Mamahood After Trauma

Nurturing Your Inner Safe Haven as a Trauma Surviving Mama

Have you ever felt like your emotions were too much to handle? Like you had to hide parts of yourself to fit in or keep the peace? For many of us, especially those navigating motherhood after trauma, emotional safety can feel like an elusive dream.
But what if I told you that creating a sense of emotional security isn't just possible – it's essential for healing and thriving as a mama?
In this heartfelt episode, I'm peeling back the layers on emotional safety. We'll explore what it truly means, why it matters so deeply, and how you can cultivate it for yourself and your little ones.
Debunking the Myths: What Emotional Safety Really Looks Like
Let's start by clearing up some common misconceptions:
• Emotional safety doesn't mean a life free from conflict or difficult feelings
• Setting healthy boundaries actually increases emotional security, not diminishes it
I share my personal journey of recognizing how my own lack of emotional safety impacted my children, and the transformative power of doing the inner work to create a more secure environment for all of us.
Signs You're Struggling with Emotional Safety
Do any of these resonate with you?
• Constantly second-guessing your feelings and memories
• Avoiding deep conversations out of fear of rejection
• Feeling responsible for keeping everyone else happy, no matter the cost to yourself
• Your body reacting to triggers before your mind even registers them
If so, you're not alone. These are common experiences for those of us healing from trauma.
Creating Your Emotional Safe Haven
I'll guide you through practical steps to build emotional safety:
1. Cultivating self-awareness without judgment
2. Practicing self-compassion (even when it feels challenging)
3. Shifting your inner dialogue to focus on your needs
4. Modeling emotional safety for your children
5. Finding supportive community that feels truly safe
Remember, emotional safety isn't about perfection. It's about having the tools to navigate difficult moments with grace and self-love.
Are you ready to create more emotional security in your life and for your family? This episode offers a roadmap to get you started. Your journey to healing and peace begins here.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Embracing Imperfection as a Trauma Surviving Parent

As a mama who's survived trauma, do you ever worry about passing your pain onto your children? That fear of recreating your own difficult experiences can feel overwhelming, but there's hope for breaking the cycle.
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Katie Turner, a registered psychologist and trauma therapist, to explore the delicate balance of healing ourselves while raising resilient kids. Katie shares invaluable insights on:
Embracing Imperfection in Parenting
Why striving for "perfect parenting" can actually hinder our growth
How to release unrealistic expectations and find self-compassion
The importance of modeling healthy repair after mistakes
Navigating the Healing Journey
Understanding that healing is a process, not a destination
Recognizing the impact of systemic issues and lack of support
Practical ways to cultivate self-compassion as a trauma survivor
Breaking Generational Patterns
Identifying internalized toxic beliefs about motherhood
Strategies for challenging negative self-talk
The power of community in supporting our healing
Katie reminds us that while we can't completely shield our children from all pain, we can equip them with resilience and model healthy coping strategies. By showing them how to navigate mistakes and emotions, we're giving them invaluable life skills.
If you've been struggling with the weight of your past while trying to create a brighter future for your family, this conversation offers a compassionate roadmap forward. You'll walk away with practical tools for self-compassion and a renewed sense of hope for your parenting journey.
Remember, mama: your commitment to healing is already making a profound difference. Let's continue growing together, one small step at a time.Connect with Katie Turner: https://katieturnerpsychology.com/ 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Nurturing Friendships While Honoring Your Nervous System

Have you ever felt a deep longing for connection, yet found yourself hesitating to reach out? For many of us who've experienced trauma, especially the kind that shatters trust, building new friendships can feel like navigating a minefield. Your heart yearns for meaningful relationships, but your body sends warning signals at the mere thought of letting someone in.
I've been there, friend. I know the internal struggle of craving closeness while simultaneously feeling guarded, anxious, or even suspicious when others try to get close. It's a lonely place to be, but I want you to know you're not alone in this experience.
In this raw and honest episode, I dive deep into the complexities of female friendship and community after trauma. We explore why your nervous system might resist connection and how to create safety in relationships gently. Most importantly, we discuss why finding the right community is essential for healing and how to discover it.
Understanding Your Nervous System's Resistance
If you've lived through trauma, especially relational trauma, your body may have learned that other people aren't safe. This isn't just an emotional response - it's biological. Your nervous system is doing its job, trying to protect you from perceived threats. But this protective mechanism can leave you:
Feeling tense or guarded around new people
Overthinking conversations and replaying them in your head
Struggling to let others see the real you
Feeling emotionally drained after social interactions
Recognizing these responses is the first step toward healing. Remember, this isn't a failure on your part - it's your body's way of trying to keep you safe.
Creating Safety When Connection Feels Dangerous
Healing happens in connection, but how do you create safety when your body is convinced that connection isn't safe? Here are some strategies to help you navigate this journey:
Start with self-trust: Learn to listen to your gut and honor your boundaries.
Regulate your nervous system: Use techniques like deep breathing or grounding exercises to bring your body back to a state of calm.
Take small steps: You don't have to dive into deep vulnerability right away. Start with sharing small bits of yourself and pay attention to how your body feels.
Find the right people: Seek out spaces where you feel seen, accepted, and supported as you are.
The Power of the Right Community
Not all communities are created equal. Healing happens in spaces where you feel truly seen and accepted, not where you have to perform to belong. When you're surrounded by people who hold space for you without judgment, your nervous system starts to recalibrate. It begins to learn that connection can be safe.
If you've been craving this kind of supportive environment, I invite you to explore the Mamahood After Trauma Inner Circle. It's a space where mamas like you can feel safe to share, heal, and grow without judgment.
Your Invitation to Healing Connection
Remember, mama, you deserve safe, supportive relationships. If you've struggled to find that, it's not because you're broken - you just haven't found the right space yet. You are capable of healing, and you don't have to figure it out alone.
Are you ready to take the first step towards creating meaningful connections in a safe, supportive environment? Your journey to healing and authentic friendships starts here. Listen now and discover how you can start building the community you've always longed for.Join the Mamahood After Trauma Inner Circle: patreon.com/MamahoodAfterTrauma 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

From Boundaryless to Empowered Mama Healing Past Wounds

Have you ever felt like setting boundaries was an impossible task, especially after experiencing trauma? As survivors, we often struggle to define and communicate our limits, fearing rejection or conflict. But what if embracing healthy boundaries could be the key to unlocking a life of peace and fulfillment?
In this powerful episode, I'm joined by Kaylea, a survivor of domestic violence who transformed her life through the power of boundaries. She shares her journey from a boundary-less existence to creating a thriving six-figure business and helping other women rewrite their stories after trauma.
Redefining Boundaries: Your Roadmap to Healing
Kaylea dispels common misconceptions about boundaries, explaining that they're not walls keeping everyone out, but rather guideposts leading us toward our dream lives. You'll discover:
Why boundaries are essential for protecting your peace and attracting positivity
How to identify and communicate your non-negotiables in relationships
The importance of following through when others cross your clearly stated boundaries
From Survival to Thriving: Practical Steps for Setting Boundaries
Through Kaylea's candid experiences, you'll gain insight into:
How to envision your ideal self and use that as a blueprint for boundary-setting
Strategies for overcoming the fear of communicating your needs
Why maintaining boundaries is an act of self-love and a powerful example for your children
"You were born with worth. Nobody outside of you can determine your worth. Nobody outside of you can determine how you deserve to be treated."
Embracing Your Worth: The Ripple Effect of Healthy Boundaries
As you listen, you'll be inspired to:
Recognize how saying "yes" to poor treatment means saying "no" to the love you deserve
Understand the profound impact your boundaries have on your children's future relationships
Take the first steps toward creating a life aligned with your true values
Are you ready to break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and step into your power? This episode offers a compassionate roadmap for setting boundaries that honor your worth and create space for genuine connections.
Your journey to reclaiming your voice and creating a life you love starts here. Listen now and take the first step toward becoming the empowered version of yourself you've always dreamed of being.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

From Survival Mode to Thriving The Path to True Resilience for Moms

Have you ever felt like you're constantly battling life's challenges, only to be knocked down again and again? As a mama who's walked this path, I understand the exhaustion of trying to stay strong through it all. But what if I told you that true resilience isn't about gritting your teeth and pushing through?
In this eye-opening episode, we're exploring the profound connection between healing and building genuine resilience. If you've been feeling stuck in survival mode, overwhelmed by triggers, or struggling to bounce back from setbacks, this conversation is for you.
Redefining Resilience: More Than Just 'Staying Strong'
We'll debunk common misconceptions about resilience and explore what it truly means to thrive, not just survive. You'll discover:
Why suppressing emotions isn't the same as being resilient
The crucial difference between survival mode and true resilience
How healing creates the foundation for bouncing back from life's challenges
From Survival to Thriving: The Healing Journey
I'll share insights from my personal journey and offer practical steps to start building resilience through healing:
Recognizing and understanding your triggers
Learning effective self-regulation techniques
Cultivating emotional flexibility
Building a strong support system
Simple Steps for Lasting Change
You'll walk away with actionable strategies to implement right away, including:
A journaling exercise to track and understand your triggers
Daily practices to calm your nervous system
Techniques for embracing your emotions without getting stuck in them
"Resilience isn't about being strong all the time. It's about knowing when to take care of yourself when you feel weak."
If you're ready to break free from the cycle of just surviving and start truly thriving, this episode is your first step. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Together, we can build the resilience you need to face life's challenges with grace and strength.
Ready to take your healing journey to the next level? Don't forget to check out the Trigger Toolkit, designed to give you practical tools for managing overwhelming moments with more ease and less guilt. Find the link in the show notes and start your path to greater resilience today.Check out the Trigger Toolkit: coaching.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/triggertoolkit
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Nurturing Your Highly Sensitive Child While Healing Your Own Trauma

Have you ever felt like your emotions were a tidal wave, threatening to overwhelm you at any moment? For many trauma survivors and parents, this intense emotional experience is all too familiar. But what if I told you there's a name for this heightened sensitivity, and it's not a flaw, but a powerful trait?
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Melissa Schwartz, an expert on highly sensitive persons (HSPs). Together, we explore the fascinating world of high sensitivity and its profound impact on parenting, especially for those of us navigating the waters of trauma recovery.
Unveiling the Highly Sensitive Person
Melissa shares her personal journey of growing up as a highly sensitive child and how it led her to become an advocate for HSPs. She breaks down the four key traits of high sensitivity:
Depth of processing
Overstimulation
Emotional intensity
Sensing subtleties
As we discuss these traits, you'll likely find yourself nodding along, recognizing these qualities in yourself or your children. It's a powerful moment of validation for many who have felt "too much" their whole lives.
The Intersection of High Sensitivity and Trauma
We dig deep into how high sensitivity can amplify the experience of trauma, making HSPs more susceptible to its lasting effects. But here's the silver lining: this same sensitivity can be a superpower in healing and growth when properly understood and nurtured.
Navigating Parenthood as a Highly Sensitive Trauma Survivor
Parenting is challenging enough, but add high sensitivity and trauma to the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. Melissa offers practical advice for:
Managing your own triggers while parenting
Dealing with your child's intense emotions and tantrums
Breaking generational patterns of emotional suppression
Remember, you're not just raising your children – you're also raising yourself. This journey of parallel growth can be beautiful, albeit challenging.
Embracing Imperfect Parenting
One of the most liberating moments in our conversation is Melissa's advocacy for "imperfect parenting." She encourages us to lower the bar of perfectionism and embrace a more compassionate approach to ourselves and our children.
"There is no way to be perfect. There is no doing it right all the time," Melissa reminds us. It's a mantra worth repeating on those tough days.
Your Invitation to Self-Discovery and Healing
If you've ever felt like you were "too much" or that your emotions were too intense, this episode is your invitation to see your sensitivity in a new light. It's not a weakness to overcome, but a strength to harness.
Are you ready to transform your relationship with your sensitivity and become the parent you've always wanted to be? Tune in now and take the first step towards understanding and embracing your highly sensitive nature.If today's conversation resonated with you, I invite you to visit www.melissaschwartz.com/welcome where you’ll find resources specifically designed highly sensitive families.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Loving Limits How Boundaries Nurture Healthy Relationships

Have you ever felt like setting boundaries in your relationships was selfish or even dangerous? For many of us who've experienced trauma, the idea of saying "no" or protecting our peace can feel incredibly challenging. We might worry about upsetting others, being abandoned, or simply not know where to draw the line.
But what if I told you that healthy boundaries are not only possible but essential for creating loving, safe relationships? That connection and safety can absolutely coexist?
In this raw and honest episode, I open up about my own journey with boundaries and share practical strategies for nurturing relationships where you feel truly seen, valued, and protected.
Redefining Boundaries: An Act of Self-Love
Through vulnerability and hard-won wisdom, you'll gain insight into:
Why trauma can make setting boundaries feel unsafe or confusing
The difference between controlling others and protecting your peace
How to communicate your needs clearly without over-explaining
Practical examples of what healthy boundaries sound like
The importance of starting small and building your "boundary muscle"
From People-Pleasing to Peace: A Personal Journey
I share my own struggles with people-pleasing and the fear of disappointing others. You'll hear how I learned to set boundaries with loved ones, even when it felt terrifying, and how this practice transformed my relationships.
"A turning point for me was realizing that setting a boundary didn't mean shutting someone out. It meant staying connected while protecting my emotional health."
Navigating Pushback and Finding Your Tribe
Setting boundaries isn't always smooth sailing. I'll walk you through what to expect when you start prioritizing your needs, including:
Why you might experience initial resistance from others
How to differentiate between healthy adjustment and toxic pushback
The liberating truth that you're not responsible for managing others' emotions
Ready to Reclaim Your Peace?
If you're tired of feeling drained in your relationships and want to create more authentic connections, this episode is your first step. I'll guide you through the process of identifying your needs, communicating them clearly, and holding firm with compassion.
Are you ready to build relationships where you feel safe, seen, and valued? Your journey to healthier boundaries and deeper connections starts here. Listen now and take the first step towards reclaiming your peace in all your relationships.Check out the Trigger Toolkit: coaching.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/triggertoolkit 
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Breaking Free: Overcoming Addiction and Self-Doubt with Jessi

In this powerful episode of Mamahood After Trauma, we welcome Jessi, who shares their journey of overcoming addiction, battling self-doubt, and embracing self-love. Jessi's story is a testament to the power of self-awareness, intuition, and breaking free from harmful cycles. Tune in to hear how curiosity, self-reflection, and inner kindness transformed their life and how you can apply these insights to your own healing journey.
Key Takeaways:
The impact of childhood environments on self-worth and addiction
How external validation can contribute to destructive habits
The role of intuition in breaking free from negative cycles
Moving from self-judgment to self-compassion
Practical steps to identify and shift negative self-talk
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Being Kinder to Yourself: How to Stop the Shame Spiral & Start Healing

Mama, are you your own worst critic? Do you find yourself spiraling into guilt and self-judgment when things don’t go perfectly? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into what self-compassion actually looks like in daily life—and why it’s one of the most powerful tools for healing. I’ll share three simple ways to practice self-compassion (even when it feels uncomfortable) so you can start showing up for yourself with the same kindness you give to everyone else. 💜
👉 Let’s connect! Share one way you’re practicing self-compassion this week over on Instagram [@emily.mamahoodaftertrauma] or inside the Mamahood After Trauma Inner Circle Patreon Community!
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc 

Rewiring Your Nervous System for Healing with Dr. Satya

In this episode of Mamahood After Trauma, I sit down with Dr. Satya, a leading expert in the neurobiology of stress and the creator of the Neural Vascular Flow Method. Dr. Satya shares her powerful personal journey—from a childhood accident that went undiagnosed for nearly 20 years to becoming a doctor specializing in nervous system regulation.
We dive deep into:🔹 How nervous system dysregulation affects trauma survivors (even if they don’t realize it)🔹 The link between stress, gut health, and chronic conditions🔹 Why survival mode rewires your brain—and how to shift out of it🔹 The hidden ways trauma shows up in parenting, pregnancy, and postpartum health
If you’ve ever felt stuck in stress, struggling with anxiety, or battling unexplained health issues, this episode is for you.
🎁 Ready to break free from the chaos and unlock peace in your motherhood journey?
Start with my free guide, Unlocking Peace, designed to help you take the first step toward calm and connection.
👉 Download it for free today: https://freebie.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/guide
 
Want to be a guest on Mamahood After Trauma? Send Emily Cleghorn a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/riseandshinewithemilyc