Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads

Trigger Notice + Support

This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, abuse, cancer, and trauma recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone.
In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For international support, visit: https://findahelpline.com

What happens when life tries to break you—and you decide not to let it? In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist and survivor Zulma Williams to talk trauma, healing, and why you don’t need to be “fixed” to move forward.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

“If you woke up today, your mission in life is not complete.” — Zulma Williams

Episode Description

Zulma Williams has survived more than most people can imagine—breast cancer, abusive relationships, depression, and suicidal ideation. But she never saw herself as a victim. In this raw, honest episode, Zulma joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share why survival isn’t about toughness—it’s about truth.

Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Zulma moved to the United States in her 30s, reinvented herself in midlife, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after cancer forced her to stop and reevaluate everything. Along the way, she learned something powerful: trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted.

Zulma opens up about emotional and verbal abuse, how subtle control can dismantle your sense of self, and why so many people don’t realize they’re being harmed until they’re already isolated. She also explains why therapy only works when you’re allowed to be fully yourself—swearing included.

As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma talks about trauma recovery, nervous system healing, and why short-term, evidence-based therapies can create real change. This conversation is bold, validating, and deeply human—especially for anyone who feels “too old,” “too damaged,” or “too far gone” to start over.

This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to honor your own internal hero.

SEO Keywords: Zulma Williams, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, therapy healing, PTSD support, emotional abuse recovery, anxiety and depression, ART therapy, survivor mindset, suicide prevention, healing trauma, self-worth, resilience, therapy that works

Meet Our Guest — Zulma Williams, LCSW, ACSW, CTMH

Zulma Williams is the founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma recovery. A breast cancer survivor and Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma brings lived experience, direct honesty, and evidence-based care to help clients stop surviving and start healing.

Connect with Zulma:
Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapist
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapist
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214/

Key Takeaways

Trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted to survive.

Emotional and verbal abuse are real, damaging, and often invisible.

You’re never “too old” to change your life or start over.

Therapy only works when you’re allowed to be your authentic self.

Being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness.

You are allowed to choose yourself—even if others don’t like it.

Actionable Items

If therapy doesn’t feel safe or real, give yourself permission to find a better fit.

Ask yourself: “Am I honoring my internal hero—or ignoring them?”

Notice where you’re minimizing your pain and name it honestly.

 

References Mentioned

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org

Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters

00:02:00 – Zulma’s immigration journey and starting over

00:10:30 – Going back to school later in life

00:15:00 – Recognizing emotional and verbal abuse

00:22:00 – Therapy, trauma, and reclaiming your voice

00:30:00 – Why authenticity matters in healing

00:37:00 – Self-care, self-love, and choosing yourself

00:40:00 – Zulma’s message to anyone still struggling

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#TraumaRecovery #TherapyWorks #PTSDHealing #SurvivorStory #EmotionalAbuseRecovery
#AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness #HealingJourney #InternalHero #ARTTherapy
#MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #SelfWorth

***************************************************************************
If You Need Support, Reach Out
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.
United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
Worldwide: Find a Helpline
Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here
Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice & Support Reminder

This episode includes discussion of suicide, sexual assault, trauma, addiction, and cancer.
If you or someone you love is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 in the U.S. or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources.

What if forgiveness wasn’t about letting someone off the hook — but about finally setting yourself free? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Katherine Giovanni to talk about trauma, anger, and how forgiveness can be a deeply personal, life-changing act of self-healing.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

“Forgiveness isn’t about them. It’s about getting your life — and your peace — back.”
— Katherine Giovanni

Episode Description

Forgiveness gets thrown around a lot — but nobody really teaches us how to do it, or what to do when we don’t want to. In this deeply human and eye-opening episode, Katherine Giovanni joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to flip the script on forgiveness, trauma, and healing.

A three-time award-winning author, transformation mentor, and stage 3 breast cancer survivor, Katherine shares her powerful personal journey through childhood trauma, addiction, loss, and survival — and how forgiveness became the tool that helped her reclaim her life. Not as a pass for harmful behavior, but as a boundary-setting, self-preserving act of freedom.

Katherine introduces her practical, step-by-step forgiveness process, including her unique approach to forgiving not only people but also the energy around painful memories. Together, the trio explores why forgiveness is selfish (in the best way), why you don’t owe anyone a relationship, and why some things may never be forgivable — and that’s okay.

They also dive into forgiving yourself, releasing guilt and shame, and even unpack why our relationship with money often needs forgiveness, too. This conversation is raw, insightful, and unexpectedly empowering — especially for anyone who feels stuck replaying old wounds or carrying anger that’s quietly draining their joy.

If you’ve ever said, “I’ll never forgive them,” this episode might just change how you think about healing — and about yourself.

Keywords: Katherine Giovanni, forgiveness, emotional healing, trauma recovery, self-forgiveness, mental health podcast, letting go, emotional freedom, healing from abuse, guilt and shame, boundaries, cancer survivor, addiction recovery, forgiveness process

Meet Our Guest — Katherine Giovanni

Katherine Giovanni is a three-time award-winning best-selling author, speaker, and one of the original founders of the independent concierge industry. A stage 3 breast cancer survivor and transformation mentor, she helps people release guilt, shame, and emotional blocks through forgiveness, intuition, and self-awareness.

Connect with Katherine:
Website: https://www.katharinegiovanni.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katharine.giovanni
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katharinegiovanni
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PPtlSUPldGNl9mIRRtAmA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharinegiovanni/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kathgiovanni
Substack: https://katharinegiovanni.substack.com/

Key Takeaways

Forgiveness is not weakness — it’s a powerful act of self-protection.

You can forgive someone without allowing them back into your life.

Holding onto anger keeps you stuck in the past; forgiveness restores your freedom.

Forgiving the energy around a memory helps stop emotional triggers.

Self-forgiveness is often the hardest — and most important — healing step.

Healing is a marathon, not a sprint.

Actionable Items

Write a forgiveness list and start with the easiest people first — not the biggest wounds.

Practice forgiving the energy around painful memories, not just the people involved.

Check in with your body after forgiveness work and pace yourself gently.

References Mentioned

The Ultimate Path to Forgiveness by Katherine Giovanni

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org

Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com

Important Chapters

00:03:00 – Why forgiveness is misunderstood and rarely taught

00:06:30 – The truth about forgiving without reconnecting

00:10:00 – Katherine’s step-by-step forgiveness process

00:14:30 – Forgiving trauma, abuse, and the “unforgivable.”

00:23:00 – Why forgiving yourself is often the hardest part

00:31:00 – Forgiving money and breaking old survival patterns

00:38:30 – Freedom, peace, and reclaiming your life

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#ForgivenessHealing #EmotionalFreedom #TraumaRecovery #SelfForgiveness
#LettingGo #HealingJourney #BoundariesMatter #CancerSurvivor
#AddictionRecovery #EmotionalWellness #InnerPeace #HealingTools

***************************************************************************
If You Need Support, Reach Out
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.
United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
Worldwide: Find a Helpline
Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here
Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when you do everything right, earn the degrees, land the title, and build security, yet still feel empty inside? In this powerful Season 16 opener, G Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Esther Zeldon to talk honestly about burnout, anxiety, people pleasing, and the moment you realize the life you built is slowly eroding your mental health.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

“There is no such thing as real safety if you are betraying yourself to keep it.” — Dr. Esther Zeldon

Episode Description

Burnout does not always come from failure. Sometimes it comes from success. In this raw and deeply human conversation, Dr. Esther Zeldon joins G Rex and Dirty Skittles to unpack what happens when a lifetime of chasing stability, titles, and external validation leads straight to anxiety, depression, and disconnection from purpose.
Esther shares her powerful story, from surviving a life-threatening illness as a child, to becoming a high-achieving diplomat and international development professional, to realizing that the “safe” life she built was quietly damaging her mental health. Together, they explore how childhood trauma can disguise itself as ambition, why people pleasing keeps so many of us stuck in toxic jobs, and how fear of failure often hides a deeper fear of finally being honest with ourselves.

This episode is not about reckless quitting or overnight success. It is about alignment. It is about learning to say no. It is about recognizing that security is often an illusion, and that true safety comes from knowing you can rebuild, pivot, and survive hard seasons without abandoning who you are.

Esther also opens up about anxiety, financial fear, boundaries, and the realities of entrepreneurship, including losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracts and choosing purpose anyway. If you are quietly burning out, questioning your career, or feeling guilty for wanting more meaning in your life, this conversation will resonate.

Keywords: Esther Zeldon, career burnout, anxiety, mental health, toxic workplace, purpose-driven life, people pleasing, trauma healing, entrepreneurship stress, alignment, emotional wellness, burnout recovery, meaningful work

Meet Our Guest, Dr. Esther Zeldon

Dr. Esther Zeldon is a coach, best-selling author, social entrepreneur, and former diplomat dedicated to helping people uncover their unique superpower and live purpose-driven lives. With global experience spanning governments, nonprofits, and communities, Esther blends strategy, science, and compassion to help individuals and organizations create sustainable impact without sacrificing mental health.
Website: https://beactchange.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beactchange/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/be.act.change/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beactchange

Key Takeaways

Burnout can come from success just as easily as failure.

Anxiety often stems from living out of alignment, not weakness.

Safety is often a trauma response, not a true motivator.

People pleasing keeps you stuck in toxic environments.

Saying no is a mental health skill, not a personality flaw.

Purpose is not found; it is remembered.

 
Actionable Items

Write down what safety really costs you emotionally.

Identify one boundary you need to set this month and honor it.

Ask yourself, am I chasing security, or am I chasing alignment?

 
References Mentioned

Purpose-driven coaching and alignment work: https://beactchange.com
 

Important Chapters

00:02 - Esther’s childhood trauma and how safety became her driving force
06:30 - High achievement, toxic workplaces, and silent burnout
12:45 - Anxiety, depression, and people pleasing patterns
18:00 - Leaving security and facing fear head-on
25:30 - Financial fear, entrepreneurship, and redefining success
33:00 - Boundaries, saying no, and protecting your peace
40:00 - Purpose, joy, and mental health alignment

Closing Call to Action

Subscribe, rate, and review.
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #CareerBurnout #AnxietySupport #PurposeDrivenLife #ToxicWorkplace #EmotionalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #PeoplePleasing #TraumaHealing #MentalHealthMatters #AlignmentOverAchievement #HealingJourney
***************************************************************************
If You Need Support, Reach Out
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.
United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
Worldwide: Find a Helpline
Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here
Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Season 15 reminded us why this podcast exists. In this special season ender, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down as friends — not interviewers — to reflect on the stories, lessons, laughter, and growth that defined the season, and how healing shows up when you keep showing up for each other.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

“Healing is easier when you’re not doing it alone — sometimes all it takes is someone willing to sit with you in the mess.” — G-Rex

Episode Description

This episode is different — and intentional. There are no guests this time. Just G-Rex and Dirty Skittles closing out Season 15 together, reflecting on what they learned, how they grew, and why this podcast has become more than just a show.

Throughout the season, we heard stories about anxiety, OCD, PTSD, medical trauma, parenting through crisis, creativity as healing, and learning how to advocate for yourself when life doesn’t play fair. But as we looked back, something else stood out just as clearly — the power of connection, humor, and friendship in the middle of hard seasons.

In this season ender, we talk honestly about growth, boundaries, resilience, and the lifelong work of healing. We reflect on how our guests helped us learn, laugh, and sometimes rethink the way we handle our own mental health. This conversation is about choosing hope, staying curious, and reminding ourselves that it’s okay to still be learning.

Season 15 comes full circle here — grounded, grateful, and hopeful for what’s next.

SEO Keywords: mental health podcast, season recap, healing journey, resilience, trauma recovery, anxiety support, PTSD healing, emotional wellness, self advocacy, hope, therapy tools, mental health awareness

Season 15 Episodes, Air Dates & Lessons Learned


Melissa — OCD & Anxiety Recovery: Real Tools That Actually Help
Aired 12/2/2025
Lesson: Intrusive thoughts don’t mean you’re broken — they’re signals you can learn to respond to instead of fear.


Virginia — Rising Inch by Inch: Hope, Healing, and Reclaiming Your Life
Aired 12/4/2025
Lesson: Healing doesn’t require giant leaps; consistent, small steps can rebuild an entire life.


Michael — Trauma Without the Pain: The Cortina Method That’s Changing PTSD Forever
Aired 12/9/2025
Lesson: You don’t have to relive trauma to heal it — effective therapy can reduce pain without re-traumatization.


Kelly — Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurofatigue, and the Fight to Feel ‘Normal’ Again
Aired 12/11/2025
Lesson: Invisible injuries are still real, and listening to your body early can change long-term outcomes.


Jenn Robb — Supporting a Child Through Anxiety, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts
Aired 12/16/2025
Lesson: Loving someone through a mental health crisis requires fierce advocacy — and caregivers need care too.


Adriene Caldwell — Foster Care, Abuse, Suicide Survival, and the Power of Hope
Aired 12/18/2025
Lesson: Even the hardest beginnings don’t define your ending — hope can be learned and reclaimed.


Carrie — Mental Health, Trauma, and Healing Through Creativity
Aired 12/23/2025
Lesson: Creativity can be a powerful form of therapy and a way to choose yourself after trauma.


Talaya — Cancer, Medical Gaslighting, and Emotional Healing
Aired 12/30/2025
Lesson: Self-advocacy matters — especially when systems fail — and boundaries are part of healing.


Susanna Calvert — How to Build Emotional Resilience
Aired 1/6/2026
Lesson: Emotional resilience is a skill that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened at any age.


Amy Koford — Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, Fear, Trauma, and Deep Emotional Healing
Aired 1/8/2026
Lesson: Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all — alternative therapies can work when traditional approaches don’t.


Alisa — Trauma Therapy, EMDR, and Healing Without Re-Traumatization
Aired 1/13/2026
Lesson: Healing can be gentle, intentional, and effective without reopening old wounds.

Friendship Reflection

As we looked back on Season 15, what stood out most wasn’t just the topics — it was how much we learned together. Every guest taught us something new, challenged how we think, or reminded us that humor, honesty, and connection matter just as much as therapy tools.

This season reflected the way G-Rex and Dirty Skittles have grown alongside the show — using laughter to cope, learning from other people’s pain, and supporting each other through real life in real time. Season 15 reinforced that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, and friendship can be one of the strongest tools we have.

Key Takeaways

Healing isn’t linear — progress still counts.

Humor can be a coping tool, not an avoidance tactic.

Friendship and connection matter in recovery.

Advocacy and boundaries protect mental health.

Choosing hope is an ongoing decision.

Actionable Items

Revisit one episode that resonated and apply one takeaway this week.

Use humor or creativity as a grounding tool when things feel heavy.

Check in on a friend — healing is easier together.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#HealingJourney #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #Hope #EmotionalWellness #TherapyWorks #MentalHealthSupport #PodcastCommunity #ChoosingHope #SeasonFinale

***************************************************************************
If You Need Support, Reach Out
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.
United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
Worldwide: Find a Helpline
Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here
Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trigger Notice

This episode includes discussions of trauma and past suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you love is in crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S., or visit https://findahelpline.com for global resources.

What if healing trauma didn’t require reliving every painful detail? In this powerful conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with trauma therapist Alisa Gracheva to discuss EMDR, self-awareness, and how real healing occurs without retraumatization.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

 

Mental Health Quote

“You don’t have to relive the pain to heal it — you just have to feel safe enough to let it go.”
— Alisa Gracheva

Episode Description

Trauma healing doesn’t have to mean reopening every wound — and in this deeply grounding episode, Alisa Gracheva explains why. Joining G-Rex and Dirty Skittles, Alisa shares her journey from surviving early trauma and immigration upheaval to becoming a licensed trauma therapist specializing in EMDR and nervous-system–informed care.

Together, they unpack one of the biggest myths about trauma therapy: that you have to relive every painful detail to heal. Alisa explains how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind, and why safety, pacing, and self-awareness matter more than storytelling alone. The conversation weaves through personal healing, therapy, “speed dating,” seasonal depression, grounding practices, and the reality of holding space for others without losing yourself.

Alisa also shares the hardest lessons she’s faced — including financial loss, burnout, and learning to ask for help — while offering listeners a compassionate framework for change: self-awareness, willingness, and readiness. From boundaries and daily rituals to art, nature, and spirituality, this episode is a reminder that healing is not a destination — it’s a relationship with yourself.

If you’ve ever felt broken by trauma, exhausted by therapy that didn’t fit, or afraid that healing would hurt more than staying the same, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and permission to do it differently.

Keywords: Alisa Gracheva, trauma therapy, EMDR, healing trauma, nervous system regulation, mental health podcast, PTSD recovery, self-awareness, grounding techniques, therapy without retraumatization, spiritual healing, emotional wellness

Meet Our Guest — Alisa Gracheva

Alisa Gracheva is a licensed trauma therapist, EMDR practitioner, and author dedicated to helping people heal without re-traumatization. Blending evidence-based trauma therapy with spiritual awareness, Alisa supports clients in reconnecting with safety, self-trust, and wholeness after trauma.

Website: https://since.life/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisa_art/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisa-gracheva-61081670/
Book: Walking with Spirit: A Sacred Path to Wholeness

Key Takeaways

You don’t have to relive trauma in detail to heal it.

Trauma lives in the body — healing must involve the nervous system.

Finding the right therapist matters more than sticking with the first one.

Self-awareness is the first step toward real change.

Boundaries are essential for helpers, healers, and caregivers.

Healing is a lifelong relationship, not a finish line.

 

Actionable Items

If therapy hasn’t worked before, give yourself permission to try a different approach.

Add one grounding practice to your day (stretching, nature, breathwork, or art).

Ask yourself: “What would safety feel like right now?” — and honor that answer.

 

References Mentioned

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy

Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl

The Myth of Normal — Dr. Gabor Maté

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org

Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com

 

Important Chapters

00:02 – Alisa’s journey into trauma therapy

07:30 – Why reliving trauma isn’t required for healing

12:00 – EMDR and trauma stored in the body

19:00 – Self-awareness, readiness, and willingness to change

28:00 – Grounding, nature, and nervous system regulation

38:00 – Boundaries, burnout, and caregiver self-care

45:00 – Advice to her younger self and hardest life lessons

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our Website:
https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch
#TraumaHealing #EMDRTherapy #NervousSystemHealing #PTSDRecovery
#TherapyWorks #EmotionalWellness #SpiritualHealing #GroundingPractices
#SelfAwareness #HealingJourney #MentalHealthSupport

***************************************************************************
If You Need Support, Reach Out
If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.
United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
Worldwide: Find a Helpline
Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub
Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
LinkedIn: G-Rex and Dirty Skittles
Join Our Newsletter: Sign Up Here
Merch Store: goesoninourheads.shop
Audio Editing by NJz Audio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.