In this episode, Rob shares how childhood sexual abuse shaped his identity through shame, silence, and confusion — and how God has been restoring what was stolen. We talk about trauma bonds, why survivors often mislabel their experiences, and how healing begins when we separate what happened to us from who God created us to be.

If this conversation resonates with your story, Trees of Hope is here to walk with you. Learn more at treesofhope.org.

In this powerful episode, Laura shares how she overcame the trauma of childhood sexual abuse—not once, but twice—by those she trusted most. With raw honesty and unwavering faith, she opens up about the turning point in her healing journey: choosing forgiveness, not to excuse the abuse, but to reclaim her life. This conversation is a testimony to the courage it takes to confront the past, find your voice, and walk in freedom.

If you or someone you know needs healing, visit treesofhope.org for free support resources, healing groups, and prevention tools.

In this raw and redemptive episode, Nicole Dabrowski shares her journey from addiction, homelessness, and despair to healing, purpose, and faith. After hitting rock bottom, Nicole encountered Trees of Hope and the Shelter from the Storm study—a turning point that helped her confront the root causes of her pain and begin the path to restoration.

Nicole’s story is one of radical surrender, deep transformation, and unshakable hope. If you’ve ever questioned whether true healing is possible, this conversation will remind you that nothing is beyond redemption.

Ever catch yourself saying things you’d NEVER say to a friend? We’re diving deep into the battlefield of our minds. On this episode, Nicole and Deb get real about negative self-talk and how it impacts EVERYTHING.

Deb shares a powerful truth: “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Yeah, that’s a LIE! Words, especially the ones we whisper to ourselves, have incredible power.

From wrestling with conviction after a night out to battling the “accuser” in moments of weakness, they reveal how negative thoughts can consume us. But it’s not all doom and gloom! They share practical exercises, such as “shedding it off” and bringing thoughts into the light.

Ready to transform your inner dialogue? What’s one negative thought you’re ready to kick to the curb?

In this powerful episode of the Not Just a Hashtag podcast, we are thrilled to introduce Shannon Nelson, the Director of Calvary House for Women at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. Shannon's journey of redemption is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s one you won’t want to miss!

Growing up, Shannon faced immense challenges, including a painful history of sexual abuse. As a teenager, she sought comfort in unhealthy choices, leading to struggles with drug addiction and further sexual abuse. But today, Shannon stands as a testament to resilience and transformation! Through the unwavering faith in Jesus, deep support of loving friends, and the invaluable lessons of self-reflection and boundary setting, she has completely transformed her life.

Now, Shannon shines as a beacon of hope for women who have endured similar hardships. Her story is not just inspiring—it’s a call to believe in the power of change and the importance of community support.

We are so grateful to have her share her incredible journey with us. Don’t miss this uplifting conversation that could inspire you or someone you know to embrace hope and healing!

In this episode, Deb and her husband, Mike, share their inspiring story of transformation after Deb participated in the Trees of Hope Shelter program. Together, they courageously confronted the challenges of sexual abuse, exploring its effects on individuals and relationships. Through open conversations, they learned to address difficult emotions, strengthening their bond and understanding of their faith. This journey of vulnerability transformed their relationship, leading to resilience and a shared purpose. Deb's journey highlights the importance of compassion over mere problem-solving, understanding individual processing styles, and building trust through honesty and patience. They discuss addressing deep-rooted wounds and embracing emotional maturity. Join them as they explore the role of faith, self-compassion, and the power of community in the healing process. Let their story inspire you to trust in the process and find strength in vulnerability.

After a three-month hiatus, the "Not Just a Hashtag" team has returned!

Are you struggling with negative thoughts or feeling unworthy? You're not alone! Join us for this episode, where we dive into how to swap those harmful beliefs for uplifting biblical truths.

For many survivors, feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy can be really tough to handle. But here's the good news—your value is beyond measure! The Bible is filled with beautiful verses that can help you get to know God better and understand what He says about your life.

True healing begins when we challenge those false beliefs and embrace the fantastic transformation that Jesus can bring into our lives. Let's explore this journey together!

Embark on a courageous journey with Deb as she fearlessly shares her path from pain to healing, aiming to inspire others to confront their experiences of sexual abuse. By embracing vulnerability and resilience, she is determined to shatter the stigma surrounding abuse. Deb urges you to put your story into words and consider sharing it with a trusted friend or counselor or even reciting it to yourself in front of a mirror.

In this episode, Nicole and Deb discuss:

• The transformative impact of journaling
• The unique paths to thriving after trauma
• The power of forgiveness and faith
• Personal reflections on overcoming shame and negative beliefs

Deb's story is a source of hope, demonstrating that healing is achievable. Join us to feel empowered, supported, and part of a caring community. Let's embrace our journeys together.