Loving someone doesn’t always make vulnerability easy, in fact for some, it makes it more difficult. Shelly explores the emotional impact of trauma in relationships - and how survivors can move toward trust and connection without abandoning their own pace or needs.

Resources

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/if-you-need-help-now/

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/

https://www.drasacs.org.uk

Tell Us A Tail Ltd

https://www.tellusatail.co.uk

Pain, disconnection, or difficulty with desire are natural after trauma. This episode offers validation and insight into why these struggles are common, and how healing can look different for everyone.

Resources

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/if-you-need-help-now/

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/

https://www.drasacs.org.uk

Tell Us A Tail Ltd

https://www.tellusatail.co.uk

Hyperarousal, numbness, and emotional flipping are common after trauma. Shelly discusses how these patterns develop and how survivors can begin to understand and soothe their nervous systems without judgment.

Resources

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/if-you-need-help-now/

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/

https://www.drasacs.org.uk

Tell Us A Tail Ltd

https://www.tellusatail.co.uk

Fantasies are complex and often misunderstood. This episode explores how trauma and arousal pathways can become entangled - and why fantasies that echo trauma can be a way the mind tries to make sense of uncomfortable thoughts.

Resources

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/if-you-need-help-now/

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/

https://www.drasacs.org.uk

Tell Us A Tail Ltd

https://www.tellusatail.co.uk

Arousal is a physiological response, not a sign of consent or enjoyment. This episode gently unpacks the confusion, shame, and biology behind why the body sometimes responds this way - and why that doesn’t make your trauma any less real.

Resources

https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/want-to-talk/

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline

https://thesurvivorstrust.org/if-you-need-help-now/

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/sexual-health-services/find-a-rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centre/

https://www.drasacs.org.uk

Tell Us A Tail Ltd

https://www.tellusatail.co.uk