Trauma Intersections

Courtney Copeland
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This podcast is a space for real stories, honest conversations, and meaningful healing. Together, we'll explore the ways trauma, loss, and life's hardest moments shape us—and how healing can happen in many different forms. Join Courtney Copeland, counselor, integrative healer, and your trauma bestie, as she talks with guests who have faced difficult intersections in life and found a path forward. Through vulnerability, connection, and hope, each episode offers a reminder that you are not alone and that healing is possible. Come laugh, learn, heal, and discover the power of sharing our stories.

  1. 2 days ago

    How do you break free from childhood trauma, reclaim your power, and create a life that finally feels like your own with Nikki Neal

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, Courtney Copeland sits down with former educator, holistic wellness entrepreneur, and energy work practitioner Nikki Neal, also known as the Soul Shifter, to explore childhood trauma, emotional abuse, nervous system regulation, self-worth, and breaking generational patterns. Nikki shares her journey of growing up surrounded by instability and substance abuse, navigating a difficult divorce, and learning to protect herself and her children from emotional manipulation. She opens up about how these experiences revealed unresolved childhood wounds and inspired her to rebuild her confidence through healthy boundaries, mindset work, somatic practices, and self-compassion. Together, Courtney and Nikki discuss reconnecting with your body, overcoming people-pleasing, finding your voice, and creating a safer, more fulfilling life beyond trauma. In This Episode: • Childhood trauma & breaking generational patterns • Emotional abuse, manipulation & rebuilding self-worth • Divorce, motherhood & creating a safe home • People-pleasing, healthy boundaries & finding your voice • Nervous system regulation & somatic healing practices • Reconnecting with your inner child & rebuilding self-trust • Overcoming anxiety, negative self-talk & limiting beliefs • Reclaiming personal power, confidence & joy after trauma Contact Nikki: Www.theesoulshifter.com  TikTok: @theesoulshifter Instagram: @theesoulshifter    Nikki, Thee Soul Shifter, is the founder of The Soul Shifter Ecosystem, a transformational healing and personal development movement devoted to helping people reconnect with themselves, regulate their nervous systems, heal from the inside out, and embody the life they were created to live. With a background in early childhood development, mental and maternal health, energy healing, and transformational mentorship, Nikki takes a whole-human approach to healing. She believes lasting transformation doesn't happen by simply changing behaviors—it happens by addressing the root. Her work integrates emotional healing, nervous system regulation, mindset, embodiment practices, intuitive guidance, and spiritual growth to create sustainable, life-changing results. Known for creating safe spaces where people feel deeply seen, heard, and empowered, Nikki helps individuals break generational patterns, rebuild self-trust, strengthen their relationship with themselves, and step into authentic leadership. Her approach honors the connection between the mind, body, emotions, and spirit, meeting each person exactly where they are while guiding them toward their highest expression. Through The Soul Shifter Ecosystem, Nikki offers transformational mentorship, healing experiences, workshops, community memberships, digital resources, and immersive programs designed to support every stage of the healing journey—from awareness to embodiment.   Book with Courtney: https://tidycal.com/courtneycopeland/onehour

  2. 2 days ago

    Can you truly heal from trauma and create a life filled with peace, joy, and fulfillment? A talk with Jacqueline Jackson

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, Courtney Copeland sits down with marriage and family therapist, clinical sexologist, and certified sex coach Jacqueline Jackson to explore childhood trauma, emotional healing, attachment styles, healthy boundaries, and the power of supportive relationships. Jacqueline shares her personal journey through childhood abuse, eating disorders, and unhealthy relationships, and how therapy, EMDR, spirituality, self-compassion, and meaningful connections helped her reclaim her life. Together, they discuss why healing isn't one-size-fits-all, how trauma shapes our relationships, and why it's never too late to build a life beyond your past. In This Episode: • Healing from childhood trauma and abuse • Trauma, attachment styles & rebuilding trust • Eating disorders and emotional recovery • EMDR therapy, spirituality & holistic healing • Setting healthy boundaries with family • The power of safe relationships and community support • Self-compassion, emotional regulation & finding inner peace About Jackie:  Jacqueline Jackson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Sexologist, and Certified Sex Coach specializing in trauma, relationships, and intimacy. Through her practice, Bloom Into Mindfulness, she helps individuals and couples heal from life's challenges by integrating mindfulness, somatic awareness, relationship science, and sacred sexuality. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal healing journey, Jacqueline believes that while healing takes courage, cultivating joy is an intentional practice that expands to all areas of one's life. Website: www.bloomintomindfulness.com Instagram: @bloomintomindfulness Facebook: Bloom Into Mindfulness, Psychotherapy and Wellness To book with Courtney: https://tidycal.com/courtneycopeland/onehour

  3. 26 Sept

    How can we feel safe and heard when navigating infertility, pregnancy, birth, and healthcare with Liz Gray

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, Courtney Copeland sits down with licensed clinical social worker and certified EMDR therapist Liz Gray to explore infertility, birth trauma, postpartum depression, trauma-informed healthcare, and patient advocacy. Liz shares both her professional perspective and her personal experience as a trauma survivor navigating fertility treatment and motherhood. Together, they discuss trusting your body, advocating for yourself, finding supportive providers, and why choice, consent, and compassion matter in healthcare. In This Episode: • Infertility & birth trauma • Postpartum depression • Trauma-informed healthcare • Patient advocacy & consent • Finding the right healthcare providers • Turning pain into purpose Connect with Liz here: www.maternaltraumasupport.com www.instagram.com/maternaltraumasupport

  4. 25 Sept

    Exploring the Intersection of Trauma, Mental Health, and Substance Use with Therapist Edison Jaquez

    div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow"> In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with mental health therapist, author, and keynote speaker Edison A. Jaquez about the intersection of trauma, mental health, and substance use. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the United States, Edison shares how growing up surrounded by trauma shaped his journey and his passion for helping others overcome adversity. They discuss personal responsibility in healing, therapeutic modalities like CBT and Radical Acceptance, and building trust with clients. Edison, the author of four books including A Second Chance: Life Lessons Turned into Living Dreams, also shares his work mentoring youth, strengthening communities, and inspiring others through his speaking and mental health work. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing therapy for yourself, while sharing how faith, family, and resilience continue to guide his purpose.   Timestamps Introduction to Edison Jaquez (00:00:39) Edison introduces himself, his background in substance use counseling, and his transition into mental health therapy. Growing Up with Trauma (00:01:06) Edison shares his personal experience of growing up surrounded by community trauma and emphasizes personal responsibility for one's own healing. Challenges with Family Denial (00:03:25) The discussion covers the difficulty clients face when their family members are in denial about the trauma they have experienced. Therapy is for You (00:04:18) Edison explains that therapy must be a personal, selfish choice for oneself, not for pleasing others, to be effective. The Frustrations of Counseling (00:05:05) The speakers discuss the challenges of being a therapist, especially when clients struggle to apply the tools they are given. Tools for Hard Times (00:08:31) Edison shares helpful tools for clients, such as journaling with pen and paper and using voice recordings to process emotions. Adjusting Therapy for Men vs. Women (00:10:24) The conversation explores the differences in building trust and a safe space with male clients versus female clients in therapy. The Importance of Cultural Competency (00:12:01) Courtney discusses the need for therapists to be culturally competent and meet clients where they are to be effective. When Counselors Do More Harm Than Good (00:14:14) The speakers touch on how some therapists can cause more harm by not being culturally competent or taking things personally. Therapists Need Therapists (00:15:18) Edison and Courtney stress the importance of therapists having their own therapists to process the heavy work they do. Beneficial Therapeutic Modalities (00:17:22) Edison shares his preferred therapeutic modalities, including Radical Acceptance for substance use and CBT and Active Listening for mental health. The Importance of Being Heard and Seen (00:21:18) The discussion highlights how crucial it is for individuals to feel both heard and seen in all types of relationships. Edison's Motivation to Become a Therapist (00:23:31) Edison shares a personal story about a client that motivated him to go back to school for his mental health license. Doing the Work Opens Doors (00:26:48) The speakers emphasize that progress in therapy requires active work from the client, which ultimately leads to new opportunities. How to Find Edison (00:32:07) Edison shares information about his books, including "A Second Chance," and where to find him on social media platforms. Final Words of Wisdom (00:33:40) Edison offers encouragement to believe in yourself, find your purpose, and remember you don't look like what you've been through.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode Edison, "I grew up in an environment where it was surrounded by trauma. We didn't know it was trauma until we got older and understood the effect it had on us as adults." Edison, "Therapy has to be for you. You can't go into therapy because somebody is pushing you to it." Edison, "A therapist should have a therapist." Edison, "One of the biggest things that I hear from clients is that nobody listens to me." Edison, "Always thank God that you don't look like what you've been through."   RESOURCES: Connect  With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Connect  with Edison: Facebook: Edison Jaquez Instagram: Edisonjaquezspeaks Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Edison- Jaquez/e/B07FT8V5DZ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share   "Healing begins when you choose to do the work for yourself."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

  5. 24 Sept

    What happens when your body finally feels safe enough for buried trauma to surface? Lizzie Langston's intersection

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, Courtney Copeland sits down with Lizzie Langston to explore CPTSD, complex trauma, nervous system regulation, emotional flashbacks, parts work, inner child healing, and identity rebirth. Lizzie shares how her own healing journey challenged the identity she had built and led her to understand what she calls the "sacred art of coming undone"—allowing an old version of yourself to fall away while learning to navigate the space between who you were and who you're becoming. In This Episode: • CPTSD & complex trauma • Nervous system regulation • Emotional flashbacks • Parts work & inner child healing • Identity loss, ego death & rebirth • Healing through major life transitions Connect with Lizzie Kitchen and Cosmos: https://lizzielangston.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielangston Threshold Keepers Website / Mystery School: https://www.thresholdkeepers.com/ Substack: https://thresholdkeepers.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thresholdkeepers

  6. 18 Sept

    Reclaiming Your Body: Trauma, Boundaries, and the Power of Trauma-Sensitive Yoga with Annie Vinje

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney Copeland speaks with integrative health practitioner and trauma-sensitive yoga teacher Annie Vinje. Annie shares how cumulative experiences — from body shaming to harassment — taught her, like many women, that her body wasn't a safe place. She discusses the mind-body disconnect common among high-achieving women and offers simple grounding techniques to help reconnect with the body. Annie also highlights the healing power of restoring choice and autonomy, and outlines her holistic programs supporting nervous system regulation, nutrition, sleep, and hormonal health.   Timestamps Introduction to Annie Vinje (00:00:39) Annie introduces herself as an integrative health practitioner and trauma-sensitive yoga teacher, helping high-functioning women who feel burned out. Trauma and Feeling Unsafe in the Body (00:01:26) Annie discusses how women often don't feel safe in their bodies due to experiences like catcalling, harassment, and assault. Cumulative Trauma from a Young Age (00:03:21) Annie shares personal experiences of body shaming and harassment starting in sixth grade, leading to a feeling of unsafety. Living in the Mind vs. the Body (00:05:02) The discussion covers how society rewards masculine traits (the mind, doing) over feminine ones, encouraging disconnection from the body. Coping Mechanisms and Healing Journey (00:07:05) Annie explains that her healing is ongoing and that practices like meditation and yoga help her become more aware. Techniques for Reconnecting with Your Body (00:10:24) Annie shares grounding techniques like feeling your feet on the floor and bringing awareness to your heart to feel safe. The Importance of Choice and Autonomy (00:13:58) The conversation explores how trauma takes away choice and how practices like trauma-sensitive yoga help restore personal autonomy. Client Experiences with Reclaiming Choice (00:16:45) Annie describes how clients initially struggle with choice but eventually reconnect with their bodies, noticing things like hunger cues again. Discovering Your True Self (00:20:56) Annie shares how learning about herself through journaling, human design, and other practices helped her heal and reconnect. Returning to Your Inner Child (00:22:39) The speakers discuss the concept of "walking ourselves home" to our innocent, joyful childhood selves before society imposed expectations. Holistic Healing and Setting Boundaries (00:25:46) The importance of a holistic approach to wellness is discussed, including how stress impacts physical health and the need for boundaries. Annie's Programs and Offerings (00:28:05) Annie describes her strategy sessions and 90-day personalized programs that focus on nervous system regulation, nutrition, and overall wellness. Final Words of Wisdom (00:32:04) Annie encourages listeners to check in with their bodies throughout the day, noticing tension and practicing relaxation when possible.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode Annie, "A lot of us don't feel safe in the body." Annie, "My body is not safe to be in. I need to get out of it now and live in my mind." Annie, "I didn't even realize I had a choice." Annie, "A lot of the work I'm doing is walking ourselves home to each other." Courtney, "Who were you before you were told who to be?"   RESOURCES: Connect  With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.   Connect  with Annie: Website:  Linkin:  Facebook:  Instagram:   "Healing begins when we feel safe enough to come back to our bodies."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

  7. 11 Sept

    Navigating Multiple Traumas: From Family Loss to Career Change with Janel Donohue's Faith and Resilience

    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney interviews Janel Donohue, founder of J. Donohue Leadership and Consulting. Janel shares how 2024 brought multiple traumatic events: her son's injury, a devastating fire destroying their family store, resigning from a 25-year nonprofit career, and her brother's unexpected death. She discusses how faith, therapy, grounding techniques, and positive self-talk helped her cope. Janel also explores trauma-informed leadership, emphasizing vulnerability, empathy, and open communication. She highlights how tools like the Six Types of Working Genius support both personal healing and professional growth.   Timestamps Introduction to Janel Donohue (00:00:52) Janel introduces herself as a new entrepreneur, wife, and mother, and discusses her passion for helping people grow. The Six Types of Working Genius (01:43) Janel explains the "Six Types of Working Genius" model by Pat Lencioni, which helps people discover their professional joys. A Series of Traumatic Events (03:00) Janel recounts a series of traumatic events starting in late 2024, including her son's injury and a store fire. A Divine Message and Resignation (05:21) Janel shares the story of hearing a voice telling her to resign from her 25-year nonprofit career. Coping Mechanisms and Support (08:27) Janel discusses leaning on faith, family, friends, and therapy to navigate the recent series of traumatic events. Dealing with Triggers (10:46) The host and Janel discuss how unexpected things, like a scene in a show, can trigger traumatic memories. Grounding Techniques and Self-Talk (13:19) Janel shares her techniques for managing triggers, including breathing exercises, self-talk, and grounding herself in the present moment. Brain Retraining and Neuroplasticity (18:18) The conversation shifts to retraining the brain through positive reinforcement and creating new neural pathways to overcome trauma. Leadership and Employee Well-being (22:11) Janel discusses the importance of giving grace and having open conversations with employees who may be dealing with personal trauma. Getting Stuck in Crisis Mode (25:12) The host and guest explore why some people get stuck in a crisis mindset after trauma and how to address it. Vulnerability in Leadership (32:51) Janel shares a personal story about being vulnerable with her staff about her own grief after her brother's death. The Power of Language and Communication (36:13) The importance of using clear language to express needs and feelings, especially in professional settings, is discussed. Creating a Supportive Work Environment (43:01) Janel describes a workplace exercise called "When working with me," designed to foster understanding and support among colleagues. Understanding Different Work Styles (49:06) Using tools like DISC and Working Genius to understand colleagues' preferences and pet peeves to improve team dynamics. Assuming Positive Intent (54:16) Janel shares a story about misjudging an employee's refusal of an opportunity, learning the importance of asking more questions. Upcoming Programs and Contact Information (57:44) Janel announces an upcoming wellness seminar and shares how listeners can connect with her for coaching and her podcast.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode Janel, "My mom and I call things that are traumatic... we call them inconveniences." Janel, "I completely felt like the victim. I completely felt like I had no control over things. I completely felt like my life wasn't mine." Janel, "I'm grieving. Like, I have to say it out loud. No, I'm not okay." Janel, "I was always okay as the leader. They turned to me to be the strong one." Janel, "I was just like, "I'm grieving. I can't give you what you need right now.""   RESOURCES: Connect  With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.   Connect  with Janel: Website: www.jdonohueleadership.com Linkin: linkedin.com/in/janeldonohue Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janel.s.donohue Instagram: janel.s.donohue Podcast Links: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/success-is-an- iceberg/id1896786580 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033kvJ5xXNN5f4z6jKTEfj?si=7c6c e6ea76ab4be9   J Donohue Leadership and Consulting 540-220-7804   Want to schedule a meeting with Janel, check out her Calendly Link for available times: https://calendly.com/jdonohue211/one-on-one-meeting-time   "Healing means learning to move forward without carrying every hardship alone."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

  8. 4 Sept

    Just Breathe: A Mindful Minute

    In this episode of the Trauma Intersections podcast, host Courtney offers listeners a preview of her upcoming class, "I Just Need a Minute." She guides the audience through a calming mindfulness exercise, including deep breathing techniques and a gentle body scan to identify areas of tension. Courtney encourages self-reflection, asking listeners to consider their needs, accomplishments, and healing progress. She also leads a progressive muscle relaxation exercise. The episode closes with a reminder that healing happens through connection and that every listener's journey matters.   Timestamps Introduction and Class Preview (00:00:02) Host Courtney introduces the podcast and previews the "I Just Need a Minute" class, inviting listeners to relax. Mindful Breathing and Body Scan (00:01:09) A guided exercise to notice your breath and scan your body for areas of tension or comfort. Deep Breathing for Tension Release (00:02:36) A specific breathing technique (in for six, hold for two, out for eight) to release physical tension. Gentle Movement and Vocal Release (00:04:08) Encouragement to wiggle fingers and toes, shift weight, and release sound with an audible sigh to relax further. Self-Reflection and Needs Assessment (00:05:16) A prompt to consider what you need today, where you can ask for help, and areas you're proud of. Integrating Healing into Daily Life (00:06:16) Thinking about how to make healing practices a part of daily life, not just a coping mechanism. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (00:07:21) A guided muscle tension and release exercise, moving from the feet up to the head and back down. Closing Thoughts and Encouragement (00:08:36) A final encouragement to carry the peace from the exercise throughout the rest of the day. Podcast Outro (00:08:53) A call to subscribe, review, and share the podcast, emphasizing the importance of connection and safe spaces for healing.   Powerful Quotes from the Episode 'Today, we're just going to take a minute to really relax, focus our intention on ourselves, and just be.' 'There could be things that, oh, I am completely relaxed; I love how my body feels in this state.' 'You might feel like you're ready to let other things out, and that's perfectly fine.' 'This isn't a time to beat yourself up or think about a to-do list; this is a time to think about you.' 'I just want you to take the peace of this moment through the rest of your day.'   RESOURCES: Connect  With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.   "Sometimes, healing begins with simply giving yourself a moment to breathe."   Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.

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About

This podcast is a space for real stories, honest conversations, and meaningful healing. Together, we'll explore the ways trauma, loss, and life's hardest moments shape us—and how healing can happen in many different forms. Join Courtney Copeland, counselor, integrative healer, and your trauma bestie, as she talks with guests who have faced difficult intersections in life and found a path forward. Through vulnerability, connection, and hope, each episode offers a reminder that you are not alone and that healing is possible. Come laugh, learn, heal, and discover the power of sharing our stories.

Information

  • Creator
    Courtney Copeland
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    Trauma Intersections