Forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation. Healing doesn't always mean returning to the relationship that hurt you. And surrender doesn't mean giving up your boundaries.

For anyone carrying childhood wounds, questions about forgiveness, family, faith, and healing can become deeply intertwined. How do you forgive someone who hurt you? Can you experience peace without reconciling? And what happens when trauma has affected your identity, relationships, emotions, and ability to trust?

In this episode of Room to Bloom, Julie Rebboah speaks with author, writer, and trauma-informed coach Hadassah Treu about her journey through childhood trauma, fear, emotional suppression, depression, suicidal thoughts, faith, forgiveness, and healing.

Hadassah shares how a desperate prayer for God to reveal Himself became a turning point in her life and how discovering God's unconditional love changed the way she understood herself, her past, and her relationship with Him.

Julie and Hadassah also unpack the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation and why Christians don't have to pursue peace at any cost.

• Childhood trauma can influence identity, emotional health, relationships, and self-worth long after childhood.
• Healing is possible, even when it happens slowly and in layers.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same—and reconciliation isn't always possible or healthy.
• We can pursue forgiveness without ignoring boundaries or returning to unsafe relationships.
• God can be experienced as gentle, trustworthy, loving, and non-controlling.
• Surrender is a daily practice of trusting God that can create space for greater peace.

00:00 — Introduction to Hadassah Treu

00:23 — Her story and work as an author and trauma-informed coach

03:00 — Childhood trauma, fear, and violence

04:50 — Identity loss, emotional suppression, and depression

06:10 — Suicidal thoughts and searching for purpose

07:25 — Praying for God to reveal Himself

08:20 — Hearing the gospel for the first time

09:05 — Accepting Jesus

10:00 — Why healing is possible after deep trauma

11:05 — Forgiveness and healing her relationship with her father

15:35 — Forgiveness vs. reconciliation

17:05 — When reconciliation isn't possible or healthy

18:40 — Why Christians don't have to pursue peace at any cost

20:40 — Experiencing God's unconditional love

22:35 — Surrender as a daily practice of trust

Website: On the Way BG

Books: Hadassah Treu on Amazon

Community: Join Hadassah's Community

Join Julie on September 19, 2026, from 10 AM–2 PM PT for the Flourish in Hope Women's Virtual Reset & Retreat, with an optional VIP experience from 2:15–3 PM PT.

Get your Flourish in Hope ticket

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical, mental health, or other professional care.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the very thing you've been told is “wrong” with you is actually connected to the way God uniquely designed you?

In Season 5, Episode 10 of Room to Bloom, Julie Rebboah welcomes John “JR” Rennie from BrushFires Ministry for an inspiring conversation about finding your God-given purpose, discovering spiritual gifts, healing from past wounds, spiritual warfare, and experiencing lasting joy through obedience to God.

JR explains why being comes before doing and how living from an endless to-do list can steal our joy. He shares how understanding who God created you to be can help you recognize your gifts, step into your calling, and become more available to God's direction.

We also explore the connection between trauma and purpose. JR explains that deep trauma should be addressed with qualified trauma professionals, while discovering your God-given design and potential can help restore hope and give you a new perspective on your life.

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is the reminder that there is no expiration date on your calling. JR shares examples of people who discovered their purpose later in life—including someone in her 80s who began a prayer ministry that eventually reached people throughout the nation.

00:00 — Welcome: Finding lasting joy through God’s purpose

01:03 — JR’s story and the mission of BrushFires Ministry

01:34 — Being over doing: identity, obedience, and joy

03:55 — Discovering your gifts and calling

05:36 — Spiritual warfare and recognizing attacks on your purpose

08:06 — The A-T-P-I-I framework

09:10 — Trauma, healing, and reclaiming your calling

12:36 — Joy versus worldly happiness

15:47 — Faith, purpose, and no expiration date on your calling

17:21 — How to connect with BrushFires Ministry

18:24 — Closing remarks

JR introduces an acronym designed to help people recognize potential spiritual attacks:

Accusation • Temptation • Provocation • Intimidation • Insinuation

He explains that these experiences can influence our perceptions and provoke reactions rooted in fear, anger, or shame.

For anyone healing from childhood trauma or painful experiences, this episode offers an important reminder: your past does not have to define the rest of your story.

JR shares examples of people who had experienced addiction, homelessness, abuse, and other significant hardships but later discovered gifts for leadership, counseling, and helping others. Their experiences became part of the compassion and perspective they could bring to serving others.

As JR emphasizes, there is no expiration date on your purpose.

Hebrews 11:1 — “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Learn more about JR and BrushFires Ministry, explore their programs, and access their Spiritual Gifts Assessment:

https://www.brushfires-digital.com/

https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com

If this episode encouraged you, subscribe to Room to Bloom, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs encouragement to rediscover their purpose.

What if the thing you thought disqualified you could become part of the very story God uses to help someone else?

Your story isn't over. Your purpose has no expiration date.

Disclaimer: Room to Bloom provides educational and inspirational content and is not a substitute for medical, mental health, trauma, or other professional care.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🦋 What if your anxiety, insomnia, emotional triggers, or chronic stress are connected to unresolved childhood trauma?

In this episode of the Room to Bloom Podcast, Christian Nervous System Coach Julie Rebboah welcomes returning guest John P. Boyle, author of Invisible Wounds, for an insightful conversation about the differences between PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), healing from childhood trauma, nervous system regulation, toxic shame, and the role of faith in recovery.

John shares his personal healing journey and explains why many survivors of childhood trauma struggle with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, addiction, sleep disturbances, and shame without realizing that complex trauma may be the underlying cause. Together, Julie and John explore how childhood trauma changes the brain and nervous system, why trauma symptoms often persist into adulthood, and how trauma-informed care can help people experience lasting healing.

If you're searching for answers about Complex PTSD, childhood trauma recovery, nervous system healing, or Christian mental health, this episode offers practical wisdom, compassionate encouragement, and hope.

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:00 — Introducing Invisible Wounds and the difference between PTSD and CPTSD

00:33 — Why John wrote the book

02:46 — Early symptoms, insomnia, triggers, and alcohol use

05:33 — Understanding toxic shame after childhood trauma

07:55 — PTSD vs. Complex PTSD (CPTSD)

08:59 — Misdiagnosis and finding trauma-informed care

13:32 — Whole-person healing: physical, mental, and emotional health

14:37 — Self-compassion, faith, and healing from shame

18:40 — Forgiveness as a daily choice

23:27 — Final encouragement: Healing and hope are possible

💛 5 Key Takeaways

• Learn the differences between PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) and how chronic childhood trauma impacts lifelong emotional health.

• Understand how toxic shame develops and why it often fuels anxiety, perfectionism, addiction, and relationship struggles.

• Discover how unresolved childhood trauma affects the brain, nervous system, and physical health through symptoms like insomnia, chronic stress, and emotional triggers.

• Explore why trauma-informed, whole-person care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit is essential for healing.

• Be encouraged that faith, forgiveness, self-compassion, and the right support can help you move toward lasting recovery and freedom.

📚 Resources

📖 Learn more about John P. Boyle and his book Invisible Wounds.

https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Wounds-Understanding-Healing-Complex/dp/B0GS46XD1G

🌿 Explore Biblical Breathwork™, Christian nervous system coaching, and additional healing resources from Julie Rebboah.

https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/store

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental healthcare. If you are experiencing trauma symptoms, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, please consult your physician, licensed mental health professional, or another qualified healthcare provider.

Thank you for listening to the Room to Bloom Podcast. If this episode encouraged you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope on their healing journey.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing up in communist Romania, Mia Godfrey experienced childhood trauma, poverty, domestic violence, addiction, and unimaginable loss. In this powerful conversation with Julie Rebboah, she shares how years of carrying shame and unresolved pain eventually led her to seek help—and how EMDR therapy, biblical truth, breathwork, and faith became instrumental in her healing journey.

Mia vulnerably discusses breaking cultural and church stigmas around mental health, overcoming panic attacks and nightmares, and discovering that seeking professional help isn't a sign of weak faith—it's often a courageous step toward the healing God desires.

Whether you're navigating childhood trauma, anxiety, grief, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical encouragement and lasting hope.

0:02 — Welcome to the episode and introduction to Mia Godfrey

1:00 — Mia introduces herself as an author, Bible counselor, EMDR practitioner, and life coach

1:29 — Growing up as the youngest of 10 children in Romania

2:32 — Childhood poverty, long bread lines, and food restriction under communism

3:29 — Exposure to hunger, bullying, and abuse

3:59 — Witnessing domestic violence and living with an addicted father

4:59 — Learning to believe women were lesser than and had to endure abuse

5:56 — Fear of male authority and abusive relationships

7:24 — Alcohol abuse as a normalized part of the culture

8:27 — Her father's moonshine operation and early exposure to drinking

9:21 — Carrying shame and self-blame after drinking as a child

11:11 — Grief, overdose, and leaving home at 18

13:05 — Losing her first husband and replacing alcohol with overworking

14:33 — Caring for her sister during cancer and reaching a breaking point

15:29 — Her first therapy session and beginning to let her guard down

17:10 — Why she once believed therapy was a waste of time

18:56 — Family and church culture around secrecy, shame, and silence

21:24 — Why the right therapist can uncover the root of trauma

23:19 — Connecting nightmares and night terrors to childhood trauma

24:20 — Journaling and EMDR as key parts of healing

26:24 — What EMDR is and how it helped her process painful memories

28:53 — The butterfly hug and box breathing as grounding tools

30:57 — How therapy changed her daily life and reduced panic attacks

📖 Buried Not Broken by Mia Godfrey

Discover Mia's inspiring memoir about overcoming childhood trauma, grief, addiction, and finding hope through faith and healing.

https://www.amazon.com/Buried-Not-Broken-Survival-Sisterhood/dp/B0G6Y12J29

If anxiety, stress, or unresolved trauma have left your nervous system feeling overwhelmed, Julie Rebboah's Biblical Breathwork™ for Anxiety & Stress Relief Digital Album combines Scripture-centered meditation with guided breathing exercises to help calm your body, regulate your nervous system, and experience the peace of Christ.

Get your digital album here: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/store

https://emdria.org/

Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual needs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to stop surviving and start healing?

In this episode of Room to Bloom, Julie Rebboah sits down with Michele Vrabel, author of Butterfly Stitches, to talk about healing from childhood trauma, overcoming shame, and discovering hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

Michele shares how telling her story became part of her healing journey and encourages listeners to acknowledge their wounds without allowing them to define their future. Together, Julie and Michele discuss writing as a healing practice, breaking unhealthy family patterns, forgiveness, parenting differently, and trusting God through life's hardest questions.

Whether you're walking through your own healing journey or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers compassionate encouragement rooted in grace, resilience, and hope.

• Michele's journey from survivor to author and podcast host
• Why abuse is never a child's fault
• Writing your story as a safe step toward healing
• Releasing shame, guilt, and self-protection
• Breaking cycles of anger and family dysfunction
• Faith, forgiveness, and trusting God with difficult questions
• Why your past doesn't have to define your future

00:00 — Meet Michele Vrabel and the mission behind Butterfly Stitches

01:05 — Sharing a survivor's story with care, faith, and purpose

02:19 — Helping others find hope instead of sympathy

03:44 — Why childhood abuse is never the child's fault

04:47 — Protective walls, self-blame, and the healing God offers

05:51 — Freedom from guilt and shame

06:23 — Living out a calling, even when it feels frightening

07:14 — The first step toward healing: acknowledging the wound

08:19 — Writing your story without self-editing

08:50 — The power of speaking and writing pain out loud

09:53 — Letting God in when self-protection has become a wall

10:27 — Looking back to recognize survival, hope, and healing

12:05 — Wrestling with the question: "Why did God allow this?"

13:49 — Forgiveness, human nature, and releasing judgment

14:28 — Understanding and breaking generational cycles

16:38 — Parenting differently: discipline without repeating abuse

17:41 — The lasting harm of anger and destructive words

18:11 — Prayer, self-awareness, and choosing a different response

19:19 — Moving from victimhood toward healing and purpose

21:09 — Your wounds deserve attention, but they do not define you

22:16 — An invitation to consider faith and healing through Jesus

23:18 — Michele's life verse: being quick to listen and slow to anger

24:32 — Where to find Michele, her book, podcast, and retreats

Visit www.michelevrabel.com to learn more about Butterfly Stitches, Michele's podcast, speaking ministry, and retreats.

Connect with Julie

Visit www.ChristianNervousSystemCoach.com to learn more about freedom from anxiety, peaceful sleep or restoration after childhood wounds, or to get your copy of Biblical Breathwork™ for Anxiety & Stress Relief

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of adverse childhood experiences. Listener discretion is advised. The conversation reflects the personal experiences and faith perspectives of the host and guest and is not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are navigating trauma, please seek support from a qualified professional.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⚠️ Listener discretion is advised: this episode discusses abuse, trauma, and addiction.

In this episode, Kelley Gunter shares her powerful story of surviving childhood trauma (S.A.), weight loss, and overcoming multiple cross addictions. Her journey highlights the importance of addressing trauma for true healing and embracing God's love through the process.

We discuss:

• Kelley's early life and childhood trauma
• The impact of trauma on brain development and survival skills
• The dangerous cycle of emotional eating and weight gain as coping mechanisms
• The transformative power of weight loss surgery and its aftermath
• How cross addictions like shopping, pain medication, and gambling took over her life
• The importance of speaking out and seeking help through crisis resources
• The distinction between trauma recovery and addiction recovery
• Practical steps for survivors to begin healing today
• Scripture that reflects Kelley's trust in God's purpose for her life

Timestamps:

00:00 - Kelley Gunter's inspiring story of trauma, weight loss, and healing

00:23 - Introduction to Kelley, author, life coach, and mental health advocate

00:51 - Childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects on the brain

01:47 - The cycle of shame and secrecy in childhood abuse survivors

03:01 - The development of survival skills and their long-term impact

03:50 - Recognizing harmful survival mechanisms and feelings of shame

04:26 - The false belief that achievement equals self-worth

08:32 - How food became a comfort and a coping mechanism

09:32 - The devastating effects of weight gain and the social impact of obesity

11:29 - The connection between emotional health and overeating

12:36 - The power of treatment and healing from emotional trauma

13:25 - Weight loss surgery and its role in living a healthier life

16:48 - Cross addictions: shopping, pain meds, gambling

19:01 - The toll of addictive behaviors and losing everything

20:15 - The importance of facing trauma to find true healing

22:16 - Grounding techniques for flashbacks and night terrors

23:04 - The significance of speaking out and sharing your story

24:55 - Practical steps for survivors: hotlines, journaling, prayer

28:36 - The importance of both trauma and addiction recovery

31:35 - The statistics on survivor silence and the power of speaking out

32:18 - Kelley's favorite scripture: Isaiah 6:8, "Here I am, send me"

33:19 - Connecting with Kelley and her resources for trauma healing

Resources & Links:

• RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Connect with Kelley:

• Kelley Gunter's Website

Save your Seat:

Julie's free Anxiety Breakthrough: P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint Masterclass here

Remember, healing is possible, no matter how deep the wounds. If you're ready to seek help, take the first step today by reaching out to a trusted resource or loved one. You're not alone.

Disclaimer:

This episode is for informational and encouragement purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you feel guilty every time you try to rest? On this episode of Room to Bloom, we're breaking free from guilt around self-care and rediscovering what it means to care for yourself without apology.

Dr. Rosemarie Downer joins the podcast to unpack self-care from a Christian perspective, blending psychological insight with biblical truth. Dr. Downer shares her background and mission, and why she believes self-care is not selfish but a spiritual obligation woven into how God designed us to live and serve.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

• What self-care truly means across the physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social domains
• Where negative beliefs about self-care come from, and how to challenge them
• Practical self-care strategies rooted in faith, including spiritual practices, quality time, and community support
• How childhood trauma shapes self-worth, and steps to reframe your identity in Christ
• Why consistent self-care actually increases your capacity to serve in the Kingdom

If this conversation stirs something in you, this is exactly the work Julie walks alongside people in every day. Join Julie for the Anxiety Breakthrough Masterclass to go deeper into breaking free from anxiety and guilt and stepping into the peace God has for you.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction to guilt and self-care in a faith context
• 00:24 - Dr. Downer's background and mission
• 01:27 - Defining self-care: Beyond superficial acts
• 02:55 - Why self-care is essential and not selfish - the analogy of the jar
• 04:10 - Biblical example of Jesus practicing self-care through solitude
• 05:37 - The five domains of self-care and creative ways to nurture them
• 06:49 - Prioritizing self-care amidst busy schedules and responsibilities
• 08:26 - Listening to your body and maintaining relationships and spiritual connection
• 09:32 - Effect of childhood trauma on self-worth and strategies for healing
• 11:16 - Rewiring self-perception through understanding God's view of us
• 13:15 - First steps to embracing your identity and worth in Christ
• 15:21 - Benefits of daily routines like prayer and exercise for mental and physical well-being
• 16:58 - The wider impact of regular self-care on kingdom work
• 17:28 - Overcoming feelings of guilt and starting small
• 18:44 - Practical tools: Self-awareness, self-worth, and self-care decks of cards
• 21:46 - Interactive example of self-reflection questions for groups
• 23:09 - Final encouragement: Knowing your worth according to God's Word
• 24:36 - A favorite Bible verse on God's ongoing work in you
• 25:20 - How to connect with Rosemarie's resources, books, and speaking engagements

Resources & Links:

• Books by Dr. Rosemarie Downer on Amazon: https://amazon.com/BooksbyRosemarie
• Connect with Dr. Rosemarie Downer: https://booksbastyrosemarie.com/
• Free Anxiety Breakthrough: P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint Masterclass with Julie Rebboah, MS. Save your seat here: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/peace-blueprint-masterclass-registration-page

This episode is for encouragement and education only and is not a replacement for professional medical or mental health care. If you are navigating trauma or a mental health concern, please seek support from a licensed provider.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.