Hello Trauma Brain

⚠️ Content warning: Childhood sexual abuse, family estrangement, and trauma. Pause or skip if you need to.Estrangement can hold grief and relief, love and anger. I sit down with Stephanie Weaver to discuss her memoir Bitter, Sweet, estrangement, forgiveness, and limited contact.👤 About Stephanie WeaverStephanie Weaver, MPH, is a writer, speaker coach, storytelling strategist, and author of Bitter, Sweet.🔗 Stephanie’s Substack | Instagram | TikTok | ThreadsGet Stephanie’s Memoir Bitter, Sweet: Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | Australia | Canada | India | UK🎙️ In this episode:We explore estrangement and different paths to healing.Stephanie shares her experience of forgiveness and reconnecting.We discuss holiday triggers and family patterns⏱️ Chapters08:49 Meet Stephanie and her memoir11:04 Memories and nightmares15:11 Healing modalities20:45 Estrangement and family relationships28:25 Forgiveness: A Personal Journey34:36 Reconnecting and limited contact36:21 Trauma and healing38:51 Holidays and triggers41:19 Family dynamics and generational patterns48:23 Forgiveness and healing relationships50:01 Healthy relationships after trauma56:20 The meaning of “Bitter, Sweet”01:04:30 Healing invitation📚 Resources mentionedBraelyn’s Mynd: Notion and Siri shortcut videoDr. Ramani DurvasulaPatrick Teahan🆘 Crisis supportFind local support at findahelpline.com. In the US, call or text 988.✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain⭐ Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social → Instagram | TikTok▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

Content WarningThis episode discusses childhood narcissistic abuse, hair-based control, bullying, and physical abuse involving a hairbrush. Please take care while listening and pause or skip if you need to.Episode OverviewIn this episode, I share how hair-based control, criticism, and abuse shaped my relationship with my natural curls. I talk about reclaiming my hair through a curly cut, bangs, purple curls, and learning to choose what feels like me.In this episodeI reflect on growing up feeling shamed for my curly hair and having it cut or straightened against my wishes.I share how criticism from abusers and bullies affected my confidence and the way I styled my hair.I talk about reclaiming my curls, trying a curly cut with bangs, and embracing purple highlights.I reflect on what feels authentic now, including the complicated feelings I still have about my gray hair.I invite you to consider your own relationship with your hair and what might bring you joy.📖 Chapters00:31 Introduction and episode overview01:26 Personal hair trauma and its connection to narcissistic abuse01:58 Cultural influences and childhood experiences with hair03:15 Healing journey: reclaiming natural hair and joy04:13 The role of trauma and shame in hair relationships05:34 Tools and practices for healing hair trauma09:11 The significance of hair as identity and expression14:01 Breaking free from abusive conditioning and reclaiming self-love20:29 The importance of authentic self-expression through hair25:34 Celebrating natural hair and embracing aging30:37 Healing invitation: reflecting on your own hair storyEpisode MentionedEP.081: Rumination OCD with Dr. Michael J. GreenbergCrisis SupportFind a HelplineIn the U.S., call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Stay Connected✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain⭐ Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social → Instagram | TikTok▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

Season 4 Is Almost HereIn this trailer, I'm announcing Season 4 of Hello Trauma Brain, premiering October 22, 2026. This season, I'm digging into toxic shame, shame that was never mine to carry in the first place, and I'm giving it back to the people it actually belongs to: my abusers.What's Coming This SeasonSeason 4 premieres October 22, 2026This season's theme: releasing toxic shameA mix of solo episodes, conversations with fellow survivors and trauma experts, and illustration episodes using media to show what narcissistic abuse can look like in real lifeNew episodes every other Thursday or as my trauma brain allowsWhile you wait, you can catch up on Seasons 1–3 wherever you listen, and subscribe now so you don't miss the premiereRemember you deserve to healCrisis SupportIf you're struggling, you're not alone. Support is available right now.🌍 International: findahelpline.com🇺🇸 US: Call or text 988Stay Connected✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain⭐ Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social → Instagram | TikTok▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

⚠️ Content warning: This episode touches on place-based trauma triggers, institutional gaslighting, references to a dangerous situation (no specific details), financial abuse, and OCD/rumination. Please take care of yourself while listening.In this episode, I get real about what happened during my latest vacation. It was three days, a lot of layers, some real joy, and some genuinely hard stuff, and my C-PTSD showed up the whole way through. I talk about learning to actually plan for myself instead of winging it and hoping for the best, what happened when old triggers came up on the road, and how I found my way back to myself after a really rough day two. This is also our Season 3 finale, so I'm looking back on the season and sharing what's coming in Season 4.Chapters00:30 The Struggles of Taking a Vacation with CPTSD09:45 Reclaiming Vacationing: A Personal Journey13:41 Planning for Self-Care: A New Approach to Vacations17:25 Facing Triggers: A Road Trip Through Memories24:41 Finding Joy in the Unexpected: Day One of the Trip24:47 The Challenges of Day Two: A Poorly Organized Event27:46 Gaslighting and Reflection: The Aftermath of Day Two30:44 The Aftermath of Burnout and Recovery32:35 Therapeutic Insights and Validation34:38 Restoring Faith in Experiences40:02 Season Three Recap and Lessons Learned43:45 Looking Ahead to Season Four43:58 Healing InvitationResources mentioned:Gregory Alan Isakov's website: gregoryalanisakov.comEpisodes mentioned:EP.071 - Transcend TraumaEP.072 - SurThrivingEP.073 - Screaming BodyEP.074 - CPTSD Q&AEP.078 - Home After AbuseEP.079 - Unlearning StuckEP.081 - Rumination & OCDIf you need support:Find a helpline near you: findahelpline.comUS: call or text 988✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain⭐ Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social → Instagram | TikTok▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

Episode OverviewThis bonus episode is a quick update from me: I was recently a guest on The Chaos to Connection Podcast with Diane Sorensen, where we talked about C-PTSD, estrangement, boundaries, and inner child reparenting. I'm sharing a few reflections on what came up for me after listening back, plus a preview of what's ahead for Hello Trauma Brain.In This EpisodeI announce my guest appearance on The Chaos to Connection Podcast (episode 299) with host Diane SorensenWe talked about C-PTSD, estrangement, boundaries, and inner child reparentingI reflect on what I wished I'd mentioned about C-PTSD, including its roots in relational traumaA preview: Diane Sorensen will be a guest on Hello Trauma Brain during Season 4What's next for HTB: the Season 3 finale is coming soon, with Season 4 launching in September 2026Resources Mentioned299. The Patterns That Once Protected You: Understanding Complex Trauma with Raysa (my guest appearance on The Chaos to Connection Podcast, hosted by Diane Sorensen)Stay Connected✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain⭐ Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social → Instagram | TikTok▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode mentions trauma and references to suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself.Heads up: some audio distortion + no YouTube this time (copyright claim). Full video on Spotify. 💛Have you seen K-Pop Demon Hunters? This award-winning animated film is stunning, but what stopped me cold was how accurately it portrays toxic shame: where it comes from, how it's used to control us, and how we begin to heal. In this episode, I break down key scenes through a C-PTSD lens, exploring the connection between toxic shame, the inner critic, narcissistic abuse, and what it looks like to reclaim your voice.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Intro08:52 Shame & Its Origins14:50 K-Pop Clip Analysis Begins17:37 Shame Steals Rest & Joy19:21 C-PTSD Thieves of Joy19:48 The Burden of Toxic Shame22:12 Rumi's Shame23:50 Voice & Value26:40 Shame as Control29:04 Hope vs. Shame30:45 Healing Through Compassion32:35 Facing the Past35:00 Acceptance & Vulnerability37:09 Fear of Rejection39:29 The Inner Critic43:16 Gray vs. Dark Gray Rocking46:50 Empowerment Through Music49:52 Healing from Shame56:37 Healing Invitation📚 Resources mentioned:🎬 K-Pop Demon Hunters (watch on Netflix)📖 Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw🌐 Brené Brown shame vs. guilt research📖 Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker🌐 Dr. Ramani Durvasula narcissistic abuse expert📲 RRP Therapists on Instagram📺 Ruri Ohama ADHD Notion system (YouTube)🆘 If you or someone you know is struggling:🌍 Worldwide crisis support: findahelpline.com🇺🇸 US only — call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain⭐ Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social → Instagram | TikTok▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michael J. Greenberg, licensed clinical psychologist and the director of OCD Associates, to talk about something I've lived with since childhood but only recently learned has a name: rumination OCD. For a long time, I thought rumination was something that happened to me, a side effect of trauma. But Michael's work helped me see that rumination is actually something we do, and if it's something we do, it's something we can stop.We talk about what rumination is, how it differs from intrusive thoughts, the six engagement patterns that keep rumination going, and how attachment and complex trauma can intensify OCD loops. This conversation opened my eyes to how treating OCD requires different tools than treating C-PTSD, and I hope it offers you the same clarity it gave me.Chapters:10:49 Conversation with Dr. Greenberg begins13:02 Understanding Rumination in OCD14:11 The Control of Rumination17:08 The Complexity of Stopping Rumination19:56 The Role of Core Fears in OCD35:49 Core Fears and Emotional Conflicts37:37 The Role of Attachment in OCD52:06 Dependency and Control in Treatment 58:11 Inner Child Work and Its Challenges01:02:48 Understanding Rumination and Compulsions 01:04:13 The Six Types of Rumination01:07:57 Navigating Emotional Flashbacks and Feelings 01:24:22 Healing InvitationConnect with Dr. Michael J. Greenberg:WebsiteEmail: [email protected] Mentioned:Dr. Elna YadinDavid Malan’s book Individual Psychotherapy and the Science of PsychodynamicsDr. Michael Alcée’s Website✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:🎧 Listen on all platforms → hellotraumabrain.riverside.com 🔗 All links in one place → bio.site/hellotraumabrain ⭐Subscribe + leave a 5-star review wherever you listen 📱 Follow @hellotraumabrain on social▶️ Subscribe on YouTube and hit the bell💛 Donate via PayPal → paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising📧 Email Raysa → [email protected]

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and in this episode I share my personal experiences as a survivor of sexual abuse and emotional incest. For a long time, I didn't have names for what happened to me. I just knew something felt wrong.Chapters00:00 Sexual Abuse Awareness Month05:20 Trauma Anniversaries09:40 Emotional Incest25:27 Consent and Boundaries33:21 Spectrum of Sexual Abuse36:13 Grooming and Why Survivors Stay Silent40:44 Resources and HealingResourcesRAINN Hotline — 1-800-656-HOPECrisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741SNAPPsychology Today Therapist FinderYWCA (not YMCA 😅)Incest Aware AllianceHealing and C-PTSD FoundationSilently Seduced — Kenneth AdamsAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents — Lindsay C. GibsonThe Emotional Incest Syndrome — Patricia LoveFawning — Dr. Ingrid ClaytonPerry Power on InstagramBrad Shore on YouTubeEP.064 with Dr. Ingrid ClaytonRAYE — Life BoatRedd & The Paper Flowers✨ Stay connected:📱 Instagram🌐 hellotraumabrain.riverside.com🌐 All platforms via Bio Site (quick links to every player 🙂)💛 Donate via PayPal📧 [email protected]

Welcome to Hello Trauma Brain, a podcast where I share my personal journey of living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and the tools and practices I'm using to heal, recover, and grow.🎙️ In this episode, Sara Avery, executive director of the Learned Distress Removal Process, joins me to discuss why healing from complex trauma can feel so difficult, even when we're doing all the "right" things.Sara Avery shares her 25-year journey helping people heal from complex trauma through the Learned Distress Removal ProcessSara explains what Learned Distress is, how it gets created during childhood, and why many survivors keep ending up in the same kinds of relationships and situations.We explore the six Learned Distress types (Idealist, Perfectionist, Caregiver, Optimist, Defeatist, and Dictator) and what core well-being looks like when it's uncovered for each type.Sara shares the story behind the development of the Learned Distress Removal Process and her collaboration with founder Mimi Herrmann.Our conversation touches on the connection between emotional and physical health, the role of sleep in healing, how to begin accessing your core well-being, and so much more.This episode's healing invitation encourages you to reflect on which Learned Distress patterns resonated with you and notice what comes up as you sit with this new language Connect with Today's Guest, Sara AveryLearned Distress Removal Process website: https://www.LearnedDistress.comFree Learned Distress Type Report: https://LearnedDistress.com/SQ/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraavery_ldr_process/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearnedDistressYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LearnedDistressTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sara.avery?lang=en📖 Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing from Trauma 09:34 The Connection Between Emotional and Physical Health 12:18 The Role of Sleep in Healing 15:31 The Process of Change in Trauma Recovery 18:22 Understanding Learned Distress 21:20 Resistance to Change in Trauma Work 24:24 Core Well-Being vs. Learned Distress 27:21 The Impact of Early Experiences on Trauma 29:50 Survival Mechanisms and Trauma Responses 36:42 Understanding Learned Distress 38:13 Types of Learned Distress 46:23 The Impact of Relationships on Recovery 57:46 The Journey to Core Well-Being 01:09:35 - Healing Invitation✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain:📱 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellotraumabrain/?utm_source=chatgpt.com🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hello-trauma-brain/id1701533871?utm_source=chatgpt.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloTraumaBrain?utm_source=chatgpt.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2SmkhdauRaPVQVqfLH3vs7?utm_source=chatgpt.comAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/30355338-f787-4305-b06b-36c4beec07e0/hello-trauma-brain?utm_source=chatgpt.com💛 If the podcast has been meaningful to you and you'd like to support it, you can make a donation (any amount is so appreciated!) here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Thank you for helping me keep this space going.🔗 More links:🌐 Official Bio Site: https://bio.site/hellotraumabrain?utm_source=chatgpt.com (quick links to all platforms 🙂)🌐 Official Website: https://www.raysamichelle.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (currently under construction)📧 You can reach me at: [email protected]: I'm not a licensed psychologist or mental health professional. This podcast is simply me sharing my own journey. It's not meant to replace professional care. If you think you might have Complex PTSD or any mental health condition, please reach out to a qualified provider.

Welcome to Hello Trauma Brain, a podcast where I share my personal journey of living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and the tools and practices I'm using to heal, recover, and grow. 🎙️ In this episode, Dr. Sherrie Campbell shares her personal experience of recognizing emotional abuse from her own parent and the tools that helped her cope and grieve as she began to distance herself.Dr. Sherrie defines emotionally abusive parents using her DNA framework (Do Not Abuse) and explains how abusive parents offer conditional kindness instead of unconditional love.The concept of defensive hypervigilance trauma is explored, along with "toxic parent abuse victim syndrome" and how these patterns show up for survivors.Dr. Sherrie discusses rebellious hope, a transformative alternative to the toxic hope that keeps survivors stuck in abusive systems.The episode closes with reflections on embodying healing traits, advice to younger selves, and where listeners can connect with Dr. Sherrie's work. 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Sherry Campbell 09:42 Recognizing Toxic Family Dynamics 12:00 The Impact of Post-Separation Abuse 14:21 Defining Emotional Abuse 18:11 Understanding Defensive Hypervigilance Trauma 21:27 Exploring Toxic Parent Abuse Victim Syndrome 25:38 Transforming Defense Mechanisms into Superpowers 27:23 Reclaiming Hope and Healing 27:51 Rebellious Hope: A New Perspective 30:54 The Journey of Writing and Healing 36:59 Introducing 'You Are Home': A Transformative Book 40:05 Understanding Estrangement: Types and Misconceptions 44:04 Moments of Truth: Advice to My Younger Self 46:44 Healing Invitation References EP.064 | Reclaiming Fawning While Believing Me with Dr. Ingrid Clayton: youtube.com/watch?v=hCZOlAQ7MOg&feature=youtu.be Connect with Today's Guest (Dr. Sherrie Campbell) Official Website: https://drsherriecampbell.com/Sherapy Sessions: Cutting Toxic Family Ties Podcast: https://drsherriecampbell.com/cutting-toxic-family-ties-podcast/Not all parents are good | Dr. Sherrie Campbell | TEDxDanville: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deyHwDkG7ocX (formerly known as Twitter): https://x.com/Dr_SherrieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SherrieCampbellPhDYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeRnhojed-YbXJO8otIXe4gInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.sherriePre-Order her upcoming book You Are Home: Heal from Family Trauma, Establish Boundaries, and Find a Place of Peace and Safety (available April 1, 2026): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/you-are-home-sherrie-campbell-phd/1147948122 ✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain: 📱 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellotraumabrain/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hello-trauma-brain/id1701533871?utm_source=chatgpt.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloTraumaBrain?utm_source=chatgpt.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2SmkhdauRaPVQVqfLH3vs7?utm_source=chatgpt.comAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/30355338-f787-4305-b06b-36c4beec07e0/hello-trauma-brain?utm_source=chatgpt.com 💛 If the podcast has been meaningful to you and you'd like to support it, you can make a donation (any amount is so appreciated!) here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/rmichellerising?utm_source=chatgpt.com. Thank you for helping me keep this space going. 🔗 More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site: https://bio.site/hellotraumabrain?utm_source=chatgpt.com (quick links to all platforms 🙂) 🌐 Official Website: https://www.raysamichelle.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: [email protected] Disclaimer: I'm not a licensed psychologist or mental health professional. This podcast is simply me sharing my own journey. It's not meant to replace professional care. If you think you might have Complex PTSD or any mental health condition, please reach out to a qualified provider.