The Complex Trauma Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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The Complex Trauma Podcast

Sarah Herstich

Forme & Santé

Éducation

Société & Culture

Fréquence : 1 épisode/8j. Total Éps: 144

A podcast for anyone healing from complex PTSD, childhood emotional neglect, and the patterns you've been carrying without knowing what to call them.

Hosted by EMDR and somatic trauma therapist Sarah Herstich, each episode gets into nervous system healing, trauma responses, and what it actually takes to stop living in survival mode.

If you've spent years people-pleasing, apologizing for existing, or holding it together on the outside while unraveling on the inside, this is for you.

We talk about the fawn response, toxic shame, hypervigilance, and why your body still doesn't feel safe even when nothing bad is happening. No bypassing, no Band-Aids, just honest conversation about healing from complex trauma and getting your life back.

Whether you're just figuring out what CPTSD is or you've been in therapy for years, you'll find nervous system education, somatic practices, and someone who actually understands what you're going through.

New episodes every Wednesday.

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https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/
147 partages
https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/laura-gordon-therapist-pennsylvania
10 partages
https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/abby-albright-therapy-pennyslvania
9 partages

https://www.instagram.com/sarahherstichlcsw
146 partages
https://www.instagram.com/liberatedplatenutrition
2 partages
https://www.instagram.com/theempoweredtherapist
1 partage

https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahherstichlcsw
144 partages
https://www.tiktok.com/@johannakulp
1 partage
https://www.tiktok.com/@libbywardofficial
1 partage

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How to Navigate Holiday Emotional Hangovers

Saison 1 · Épisode 110

mercredi 24 décembre 2025 • Durée 25:50

That weird week between the holidays and New Year's hits different. You've survived the holiday chaos, the family dynamics, the endless to-do lists, and now you're supposed to just... exist?

Enter: the emotional hangover.

In this episode, we break down why that post-holiday crash feels so brutal and what actually helps when you're running on empty.

What We Cover:

Why 80-90% of adults report increased stress during the holidays (and why the crash afterwards is inevitable)
The real reason that week between Christmas and New Year's feels like floating through space
How family dynamics amplify emotional exhaustion (hello, suddenly being 12 years old again)
Five practical ways to take care of yourself when you're emotionally hungover
Why grief shows up in unexpected ways during this season
How to honor your actual capacity instead of pushing through

Key Takeaways: Research shows more than half of adults need weeks to feel regulated after the holidays. If you're crashed on the couch questioning everything, you're recovering. That's what your nervous system is supposed to do.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.

The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.

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Q&A: How to Set Boundaries With Family Who Won't Listen

Saison 1 · Épisode 109

mercredi 17 décembre 2025 • Durée 23:44

You set a boundary. They ignored it. You repeated yourself. They pushed again. And by the fourth time, you weren't calmly redirecting anymore, you were yelling, crying, or walking out. Now you're sitting with shame, wondering if all that therapy was pointless.

In this episode, I answer a listener question about what to do when family members repeatedly violate your boundaries during holiday gatherings. I talk about what's actually happening in your body when boundaries get crossed (spoiler: you're not choosing to lose your temper, you're in a survival response), why family systems resist your boundaries so hard, and the difference between a boundary and a request (this one's huge).

In this episode, we cover:

What happens in your nervous system when boundaries get violated repeatedly
Why your family pushes back so hard when you start setting limits
The difference between boundaries and requests (and why this matters)
How family roles (peacekeeper, scapegoat, parentified child) affect boundary violations
Six practical strategies to protect yourself at Christmas gatherings
What to do if you lose your temper again (because it might happen)
Why losing your temper doesn't erase your healing work

Resources mentioned:

Free Dysregulation SOS Toolkit

Have a question for the podcast?

Head to www.yourcomplextrauma.com/contact to record your question. We only share with your permission.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok:

Why Self-Compassion Feels So Cringey

Saison 1 · Épisode 100

mercredi 11 juin 2025 • Durée 23:18

If the words “be kind to yourself” make you want to roll your eyes (or run) you’re not alone. For many trauma survivors, self-compassion doesn’t feel good. It feels awkward. Threatening. Even fake.

In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma therapist Erin Witmer for an honest conversation about what makes self-compassion so hard to access, and why the resistance itself is often a form of protection.

Erin shares her personal and professional journey with softening toward herself, the early life messages that shape people's inner voice, and what it looks like to meet shame and perfectionism with something gentler.

They explore:
→ What self-compassion actually is (and isn’t)
→ Why it can feel so cringey—even in recovery
→ The inner critic’s role in survival
→ Tiny ways to begin practicing self-kindness without forcing it

Looking for a trauma therapist or an EMDR therapist? Learn more about Erin here:

https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/erin-witmer-trauma-therapist-horsham-pa

And, be sure to grab the FREE Self-Compassion Myth-Buster PDF here:

https://www.subscribepage.com/self-compassion-myth-buster

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Exploring the World of Boundaries

Saison 1 · Épisode 10

mercredi 5 juillet 2023 • Durée 28:45

Step into a world where boundaries can transform the way you care for yourself.

In this episode we begin by shedding light on Prentice Hemphill's thought-provoking definition of boundaries as the distance at which one can love oneself and another simultaneously. We tackle the challenging but critical aspect of implementing boundaries, and how it's a fine line between self-care and selfishness, steering clear of the misconception that setting limits is an act of negligence towards others.

Join Sarah and Abby we navigate the terrain of setting boundaries in relationships, discussing the intriguing concept of internal and external boundaries.

We dive into the complications that arise when explicit communication isn't possible and how to adjust our boundaries in the face of these challenges.

The conversation doesn't stop at setting external boundaries; we turn the spotlight on the importance of checking in with ourselves after setting a boundary and making them flexible. Listen in and discover how boundary setting isn't just about saying 'no,' but also a declaration of our worthiness and a testament to our self-respect.

Tune in to this discussion that promises to change the way you perceive and set your boundaries.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

Embracing Your Authenticity

Saison 1 · Épisode 9

mercredi 28 juin 2023 • Durée 35:45

Have you ever felt like you've lost touch with your true self after experiencing trauma, disordered eating, or body shame? Join Sarah and Casey as we share our personal journeys and insights on how to reclaim your authenticity amidst the influences of diet culture, disordered eating, and trauma.

We'll discuss the importance of building trust in ourselves, finding joy and passion in life, what gets in the way of it all, and the necessity of self-compassion and understanding every step of the way.

Feeling an existential crisis creeping up? Consider it an invitation to pause and check in with yourself.

Tune in as we explore how to rely on ourselves in a healthy way, manage expectations, and break free from people-pleasing habits to come back to yourself.

Plus, learn how values work can help you make sense of your relationships and motivations in this empowering conversation.

And, be sure to check out our merch on our website!

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Breaking Free from Body Image Struggles: Working Through Body Dysmorphia and Body-Shame

Saison 1 · Épisode 8

mercredi 21 juin 2023 • Durée 28:26

Are you tired of feeling defeated by impossible, unrealistic body standards perpetuated by diet culture and the media? Join therapists from Reclaim Therapy, Sarah and Emily, to tackle body image and body dysmorphia head-on. We'll uncover how shame and self-doubt can creep in as we struggle with these issues and explore how therapy can guide us to better understand and manage our feelings.

Discover the intersection of body dysmorphia and disordered eating as we delve into our fears of not being accepted and our desire for control. Together with Emily, we'll discuss the importance of developing self-awareness, breaking free from the cycle of shame, and embracing compassionate ways to meet our needs. Learn how to avoid body-checking and work towards overcoming feelings of defeat.

In our conversation, we also highlight the significance of connecting with others and minimizing body checking to work through deeply regulating rituals. Learn methods to disrupt these rituals while still feeling okay and understand that body image extends beyond the physical to our values, interests, and uniqueness. Lastly, we touch on the challenges of practicing acceptance and managing triggers as we navigate a culture that often fuels our frustrations.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The Complexity of Mother-Daughter Dynamics

Saison 1 · Épisode 7

mercredi 14 juin 2023 • Durée 50:15

What if you could better understand the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they shape our self-esteem, body image, and even our career paths? Join us in this heartfelt conversation with Laura as we shed light on this complex topic and explore the power of healing these relationships. We also discuss the importance of recognizing the biases in research and literature on this matter, and the need to include more diverse voices in the conversation.

Navigating boundaries in mother-daughter relationships can be challenging, but we tackle this topic head-on, emphasizing the significance of creating space for individuality while honoring each other's wishes and needs. We explore how expectations can impact our relationships and the importance of deciphering what is genuinely an expectation from a mother and what is an interpretation by the daughter. Additionally, we face the difficulty of setting boundaries and the fear of what it could mean for the relationship.

As we dive deeper into the mother-daughter relationship, we discuss the benefits of processing underlying emotions in a safe space, such as with a third-party therapist, and how this can create an environment for both parties to be heard and understood. We explore the idea of grief and acceptance, and how it can help both mother and daughter come to terms with the evolving nature of their relationship. By reflecting on our own experiences as mothers and daughters, we uncover how understanding each other can help heal wounds from the past and foster a stronger bond moving forward.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Orthorexia: Unraveling the Obsession with Healthy Eating

Saison 1 · Épisode 6

mercredi 7 juin 2023 • Durée 27:03

Have you ever found yourself obsessing over the "cleanliness" and "purity" of your food choices? You might be experiencing orthorexia - an intense fixation on healthy eating that can consume our thoughts and lives. Join Sarah and Abby, as we share about orthorexia and explore how this obsession can leave us feeling exhausted and isolated.

We'll discuss the differences between orthorexia and other eating disorders such as anorexia, and how orthorexia's focus on healthy eating and rigid food rules can impact our cognitive functioning and emotion regulation. If you're questioning whether you're struggling with orthorexic tendencies, we'll provide helpful tips and insights on navigating these food rules and finding the support you need.

Remember, you're not alone - and discovering a healthier relationship with food might just align better with your values.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

The Tangled Threads of Grief, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and Body Shame

Saison 1 · Épisode 5

mercredi 31 mai 2023 • Durée 35:27

Welcome back to Reclaim You!

In this powerful episode, your hosts Sarah and Casey dive deep into the intricate connections between grief, trauma, and eating disorders. Join us as we explore the experiences that intertwine these struggles and the often complex journey of recovery.

Throughout the episode Casey dives into the experience of grief, how it shows up throughout recovery from trauma and disordered eating, and how to care for yourself through it.

For more about grief and recovery from disordered eating, check out this blog post.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw

Follow on TikTok: @sarahherstichlcsw

Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Strategies to Reclaim You From Diet Culture

Saison 1 · Épisode 4

mercredi 24 mai 2023 • Durée 19:12

Welcome back to the Reclaim You podcast with Reclaim Therapy!

We hope this is an unfiltered and uplifting episode that empowers you to rise above the suffocating grip of diet culture. We've been diving deep into the covert ways diet culture infiltrates our lives, but now it's time to ignite the flame of hope inside of you. In this episode, Sarah, alongside Reclaim Therapist, Emily Cinque, lead the charge in reclaiming your life from the clutches of diet culture.

First up, Emily dives into the transformative power of resiliency and its crucial role in breaking free from the shackles of diet culture. Discover how tapping into your inner strength can help you navigate the rocky path towards self-acceptance and body liberation

As we navigate the treacherous waters of media and social media, Emily spills the tea on essential strategies for consumption. Learn how to dodge the misleading diet trends, body shaming influencers, and the never-ending parade of perfectly photoshopped images. It's time to curate your media feed like the boss of your life that you are and reclaim what you allow into your brainspace.

But hey, we get it—it's not easy to untangle yourself from the web of diet culture. When that lightbulb moment hits and you realize the harm it has caused, the Reclaim Therapy team has your back. Emily shares self-care strategies to help you heal and nurture yourself as you come to terms with the toxic beliefs and behaviors ingrained by diet culture.

So, buckle up, Reclaim community, and get ready to reclaim your power, your confidence, and your unique and wonderful self.

It's time to defy diet culture, embrace self-love, and march towards a life that is authentically and unapologetically yours. Together, let's reclaim you and rewrite the narrative of your beautiful existence.

Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!

Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Follow on Instagram:

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