Spirals

Tonje Ettesvoll

Tonje, a compassionate voice on a mission, engages in transformative conversations with survivors, experts, therapists, her own child, and even those who have caused harm – all with the aim of crafting better strategies to reduce the alarming rates of sexual abuse and childhood trauma. How do you navigate the delicate terrain of discussing trauma? Tonje, a survivor of childhood abuse, embarks on a healing journey, contemplating whether the cycle of intergenerational trauma can morph into a spiral. As she discovers her own emotional immaturity, she explores the concept of "traumaing" – reacting to triggers and feeling unsafe. But the big question lingers: How does this impact those around her? Can shedding light on the healing process help the children of traumatized parents endure their own struggles? Perhaps, by addressing trauma early, we can even prevent its occurrence through discussions in schools. Hurt People, Hurt People. When we find ourselves on the path to healing, is it possible to break free from the shackles of intergenerational trauma? Tonje ponders the notion of avoiding causing harm to others when one's own healing journey has not yet commenced. Could open conversations with our closest relationships transform the cycle into a spiral? Acknowledging that some of our trauma inevitably affects those around us, Tonje emphasizes the importance of sharing the message that they are not to blame. This act of understanding might just be the catalyst needed to initiate their healing, potentially preventing a prolonged cycle of pain and confusion. Join Tonje in the empowering journey of "Breaking Chains, Building Spirals," where conversations become catalysts for healing, understanding, and breaking free from the binds of intergenerational trauma. Please send your questions or comments to spirals@unicornvoice.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. 29/04/2024

    Neverending Story?

    In the first part of this candid two-part episode, host Tonje invites her brother Frode to join her for a heartfelt conversation about their childhood. Together, they explore the complexities of growing up in a family with violence, abuse and mental health issues. They start by reflecting on whether their memories of childhood are the same, sharing personal anecdotes and differing perspectives. Tonje and Frode delve into the dynamics of their family, discussing their own parenting style and the influence of their parents and grandparent's difficult past. They talk openly about the challenges they faced and the impact it had on their upbringing.  With poignant honesty, Frode shares his natural response of anger, prompting a deeper exploration of the healing process within their family dynamic. Together, they offer practical insights and steps towards fostering healing and reconciliation. As they reminisce about their father's, today, very inappropriate Christmas cards and discuss the possibility of forgiveness, the conversation takes a serious turn. Frode's shares his emotional journey in coming to terms with the feelings of shame around Tonje's revelation of being sexually abused by their father.  As they confront the pervasive shame associated with sexual abuse, Tonje and Frode courageously address the stigma that often surrounds survivors and their loved ones. They grapple with the weight of societal judgment, challenging the damaging assumption that Frode might also be an abuser by association. They grapple with difficult questions about their family history, including the distinction between a pedophile and a molester, and whether their father fit into either category. Join Tonje and Frode as they engage in a raw and honest dialogue about their shared past, seeking understanding and closure along the way. Stay tuned for Part 2, where they continue their exploration. After the episode you can hear the song “12 Days” from Tonje's newly released album “You Are”, with Unicorn. Learn more and listen to Unicorn here: www.unicorn.no Visit www.unicornvoice.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

About

Tonje, a compassionate voice on a mission, engages in transformative conversations with survivors, experts, therapists, her own child, and even those who have caused harm – all with the aim of crafting better strategies to reduce the alarming rates of sexual abuse and childhood trauma. How do you navigate the delicate terrain of discussing trauma? Tonje, a survivor of childhood abuse, embarks on a healing journey, contemplating whether the cycle of intergenerational trauma can morph into a spiral. As she discovers her own emotional immaturity, she explores the concept of "traumaing" – reacting to triggers and feeling unsafe. But the big question lingers: How does this impact those around her? Can shedding light on the healing process help the children of traumatized parents endure their own struggles? Perhaps, by addressing trauma early, we can even prevent its occurrence through discussions in schools. Hurt People, Hurt People. When we find ourselves on the path to healing, is it possible to break free from the shackles of intergenerational trauma? Tonje ponders the notion of avoiding causing harm to others when one's own healing journey has not yet commenced. Could open conversations with our closest relationships transform the cycle into a spiral? Acknowledging that some of our trauma inevitably affects those around us, Tonje emphasizes the importance of sharing the message that they are not to blame. This act of understanding might just be the catalyst needed to initiate their healing, potentially preventing a prolonged cycle of pain and confusion. Join Tonje in the empowering journey of "Breaking Chains, Building Spirals," where conversations become catalysts for healing, understanding, and breaking free from the binds of intergenerational trauma. Please send your questions or comments to spirals@unicornvoice.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.