak podcast host Lucia Severtson, founder of The Brave Women's Community Center, a trauma-informed, arts-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women and girls heal from abuse, reconnect with their inner voice, and reclaim their power. Drawing on her background in psychotherapy, theatre, dance/movement therapy, and the creative arts, Lucia shares her deeply personal journey through OCD, a traumatic health scare linked to birth control, and the lasting impact of narcissistic abuse. She opens up about how severe insomnia and suicidal thoughts led her to seek specialized OCD therapy, ultimately transforming her life.
Inspired by her own healing journey, Lucia created The Brave Women's Community Center to provide therapeutic improv, storytelling circles, empowerment workshops, and other trauma-informed programs that help women move beyond survival and rediscover joy, creativity, and purpose. Throughout the conversation, she and Laura explore the power of community, creative expression, and self-compassion in the healing process, reminding listeners that bravery isn't about being fearless—it's about showing up, reclaiming your voice, and embracing a life filled with hope and authenticity.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Guest Introduction (00:01:30) Laura introduces Lucia Sivertsen, a psychotherapist and founder of the Brave Women's Community Center, specializing in arts-based therapy.
Lucia's Journey into Therapy (00:02:35) Lucia explains her work is rooted in her personal history, including her family of origin and a 2019 OCD episode.
Health Scare and OCD Onset (00:03:12) Lucia details a severe health scare from birth control, leading to weight loss, insomnia, and an intense OCD episode.
Suicidal Thoughts and Seeking Help (00:05:41) Lucia describes how severe sleep deprivation led to suicidal thoughts and the realization that her mind, not her body, was sick.
Finding the Right Therapist (00:07:25) Lucia shares the relief of finding a therapist specializing in OCD and the sadness of accepting her brain disorder diagnosis.
Women's Healthcare and Medical Abuse (00:08:56) The conversation shifts to the poor treatment of women in healthcare, particularly regarding perimenopause, framing it as a form of abuse.
A Painful Doctor's Visit (00:14:21) Lucia recounts a shaming, invalidating experience with a nurse practitioner who dismissed her suffering and called her crazy.
Healing Through Exposure Therapy (00:16:55) Lucia explains how Exposure and Response Prevention therapy saved her life and taught her the true meaning of being brave.
Narcissistic Abuse and Self-Worth (00:18:18) Lucia realized her family history of narcissistic abuse caused deep-seated negative beliefs about herself, feeling like she was "nothing."
Creating the Brave Women's Community Center (00:22:48) Lucia was inspired to create a safe, non-competitive space for women to heal and find their own embodiment of bravery.
The Power of Creative Arts in Healing (00:25:10) Laura and Lucia discuss how trying new creative activities helps rebuild neural pathways and heal the brain after trauma.
Building a Safe Community (00:30:06 Lucia describes creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where women can overcome fear and reclaim their creativity without pressure to perform.
Storytelling Circles and Therapeutic Improv (00:35:12) Lucia explains her podcast's origin and her therapeutic improv workshops, which use play and writing to facilitate storytelling and healing.
The Courage to Heal (00:39:13) The discussion covers how abuse erodes courage and how small, brave acts, like decorating a home, are vital steps forward.
Finding Lucia and Her Work (00:43:56) Lucia shares where listeners can find her online, including her website, social media channels, and upcoming creative writing courses.
A Year-Long Theater Program for Survivors (00:45:32) Lucia announces a grant-funded, year-long theater program in Denver for women survivors to create and perform their own show.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Lucia, "I think something clicked for me where I started to realize, 'I don't think my body is sick. I think my mind is sick.'"
Lucia, "What I was looking for all my life that I didn't realize I wanted was to be brave."
Lucia, "I don't have to make my drive in life being safe."
Lucia, "I just wanted to be a fuller human being, and I wanted to help other women do that because I knew I wasn't the only one."
Lucia, "I wanted to find them, and I wanted to be able to provide them with an actual way to embody bravery."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/book-store
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW LUCIA:
WEBSITE: www.bravewomenscommunity.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/bravewomenscommunity/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bravewomenscommunity
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-divieste-severtson-5055351b6/
LISTEN TO BRAVE HEARTS SPEAK PODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/27zFc8gBQICTTK33wn3NUh?si=e626fbc4fa86438a
 
"True bravery isn't fearlessness; it's showing up for yourself, one step at a time."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura sits down with Deana, Lizzie, and Jane—three women whose story sounds like a Lifetime movie, but every word of it is true. Deana and Lizzie were both married to the same narcissistic man, "Rex," who led a double life while leaving a trail of emotional, financial, and sexual abuse behind him. After discovering the truth and connecting with one another, they tracked down his secret girlfriend to warn her, choosing solidarity over silence. Together, they share how Rex's charm masked years of manipulation, discuss the red flags they wish they had recognized sooner, and explain how they broke free from self-blame to transform their pain into purpose. The conversation concludes with practical advice for anyone questioning whether they're experiencing narcissistic abuse, along with an introduction to their podcast, Surviving Toxic Relationships with the Matadors, where they continue helping others recognize abuse and find hope through shared experiences.
Laura's co-host for this episode is Jane. Jane is the ex fiancé of my ex husband. They spent two years together, and we all hung out together in college. She's here to give her perspective of being with the same narcissist I was, and also her experience with narcissistic abuse in other relationships in her life.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
The Likelihood of a Second Toxic Relationship (00:00:00) Women who have been with a narcissist are more likely to end up with another one, who may appear different.
Podcast Introduction (00:00:33) Host Laura introduces the "That's Where I'm At" podcast, a space for women to share their stories and heal.
Trigger Warning (00:01:22) A brief announcement warns listeners that the episode's content may be triggering and advises them to take care.
Introducing the Guests and Their Story (00:01:30) Laura introduces guests Deana and Lizzie, who were married to the same narcissist, and co-host Jane, an ex-fiancée.
Deana's Story: Meeting "Rex" (00:03:00) Deana shares how she met her ex-husband, "Rex," at 17 and married him quickly despite early red flags.
Deana's 27-Year Marriage (00:04:24) Deana describes her 27-year marriage, marked by her ex's sexual addiction, financial abuse, gaslighting, and manipulation.
Ignoring Red Flags (00:06:37) The group discusses seeing red flags early on but being too naive or in survival mode to act on them.
The Trauma Bond (00:10:08) Laura explains how intermittent reinforcement and abuse create a trauma bond, making it difficult for victims to leave.
Lizzie's Story: How She Was Wooed (00:11:21) Lizzie explains how Rex charmed her by helping with her four sons, a different approach than he used with Deana.
Lizzie's Marriage and the Turning Point (00:14:28) Lizzie describes her six-year marriage and how things got weird after a great summer, leading to her leaving him.
Financial Abuse and Reaching Out (00:15:21) Lizzie discovered her credit was ruined and reached out to Deana's son to let him know she was leaving.
Should You Warn the Next Person? (00:17:55) The women debate the difficult decision of whether to warn a narcissist's new partner, who may see them as crazy.
Jane's Perspective (00:20:21) Jane, the ex-fiancée of Laura's ex-husband, shares her experience and the red flags she now recognizes from their relationship.
The Narcissist's Need for Attention (00:22:37)  The group discusses the narcissist's constant need for female attention, possibly stemming from a "mother wound" or self-centeredness.
Connecting Deana and Lizzie (00:25:08) Deana recounts how her son encouraged her to contact Lizzie, leading to a conversation that connected the dots for both.
The Healing Power of Validation (00:27:01) Laura and Jane discuss the profound healing that came from speaking with someone who experienced the exact same narcissist.
Discovering Wife Number Three (00:29:50) Deana and Lizzie found out Rex was dating another woman while married to Lizzie and felt compelled to find her.
Finding and Warning "Jane Doe" (00:31:20) Deana describes the months-long search for the other woman and the phone call where she revealed Rex's double life.
The Aftermath for Wife Number Three (00:35:12) The third wife, Jane, connected with Lizzie, realized the extent of the deception, and had Rex served with annulment papers.
What Attracted Them to the Narcissist (00:38:43) The women reflect on their own vulnerabilities, like low self-esteem and a need for love, that made them susceptible.
Healing Journeys: Gratitude and Journaling (00:49:07) Lizzie shares how journaling and focusing on daily blessings helped her heal and change her mindset during her grief.
Healing Within the Relationship (00:51:06) Deana explains her healing began before the divorce by focusing on her own growth instead of trying to fix him.
Changing the Narrative (00:54:28) Jane discusses how she had to change the internal narrative that everything was her fault to begin her healing process.
Why They Started a Podcast (00:55:58) Deana and Lizzie decided to share their story publicly to help other women after discovering Rex's extensive deception.
How Narcissists Keep Track of Lies (00:57:20) The group discusses how narcissists manage multiple relationships, often by using generic pet names like "sweetie" for everyone.
The Importance of Taking Your Time (00:58:32) Deana notes that her children learned to be discerning in their own relationships after witnessing their father's deceptive behavior.
A Word of Caution for Survivors (01:02:35) Deana advises survivors that trauma can skew their perception, causing them to see red flags even in healthy relationships.
Where to Find the Guests (01:03:49) Deana shares where listeners can find their podcast and social media channels, "Surviving Toxic Relationships with The Matadors."
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Lizzie: "It's hard to keep turning your head on someone that is speaking a language in a season of your life that speaks to you in all the right places."
Deana: "Once it happens to someone else who you know is a wonderful person, you're like, 'Okay, it's not just me. I was right.'"
Deana: "I finally got the epiphany that I could not change him to make myself okay, because that's what I was working on."
Jane: "The main thing was I had to change the narrative that I would always run through my head because I would always make it my fault."
Jane: "Knowing I am not the crazy one, it's not just me overreacting. This is actually happening."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW Deana & Lizzie: 
Website: survivingtoxicrelationships.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingtoxicrelationships/#
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556560386678
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@survivingtoxicrelationships12
Surviving Toxic Relationships Podcast with The Matadoras: https://open.spotify.com/show/66AjWdW7dMB7qBHcqje8GW
 
"Healing begins when the truth replaces the lies and survivors choose each other over silence."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura welcomes Liberty Steele, author of Redeemed Years: From Narcissistic Darkness to Light. Believing she was entering a Christ-centered marriage, Liberty instead spent six years trapped in a relationship marked by narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, subtle physical abuse, and isolation. She shares how love bombing, inadequate support from church counselors, and the misuse of religious teachings kept her trapped, while her abuse was repeatedly dismissed as postpartum depression. After finding freedom, healing, and experiencing the joy of a healthy marriage, Liberty now shares her story through her book and her platform, Shine From Your Shadows, to help others recognize abuse, know they are not alone, and find hope for a brighter future.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Guest Introduction: Liberty Steele (00:01:29) Laura welcomes Liberty Steele, who shares her story of surviving a narcissistic marriage and finding freedom, healing, and hope.
The Isolation of Abuse in a Church Community (00:02:23) Liberty explains why she shares her story, highlighting the isolating experience of abuse within a church community.
Inadequate Church Counseling (00:04:23) Liberty describes receiving unhelpful advice from church counselors who prioritized reconciliation over her safety, even when she was locked out.
Subtle Physical Abuse (00:05:27) Liberty details the subtle physical abuse she endured, like random biting and spanking, which intentionally crossed her established boundaries.
Misinterpreting Scripture on Divorce (00:06:23) The discussion covers how scripture, particularly "God hates divorce," is often misconstrued to keep women in abusive relationships.
The Dangers of Uninformed Counselors (00:09:08) Laura shares a story about a pastor whose uninformed counseling led to a woman being murdered by her abusive husband.
Meeting on a Christian Dating Site (00:12:00) Liberty recounts meeting her ex-husband on Christian Mingle, where he mirrored her desires and engaged in love bombing.
Early Red Flags and Ignoring Intuition (00:15:14) Liberty describes feeling uncomfortable with the rushed physical intimacy on their first meeting but dismissing her gut feelings.
Moving and Mom's Premonition (00:20:05) Liberty moved across the country for him within five months, despite her mother's strong sense that something was wrong.
Extended Premarital Counseling (00:22:06) Counseling lasted nearly a year due to significant issues, including his escalating temper, which was wrongly attributed to PTSD.
The Bait and Switch Proposal (00:25:01) He proposed, then used the counselors' advice to "check in" with his ex-wife as an opportunity to cheat.
The Honeymoon Incident (00:29:25) The honeymoon began with him raging at her on the plane, leaving her sobbing in the hotel bathtub.
The Cycle of Abuse Begins (00:34:00) Liberty describes how the cycle of abuse, forgiveness, and forgetting started on the honeymoon, setting the marriage's tone.
The First Year of Marriage (00:36:04) The first year was filled with emotional abuse, including withholding affection and giving the silent treatment for weeks.
A Story of Betrayal and Isolation (00:38:06) Liberty shares a story of being harassed by a neighbor while her husband refused to defend her, blaming her instead.
Compromising to Reconcile (00:42:23) Liberty recounts being forced into a degrading sexual act to end the silent treatment, with little support from counselors.
The Problem with Couples Counseling in Abuse (00:44:18) The host explains why couples counseling is dangerous in abusive relationships, as abusers manipulate therapists and continue the abuse.
The Impact of Having a Baby (00:50:05) The abuse escalated after their baby was born, disguised as postpartum depression, and included severe sleep deprivation.
Writing "Redeem Years" and Finding Hope (00:53:59) Liberty discusses writing her book, which offers a practical toolkit and a story of hope after finding a healthy marriage.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Liberty, "It was such an isolating experience for me. You don't feel quite safe sharing it in your church community, and you're not sure who is going to accept you or support you."
Liberty, "I wasn't listening to my gut, my Holy Spirit discretion."
Liberty, "I was asking God what was going on. How could this person who just promised to love me my whole life treat me like he hated me?"
Liberty, "It even sounds crazy when you try to think of how to describe this kind of torture to other people. You don't know how to describe it in a way that they would think it was actually believable."
Liberty, "The grief has taught me how much of a gift real love and real partnership is, and that people shouldn't give up on hoping for it."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
RESOURCES: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/resources
 
FOLLOW LIBERTY: 
WEBSITE: Shinefromyourshadows.com
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shine_from_yourshadows
BOOK: https://a.co/d/0fNcZnPX
 
"Real faith never asks you to sacrifice your safety for someone else's control."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura speaks with Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, a therapeutic parenting and divorce custody coach, social justice advocate, and survivor of coercive control. Drawing from both her professional expertise and lived experience, Dr. Christine developed The Protective Parenting Program, an evidence-based, attachment-focused model that helps parents support children harmed by abusive partners. She is an internationally recognized educator on coercive control, presenting to professionals, advocates, and protective parents on the dynamics of abuse and effective intervention strategies. She is also the author of Every Moment of Every Day, co-author of FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld, and her TEDx talk, It Is ALL Coercive Control, has been viewed more than 1.4 million times.
During the conversation, Dr. Christine shares her personal journey through nearly 30 years of psychological abuse and explains how coercive control extends beyond intimate relationships to manipulate children, families, and even court systems. She discusses tactics such as triangulation, reactive abuse, and the challenges protective parents face while navigating custody disputes.
Together, Laura and Dr. Christine explore the critical role of the protective parent, emphasizing that unconditional love, secure attachment, and emotional safety are some of the most powerful tools for helping children heal from abuse. They also discuss grief, rebuilding trust, and restoring family bonds after leaving an abusive relationship, offering hope and practical guidance for survivors seeking to break the cycle of coercive control.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Introducing Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola (00:01:34) The host introduces guest Dr. Cocchiola, detailing her expertise in coercive control, protective parenting, and her professional work.
Dr. Cocchiola Personal Story (00:03:30) Dr. Cocchiola shares how she became an advocate at 19 and later realized she was in a coercively controlling relationship.
The Abuser's Playbook (00:05:04) The speakers discuss how abusers follow a predictable pattern of behavior, which can help victims anticipate their next moves.
Repairing Relationships with Children (00:06:38) Laura discusses repairing her relationship with her adult children after leaving her marriage and apologizing for her reactive behavior.
Reframing "Reactive Abuse" (00:07:45) Dr. Cocchiola reframes "reactive abuse" as self-defense, explaining that victims' reactions are out of character and caused by trauma.
How People End Up in Abusive Relationships (00:10:06) The speakers discuss how upbringing, whether good or bad, doesn't always predict who will end up in an abusive relationship.
Supporting Children After They Visit the Abuser (00:12:41) Dr. Cocchiola explains how protective parents can co-regulate with their children and understand their behavior is a mouthpiece for the abuser.
Defining Coercive Control (00:16:25) Dr. Cocchiola defines coercive control, explaining it includes psychological tactics, financial abuse, legal abuse, and weaponizing children.
The Smear Campaign (02:11:04) Laura shares her experience of discovering her ex-partner's long-term smear campaign against her after their divorce.
Identifying Power Dynamics in Therapy (00:24:36) Dr. Cocchiola demonstrates how a therapist can identify a power imbalance by asking specific questions about the relationship dynamics.
The Dangers of Couples Counseling (00:27:06) Laura shares her negative experience with a marriage counselor who dismissed her concerns and sided with her ex-husband.
Securing Attachment with Your Child (00:31:32) Dr. Cocchiola emphasizes creating a secure attachment by allowing children to be their authentic selves and providing unconditional love.
Abusers Fracturing Family Relationships (00:35:34) The discussion covers how abusers triangulate and pit siblings against each other to maintain control and isolate family members.
The Grief of Protective Parents (00:38:54) Dr. Cocchiola talks about the immense and disenfranchised grief protective parents experience when their relationship with their children is harmed.
Hope for Protective Parents (00:46:04) Dr. Cocchiola offers a message of hope, reminding protective parents that they are their child's greatest healer and superpower.
How to Connect with Dr. Cocchiola (00:48:18) Dr. Cocchiola shares where listeners can find her work, including her website, podcast, and TEDx talk.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Christine, "I would get rid of the word reactive abuse because when you are trapped in the den with the wolf, at some point you're going to fight back."
Christine, "I'm here to say there's no judgment if you stay. People stay for a variety of reasons, and sometimes they have to."
Christine, "The mothering that we all plan to be, the mothering we thought we'd all get to do—it's robbed from you." 
Christine, "I want you to realize that you are your child's greatest healer, that you actually have a skill set that no one else on the planet has."
Christine, "I think we forget how powerful the love we have for our children is, and we're so harmed by the abusive person we don't realize that's our superpower."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW DR. CHRISTINE: 
Website: www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol/
It's All Coercive Control TedX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp2qByKOue4
Every Moment of Every Day: https://a.co/d/07qnzCqm
FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld: https://a.co/d/04A40bT2
Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perfect-prey-a-coercive-control-podcast/id1704962170
 
"A protective parent's greatest strength is the unconditional love they never stop giving."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

In this episode of That's Where I'm At, host Laura speaks with Courtney Copeland, an Integrative Somatic Practitioner, trauma educator, and advocate who brings laughter, healing, and empowerment to clients and audiences around the world. With a Master's Degree in Human Services Counseling and certifications in Integrative Somatic Healing, Thought Field Therapy Algorithms, and other trauma-informed modalities, Courtney combines professional expertise with lived experience to help people understand how trauma impacts both the mind and body. Her work has included serving as Co-Clinical Director for the Tidewater Emergency Medical Services Critical Incident Stress Management team and providing mental health and crisis intervention training for first responders.
Together, Laura and Courtney explore how trauma is stored in the body and often manifests as physical symptoms, as well as the role of modalities such as EMDR, somatic therapy, and nervous system regulation in the healing process. Courtney explains how laughter, crying, movement, and other body-centered practices can help release trapped emotions and support recovery. They also discuss the importance of finding the right therapist, advocating for your needs in the healing journey, and building a personalized toolkit for resilience and growth.
Drawing from both her professional background and real-life experiences, Courtney offers practical, compassionate insights designed to help listeners feel seen, understood, and empowered. She also shares details about her upcoming podcast, Trauma Intersections, and her program, Start With Just One Breath, which provides accessible, body-centered tools for navigating trauma and healing.
 
Key Topics & Timestamps
Guest Introduction: Courtney Copeland (00:01:20) Laura introduces guest Courtney Copeland, an integrative somatic practitioner, and her holistic approach to processing trauma stored in the body.
Courtney's Journey into Trauma Work (00:02:18) Courtney shares her personal story of becoming a trauma professional after a career change and her education in Human Services.
How Trauma is Stored in the Body (00:03:19) An explanation of how the body keeps a record of trauma, sometimes causing emotional immaturity and physical ailments.
Identifying and Processing Stored Trauma (00:04:46) Courtney explains her approach to helping clients identify and process past traumatic events that are affecting their present behavior.
Understanding EMDR (00:08:50) The discussion covers EMDR therapy, how it works without reliving trauma, and its origins from a walk in the park.
The Importance of Professional Guidance (00:11:55) Courtney advises working with a trained professional for deep trauma work like EMDR to ensure safety and proper guidance.
What is a Somatic Practitioner? (00:14:29) Courtney explains somatic work, which uses the body's senses and holistic practices to help release stored trauma and tension.
The Body's Physical Release of Trauma (00:17:44) Discussion on how physical activities like yoga and deep breathing can trigger the release of trapped emotions through shaking or crying.
Finding the Right Therapist (00:20:31) The importance of finding a therapist who is a good fit and knowing when it's time to move on.
The Role of the Therapist (00:26:06) A therapist's job is to remain professional and supportive, creating a safe space for the client's story and emotions.
The Catharsis of Crying (00:27:39) Crying is a natural way the body regulates its nervous system and releases emotions, and it shouldn't be suppressed.
Self-Care After an Emotional Release (00:30:10) Courtney provides tips for self-care after a big emotional release, including nutrition, hydration, rest, and positive self-talk.
The Healing Power of Laughter (00:32:57) Laughter is a powerful tool for healing as it helps regulate breathing and brings light into dark emotional spaces.
Using Your Healing Toolkit (00:37:49) Healing involves using multiple tools and modalities; it's important to find what works for you and build a diverse toolkit.
Advocating for Yourself in Therapy (00:44:52) Listeners are empowered to ask therapists about their training and to leave if it's not a good fit.
Inner Child Work (00:48:05) The validity and healing power of inner child work, which involves comforting and reparenting the younger parts of yourself.
The Gut-Brain Connection (00:52:44) Courtney explains how emotional distress often manifests physically in the gut due to the vagus nerve's extensive network.
Courtney's Upcoming Projects (00:53:24) Courtney announces her new podcast, "Trauma Intersections," and two upcoming signature programs focused on healing and self-care.
 
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Courtney, "I had an episode myself where I didn't have the support that I needed, so I went to grad school and became the person that I needed at that time."
Courtney, "I let all that go. I'm proud of myself for letting that go. You don't have to carry it anymore."
Courtney, "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."
Courtney, "If you have a presenting client that is outside your skill set, you need to own up to it immediately."
Laura, "That's where I found my voice, was in therapy and doing this kind of work."
 
RESOURCES:
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
JOIN THE NICE GUY RECOVERY COMMUNITY: https://www.skool.com/nice-guy-recovery-community-1517
 
FOLLOW COURTNEY:
Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/traumaintersections
Courtney's Podcast: https://podfollow.com/trauma-intersections/view
 
"Trauma may live in the body, but so does the capacity to heal."
 
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
Contact us for expert podcast production and support.