PTSD symptoms don’t always look like flashbacks—these overlooked trauma responses can affect nearly every part of life. What if some of the things you criticize yourself for are actually trauma responses that once helped you survive? In this episode of Hey Tabi, licensed trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook explores PTSD symptoms nobody talks about—the ones that may not resemble the cultural picture of nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks. Trauma can also show up as executive dysfunction, decision fatigue, anger, emotional numbness, loss of pleasure, dissociation, hyper-independence, perfectionism, over-functioning, difficulty resting, difficulty receiving good things, grief, and struggles with faith. You’ll also discover why complex trauma can continue affecting the nervous system long after the danger has passed. Instead of simply asking, “What is wrong with me?” Tabitha invites you to get curious: What happened? What did your mind and body learn in order to survive? What might this response be trying to protect you from—and does it still serve you now? Healing from trauma isn’t about becoming perfectly regulated or never getting activated again. It’s about developing flexibility, reconnecting with your body, rebuilding agency, practicing self-compassion, creating healthy relationships, and learning that rest, connection, pleasure, and even receiving good things can become safe again. Resources Mentioned: 📚 The Shattered Soul by Colleen Ramser ➡️ https://amzn.to/4qp3VaC 🔴 Ready to stop pushing harder and learn to Try Softer? Join an in-person or online Try Softer group ➡️ https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/try-softer-group/ ⭐️ Join the Transformational Topics Community for more resources and conversations ➡️ https://app.helloaudio.fm/feed/6907e1ce-23d2-4296-835e-5b478472f514/signup Wanna say hi? Send a text! At The Journey and The Process we strive to help you heal. Our therapists are trauma specialists who use evidence-based tools like EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems to help you heal - mind, soul, and body. Reach out today to start your healing journey. https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/ This book is for every Christian woman who has been harmed sexually, whether that happened in childhood, adulthood, or even within your coercive controlling marriage, and you're longing to feel safe in your body again. We talk about the hard stuff, shame, desire, faith, and even questions like, is this sin or is this trauma?You don't have to untangle it alone. Body & Soul, Healed & Whole is for you. Get a copy here today - https://a.co/d/8Jo3Z4V 👍 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help others who need this information! 📖 Order Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control Wanna support Hey Tabi? Buy me a coffee here - https://buymeacoffee.com/heytabi 📩 Connect with Tabitha & The Journey and The Process: 💻 Tabitha's Website - www.tabithawestbrook.com 📲 Tabitha's Instagram - www.instagram.com/tabithathecounselor 🎙️ Podcast Homepage - https://heytabi.buzzsprout.com 💻 The Journey & The Process Website - www.thejourneyandtheprocess.com Subscribe to our YouTube Channel & watch podcast episodes there 🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. Need to know how to find a great therapist? Read this blog post here.
