Hello Trauma Brain

Raysa Michelle
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Welcome to Hello Trauma Brain. A podcast where I share my experiences living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and what I am doing to heal and get better. This podcast is for anyone who has C-PTSD, thinks they might have it, or has a loved one with this diagnosis.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    EP.077|Why Current Events Hit Different When You Have C-PTSD

    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, I explore why current events hit differently when you have C-PTSD, and what happens when the world around us mirrors the original system of abuse we survived. Why news cycles about ICE raids, Epstein files survivors being punished, and other stories trigger full nervous system dysregulation for trauma survivors How current events mirror the pattern many of us grew up in: vulnerable people punished, abusers protected Why shame gets activated when we see survivors silenced and perpetrators face no accountability Personal reflections on childhood experiences with family-adjacent convicted offenders and being blamed instead of protected How I'm working on reclaiming my voice and remembering I have power now that I didn't have as a child Permission to feel triggered and empowered, and why your nervous system isn't overreacting This episode’s healing invitation: Notice how your body reacts to the news. Set boundaries around when and how long you consume content about current events. Research safe ways to take action if you feel called. Most importantly, take care of yourself and honor your boundaries, and you cannot pour from an empty cup. Content warning: This episode mentions sexual abuse and child sexual abuse and may mention trauma or other topics that could feel activating. Please pause, take a break, or skip the episode if needed. 📖 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Trauma and Current Events 01:41 The Impact of CPTSD on Perception 03:39 Navigating Personal Challenges and Podcasting 06:05 The Role of Magical Thinking in Healing 07:14 Addressing Current Events and Their Emotional Toll 09:47 The Importance of Acknowledging Abuse Patterns 12:27 Survivor's Perspective on Accountability 14:22 The Pain of Watching Injustice 16:16 Understanding the Cycle of Abuse 17:27 Personal Stories of Abuse and Healing 20:04 The Complexity of Recognizing Abuse 22:02 Conclusion and Call to Action 22:28 The Impact of Childhood Trauma 26:12 Outrage Against Systemic Injustice 28:51 Healing and Self-Care for Survivors 36:44 The Importance of Speaking Up 39:35 This Week’s 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.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HelloTraumaBrain?utm_source=chatgpt.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2SmkhdauRaPVQVqfLH3vs7?utm_source=chatgpt.com Amazon 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: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    45 min

  2. 2 JAN

    EP.076|Healing Journey Lessons from 2025 + My Top Book Recommendations

    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, I reflect on my healing journey from complex trauma over the past year. I share what has worked and what hasn’t, and I talk about how important self-compassion, boundaries, and recognizing the impact of relationships have been in my healing. I also discuss the tools and techniques that have supported my progress, including nervous system regulation and the importance of rest. I celebrate my wins, from personal growth to new therapeutic relationships, and I set intentions for the year ahead. Takeaways Healing from complex trauma is a continuous journey. Self-compassion is crucial in overcoming toxic shame. Noticing patterns in relationships can lead to healthier boundaries. Letting go of unrealistic expectations can foster personal growth. Rest is essential for mental and emotional well-being. Finding the right therapeutic support is vital for healing. Celebrating small wins can boost motivation and self-esteem. Implementing personalized systems can enhance productivity. Understanding executive function deficits can aid in self-management. Radical acceptance allows for a healthier perspective on life's challenges. 📚 References (not sponsors) 🧠 Tools & Resources Notion – build simple websites https://www.notion.com/help/guides/build-a-website-with-notion-in-seconds-no-coding-required Seth Perler – Executive Function & ADHD (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3g805SGGjuUY3OmPJ25yRQ The Executive Function Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-executive-function-podcast/id1489096143 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7qTyfCMOWe3P0EySzPgBRP 🎬 Mentioned media That Christmas Movie on Netflix (search result) https://www.google.com/search?q=that+christmas+movie+netflix ✍️ Writers & websites Nate Postlethwait https://natewrites.com/ 📖 Book Recommendations Bluey: The Doctor https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/744340/bluey-the-doctor-by-penguin-young-readers-licenses/ Believing Me – Dr. Ingrid Clayton https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B92ZLXWX I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy https://www.amazon.com/Im-Glad-My-Mom-Died/dp/1982185821 Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy (pre-order) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/735278/half-his-age-by-jennette-mccurdy/ Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything – Alyson Stoner https://www.amazon.com/Semi-Well-Adjusted-Despite-Literally-Everything-Memoir/dp/1250353491 SurThriving – Franceska McCaughan https://www.amazon.com/SurThriving-breaking-childhood-poverty-trauma-ebook/dp/B0CGMM27FZ Fawning – Dr. Ingrid Clayton https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/779579/fawning-by-dr-ingrid-clayton/ The Upside of OCD – Dr. Michael Alcée https://www.amazon.com/Upside-OCD-Flip-Script-Reclaim/dp/1538191105 It’s Not You – Dr. Ramani Durvasula https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/710202/its-not-you-by-ramani-durvasula-phd/ Should I Stay or Should I Go? – Dr. Ramani Durvasula https://www.amazon.com/Should-Stay-Surviving-Relationship-Narcissist/dp/168261333X “Don’t You Know Who I Am?” – Dr. Ramani Durvasula https://www.amazon.com/Dont-You-Know-Who-Entitlement/dp/1642933570 📝 My writing Listening to My Screaming Body (free article) http://magazine.healingandcptsdchronicles.com/books/xkxj/#p=1 Raysa on CPTSD Recovery & Healing (blog Q&A – free) https://aboutthatjack.com/raysas-journey-cptsd-recovery-and-healing/ 🌱 Apps Finch Self-Care App https://finchcare.com/ 🎧 Recommended Episodes EP.064|Reclaiming Fawning While Believing Me with Dr. Ingrid Clayton https://youtu.be/hCZOlAQ7MOg EP.072|SurThriving with Franceska McCaughan: How Surviving and Thriving Can Coexist https://youtu.be/jRFrWh1it4U ✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain: 📱 Follow on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music 💛 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: PayPal. Thank you for helping me keep this space going. 🔗  More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site (quick links to all platforms 🙂) 🌐 Official Website (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    1h 5m

  3. 11/12/2025

    EP.075|Estrangement Saved My Life (Survivor’s POV)|Year 3

    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, join me, Raysa, as I talk about my experience with estrangement. As I reach my third year estranged from the main abusers in my life, I share what it has been like to make, and maintain, this decision. I also discuss how I’ve been navigating recent content that shames estrangement, and the blanket statements often used to minimize its necessity. Tune in to hear what I’ve gained from this painful but transformative journey. Related Episodes EP.015 | No Contact https://youtu.be/c8TehfJcSJw EP.056 | The Pain of Staying No Contact https://youtu.be/1lA_0re4fmI References (not sponsors) Andrew Bird – HARK! (Full Album Yule Log Stream) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGcqL4g580Q The Healing and C-PTSD Foundation https://www.thehealingandcptsdfoundation.org/ Patrick Teahan’s Website https://www.patrickteahantherapy.com RRP Therapists on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rrptherapists/ Stranger Things https://www.google.com/search?q=stranger+things Heal with Yish on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/heal_with_yish/ John Bradshaw – Healing the Shame That Binds You https://www.johnbradshaw.com/books/healing-the-shame-that-binds-you ✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain: 📱 Follow on Instagram: ➡️ @hellotraumabrain 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: ➡️ Apple Podcasts ➡️ YouTube ➡️ Spotify ➡️ Amazon Music 💛 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: ➡️ PayPal 🔗 More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site 🌐 Official Website (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    57 min

  4. 27/11/2025

    EP.074|Q&A on CPTSD Recovery and Healing: A Collaboration with About that Jack Blog

    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. ✍🏽 I’m excited to share that I’ve collaborated with the blog About that Jack. I did my first Q&A series called Raysa on CPTSD Recovery & Healing. 🎙️ In this bonus announcement episode, I briefly share my experience answering Jack’s questions for his blog About that Jack and how it helped me reflect on my own progress so far. You can read the blog Raysa on CPTSD Recovery & Healing completely free here: ➡️ Read the Q&A Here I want to give a very special thank you to Jack for giving me the opportunity to share the tools I have found helpful and my experience healing so far. Check out Jack’s Blog: ➡️ About that Jack Check out Jack’s Podcast: ➡️ Healing Out Loud Be sure to follow Jack on Instagram! ➡️ About that Jack on Instagram ✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain: 📱 Follow on Instagram: ➡️ @hellotraumabrain 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: ➡️ Apple Podcasts ➡️ YouTube ➡️ Spotify ➡️ Amazon Music 💛 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: ➡️ PayPal 🔗 More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site 🌐 Official Website (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    6 min

  5. 26/11/2025

    Listening to My Screaming Body: A Collaboration with The Healing and C-PTSD Chronicles

    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. ✍🏽 I’m excited to share that I’ve collaborated with The Healing and C-PTSD Chronicles (A Virtual Magazine). My very first published article, Listening to My Screaming Body, is featured in their Summer 2025 issue. 🎙️ In this bonus episode, I briefly share what it was like writing my first-ever article and collaborating with a trauma-informed organization. You can read Listening to my Screaming Body completely free here: Read my article. I want to give a very special thank-you to Dani Carpio and the wonderful team at The Healing and C-PTSD Chronicles for making this possible. Be sure to follow them on Instagram! Healing and C-PTSD Community on Instagram Healing and C-PTSD Foundation on Instagram Complex Dani on Instagram Healing and C-PTSD Website I also want to give a shout-out to all the writers in this issue with Instagram handles (including one of my recent guests on Hello Trauma Brain):” Alicia Roman     @thealiciaroman Amber Trejo     @integrativetraumatherapist Angela Maria Massaro.    @blackflower_remedies Angela Morris    @theembodyherbrand Anna Aslanian    @mytherapycorner Britt Piper.  @healwithbritt (HTB Guest) Dr. Ingrid Clayton   @ingridclaytonphd Jen Towns    @yourqueertherapist Jen Woolwine    @herhealingway Maria Dominique Lopez    @ascendingarts Raysa Michelle  @hellotraumabrain Sarah Ann Saegar    @sarahannsaeger Sun Chung Tyana Tavakol    @uncoveringyoutherapy Willa Jones Yelna AP   @to_mydearself ✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain: 📱 Follow on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music 💛 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: PayPal. Thank you for helping me keep this space going. 🔗  More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site (quick links to all platforms 🙂) 🌐 Official Website (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    11 min

  6. 13/11/2025

    EP.072|SurThriving with Franceska McCaughan: How Surviving and Thriving Can Coexist

    In this heartfelt episode of Hello Trauma Brain, I sit down with Franceska McCaughan, author of SurThriving, to talk about what it really means to heal from childhood trauma and find ways to thrive after surviving. Franceska and I explore the complexity of going no contact with a parent, how boundaries can protect your peace, and why allowing both survival and thriving to coexist is an act of deep self-compassion. We also talk about how Human Design can serve as a tool for personal growth and how creating beauty in everyday life can become part of the healing journey. 💫 About Franceska McCaughan Franceska Marie McCaughan is a writer, creative coach, and author of the memoir SurThriving. Through her work, she helps others reconnect with their authentic selves by combining Human Design, storytelling, and creativity as tools for healing and transformation. 💛 In This Episode, We Talk About Healing from childhood trauma The grief and freedom of going no contact The importance of boundaries and protecting your peace How Human Design supports personal growth Finding beauty in everyday moments What it means to “surthrive” (to both survive and thrive) 🔗 Resources Mentioned (This podcast is not sponsored by any of the individuals or resources linked below.) Patrick Teahan’s Website ✨ Connect with Franceska Franceska McCaughan’s Website Current Offers Follow on Instagram Buy Franceska’s Memoir SurThriving 👀 Watch or 🎧 Listen to This Episode You can watch/listen to this episode of Hello Trauma Brain on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify (video available) YouTube (video available) Amazon Music 💛 Stay Connected 📱 Follow Hello Trauma Brain on Instagram 🌐 Visit the Bio Site for All Links 📧 Email: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com ☕ Support the Podcast on PayPal If this episode resonated with you, please share it or leave a review — it helps more trauma survivors find this community. 💛 Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed psychologist or mental health professional. This podcast reflects my personal experiences and is not a substitute for professional care. If you believe you may have Complex PTSD or another mental health condition, please reach out to a qualified provider.

    1h 14m

  7. 24/10/2025

    Transcend Trauma with Cathy & Geraldine|EP.071

    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, join me, Raysa, as I talk with Cathy and Geraldine, founders of Transcend Trauma, about the healing journey after complex trauma. We dive into the importance of trusting your gut when finding a therapist, how seeking help can transform your life, and the powerful impact of inner child work on emotional healing. We also explore what it means to work with trauma-informed professionals who not only understand complex trauma but also show up as real, compassionate human beings in the therapy room. Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or deep into trauma recovery, this episode offers insight, validation, and encouragement for survivors and supporters alike. ✨ Follow and Connect with This Episode’s Guests, Geraldine and Cathy: Transcend Trauma Website Transcend Trauma on Facebook Transcend Trauma on Instagram Transcend Trauma on YouTube Transcend Trauma on TikTok References & Resources Mentioned (This podcast is not sponsored by any of the individuals or resources linked below.) Patrick Teahan’s Website Christiane Sanderson’s Website Carolyn Spring’s Website Samantha Lee’s Website Relationship Recovery Process Therapist’s Link Tree Read Raysa’s article “Listening to My Screaming Body” published in The Healing and C-PTSD Chronicles for free here. ✨ Stay connected with Hello Trauma Brain: 📱 Follow on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music 💛 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: PayPal. Thank you for helping me keep this space going. 🔗  More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site (quick links to all platforms 🙂) 🌐 Official Website (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    1h 5m

  8. 09/10/2025

    Letting Go of Perfect: C-PTSD and the Good Enough Standard|EP.070

    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, join me, Raysa, as I reflect on my recovery from perfectionism and how embracing the “good enough” standard has allowed me to be more human. References & Resources Mentioned (This podcast is not sponsored by any of the individuals or resources linked below.) The Greta Thunberg Foundation Website Taylor Swift’s Website Chappell Roan’s Video The Subway ✨ Stay connected: 📱 Follow on Instagram 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Amazon Music 💛 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: PayPal. Thank you for helping me keep this space going. 🔗  More links: 🌐 Official Bio Site (quick links to all platforms 🙂) 🌐 Official Website (currently under construction) 📧 You can reach me at: hellotraumabrain@gmail.com 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.

    44 min
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About

Welcome to Hello Trauma Brain. A podcast where I share my experiences living with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and what I am doing to heal and get better. This podcast is for anyone who has C-PTSD, thinks they might have it, or has a loved one with this diagnosis.

Information

  • Creator
    Raysa Michelle
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Raysa Michelle
  • Show Website
    Hello Trauma Brain