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Healing from relational trauma isn’t about controlling other people — it’s about reclaiming your power.

In this reflective and personal episode, I explore one of the hardest lessons in trauma recovery: healing doesn’t mean others will always treat you with respect or kindness. We can’t control other people’s behaviour, but we can learn to recognize red flags, set boundaries, and protect our well-being with clarity and strength.

I share six core truths that I’ve discovered through both lived experience and my work as a trauma counsellor and coach:

1. Healing is about focusing on what’s within your control.
2. Healing doesn’t guarantee love — but it’s still worth it.
3. Healing doesn’t protect you from new wounds.
4. Sometimes healing means letting go of people you love.
5. You’re allowed to disagree with your therapist.
6. Self-trust comes before trusting others.

You’ll hear stories of heartbreak, growth, and the quiet, powerful wisdom that comes from trauma recovery.

This episode is for anyone who's ever asked:

• Why hasn’t all this healing led to the relationships I want?
• Is it okay to walk away from someone I love?
• How do I trust myself when others question my truth?

If you’ve ever been made to feel "too much" or "not enough," this is for you. Healing won’t guarantee a fairytale ending, but it will help you come home to yourself — with self-respect, groundedness, and the courage to move through life on your terms.

Note: This episode includes a brief mention of suicide. If you are in crisis or need support and live in Canada, here are some resources:

• Crisis Services Canada: https://988.ca/ | Call or text 9-8-8
• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ | 1-855-242-3310
• Trans Lifeline Canada: 877-330-6366
• If you live outside of Canada, please check the resources in the country you live in.

Subscribe for more reflections on trauma recovery, healing relationships, and navigating complex emotions.

Got a story or question you’d like to share? I’d love to hear from you — email me at nat@brighthorizontherapies.com.

Learn more about us: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighthorizontherapies/
Message us: nat@brighthorizontherapies.com

Trauma Demystified is not intended to replace professional guidance, support, medical treatment, or therapy. Please feel free to consult your physician or a mental health professional for any questions about mental health symptoms.

Bright Horizon Therapies is located in the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda. This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We acknowledge the traditional caregivers of the land and the importance of a commitment to the continued decolonization of our work.

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What does safety look and feel like when you didn’t grow up with it?

In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma can shape your inner world and nervous system—and what it takes to begin cultivating safety from the inside out. You’ll learn practical, trauma-informed strategies like grounding practices, self-assessment tools, and parts work to help you reconnect with your body, trust your intuition, and build supportive boundaries over time.

We also look at the bigger picture—how systemic and relational dynamics, including privilege, identity, and toxic relationships, affect your sense of emotional and psychological safety. Because safety isn’t just an internal state—it’s also shaped by the world around us.

Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or deepening the work, this episode offers gentle reminders, reflection prompts, and practices to help you grow toward greater empowerment, safety, and connection.

Mentioned episodes and articles:

• Five Effective Trauma Counselling Strategies:
  https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/five-effective-trauma-counselling-techniques/
• Polyvagal Theory and Trauma:
  https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/understanding-polyvagal-theory-and-trauma/
• Understanding the Window of Tolerance: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/understanding-the-window-of-tolerance/
• Get your free copy of Toxic Relationships 101:
  https://brighthorizontherapies.com/unhealthy-relationships-guide/
• Assess your boundaries with the Healthy Boundaries Quiz:
  https://brighthorizontherapies.com/blog/healthy-boundary-quiz/

Learn more about us: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighthorizontherapies/
Message us: nat@brighthorizontherapies.com

Trauma Demystified is not intended to replace professional guidance, support, medical treatment, or therapy. Please feel free to consult your physician or a mental health professional for any questions about mental health symptoms.

Bright Horizon Therapies is located in the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda. This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We acknowledge the traditional caregivers of the land and the importance of a commitment to the continued decolonization of our work.

Send us a text

Complex trauma is a simple term for a profoundly layered experience—it involves emotional, psychological, and physiological responses to prolonged or repeated harm. Many people live with its symptoms without realizing it, but understanding what’s happening can be the first step toward healing.

Key Takeaways From This Episode

• Complex trauma happens in harmful and traumatizing environments. It affects the mind, emotions, and body, often showing up as emotional dysregulation, dissociation, and relationship struggles.
• Stigma and misconceptions about trauma can make seeking support harder, but recovery is possible with the right approach.
• Healing isn’t about “getting over it” but integrating experiences, creating safety, and reconnecting with yourself.
• Recovery from complex trauma is built on clear principles and practices.
• The most effective treatment for complex trauma is an integrative approach, combining parts work, EMDR, and somatic therapies.

If you’re curious about healing from complex trauma, this episode offers guidance, reassurance, and practical steps to move forward.

Other Episodes That Can Support Your Recovery

Parts Work Therapy: How It Can Help You Heal Trauma

Understanding Polyvagal Theory And Trauma

Five Effective Trauma Counselling Techniques

Understanding the Window Of Tolerance

What Are Best Practices For Trauma Treatment

Healthy Boundary Quiz

Subscribe, share, and reach out if you have questions—I’d love to hear from you! Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email me at nat@brighthorizontherapies.com.

Learn more about us: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighthorizontherapies/
Message us: nat@brighthorizontherapies.com

Trauma Demystified is not intended to replace professional guidance, support, medical treatment, or therapy. Please feel free to consult your physician or a mental health professional for any questions about mental health symptoms.

Bright Horizon Therapies is located in the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda. This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. We acknowledge the traditional caregivers of the land and the importance of a commitment to the continued decolonization of our work.