Life After Trauma with Jess Vanrose

Jess Vanrose

Life After Trauma is a trauma-informed podcast for women navigating life after survival — or still finding their way through it. Hosted by Jess Vanrose, a trauma-informed guide and fellow survivor, this space holds gentle, honest conversations about healing, nervous system regulation, identity, and learning how to be with yourself again. These are not conversations about fixing, forcing, or rushing the process. They’re slow, grounded reflections and shared stories meant to help you feel less alone, more understood, and a little more anchored in your body and your life exactly as it is. You don’t have to be “through it” to be here. This space is for presence, not perfection. Connect with Jess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/lifeaftertrauma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Jun 23

    It's Time to Remember Yourself | Kristen Crabtree

    What if healing isn’t about becoming someone new, but remembering who you were before survival taught you to disappear? Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of trauma, abuse, and other potentially sensitive topics that may be activating for some listeners. Please take care while listening and pause if you need to. Your well-being is what matters most. In this episode of Life After Trauma, I’m joined by Kristen Crabtree for a conversation about what becomes possible after survival ends. This episode is an invitation to look beyond the survival story and into the deeper return: the return of your voice, your intuition, your awareness, and a life that finally begins to feel like your own. In this episode, we talk about: The difference between self-recovery and self-helpHow survival adaptations can become mistaken for identityWhy psychological abuse can be so difficult to recognize while you are inside itThe delayed clarity that can come after leaving survival modeThe difference between walls and boundariesHow inner safety begins to formWhy peace can feel unfamiliar at firstThe role of meditation, mindfulness, and presence in healingWhat it means to remember yourself after trauma Reflection question from this episode: Where in my life am I beginning to remember myself again? Connect with Kristen: Website: https://u2point0.com Paramour Paradox: https://paramourparadox.com Work with Jess: 1:1 guided sessions to help you reconnect with yourself, build inner safety, and gently move out of survival mode → https://www.jessicavanrose.com/guided-sessions Rest & Reset At Home • Tuesday, June 23rd at 7 PM Eastern → https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rest-reset-at-home-a-guided-meditation-for-nervous-system-support-registration-1991874259530?aff=oddtdtcreator 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Jun 16

    When Trauma Becomes a Cage | Laura Hoorweg

    Rest & Reset At Home: Because meditation came up in this episode as one of the first doorways back to yourself, I’d love to invite you to join me for Rest & Reset At Home, a live online guided meditation experience happening Tuesday, June 23rd at 7 PM ET. This is a gentle 1-hour space for guided meditation, journaling, reflection, and optional sharing, created to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and give your nervous system room to soften. Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rest-reset-at-home-a-guided-meditation-for-nervous-system-support-registration-1991874259530?aff=oddtdtcreator Trauma can feel like a cage, but what if grief, intuition, and the body can help you find the door? In this episode of Life After Trauma, I’m joined by Laura Hoorweg, a spiritual counselor, intuitive coach, and psychic medium, for a conversation about trauma, grief, intuition, embodiment, and what it means to move toward freedom after survival mode. In this episode, you’ll walk away with: • A deeper understanding of how trauma can disconnect us from trust and intuition • A new perspective on grief as a healing process rather than something to fear • Signs that you may be avoiding grief or pushing your emotions down • Insight into the difference between intuition and a trauma response • Gentle practices for reconnecting with yourself, including meditation, nature, journaling, yoga, dance, and sound baths • A reminder that life after trauma can mean freedom, presence, and moving from black and white into full colour Guest Bio: Laura Hoorweg is a spiritual counselor, intuitive coach, and psychic medium who supports people through life transitions, grief, trauma, and moments of deep self-reconnection. Her work blends grounded guidance with intuitive insight, helping clients reconnect with themselves, release old patterns, and move toward a greater sense of freedom. Connect with Laura: Website: spiritspeaks2.me Facebook: facebook.com/laura.hoorweg Instagram: instagram.com/hoorweglaura LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laurahoorweg Twitter/X: twitter.com/HoorwegLaura YouTube: youtube.com/@laurahoorweg Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/SpiritSpeaksToMe Work with Jess: If this episode stirred something in you and you’re craving a space to feel witnessed, supported, and gently guided, I offer 1:1 Guided Sessions for women navigating healing, self-reconnection, and life after survival mode. These sessions are not therapy, but they are a trauma-informed space to reflect, process, and begin coming back home to yourself. Learn more: jessicavanrose.com/guided-sessions Reflection Question: Where in your life does trauma still feel like a cage, and what would it look like to gently open the door? 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jun 9

    When Being Invisible Was How You Survived | Kristan Swan

    This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt safer being invisible, struggled to take up space, or wondered who they are after years of trying to be what everyone else needed. Stick around to the end of the episode for this week's reflection question to take this episode a little deeper. Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of trauma, abuse, and other potentially sensitive topics that may be activating for some listeners. Please take care while listening and pause if you need to. Your well-being is what matters most. In this episode of Life After Trauma, I’m joined by Kristan Swan for a conversation about invisibility as a survival skill, the stories we carry from childhood, and what it means to begin discovering who we are beyond the roles we learned to play. Kristan shares how growing up in a chaotic environment taught her to stay small, be helpful, anticipate others’ needs, and become easy to overlook. Together, we explore how those early survival strategies can follow us into adulthood through people-pleasing, over-responsibility, perfectionism, self-abandonment, and the belief that it is unsafe to be seen. By listening to this episode, you will walk away with: A deeper understanding of how invisibility, people-pleasing, and hypervigilance can become survival skillsInsight into why self-knowledge can be more healing than constantly trying to improve or fix yourselfA new way to think about the stories you inherited, the stories you tell yourself, and the stories you are ready to rewriteGentle reflection on how trauma can shape your sense of lovability, visibility, identity, and self-worthEncouragement to begin getting curious about who you are beneath the roles, expectations, and survival patternsA simple invitation to use journaling, reflection, or quiet walks as tools for reconnecting with yourself Resources and links Connect with Kristan Swan: https://kristanswan.com/ Clouds to Clear Skies Clarity Workbook free download https://kristanswan.com/clouds-to-clear-skies/ Learn more about 1:1 Guided Sessions with Jess: https://www.jessicavanrose.com/guided-sessions If you haven’t already, it would mean the world to me if you subscribe, and if you learned something new or found inspiration from this episode, please leave a review and share this episode. Until next time, take care of your mind, body, and soul. 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Mar 24

    Curing Isn’t Healing: Rebuilding Self-Trust After Trauma | Bee Doyle

    What if trauma healing isn’t about curing what’s “wrong” with you… but learning how to feel safe in your body again? In this episode of Life After Trauma, Jess is joined by Bee Doyle, nurse practitioner, trauma-informed healer, and breathwork guide, for a grounded conversation about nervous system healing, self-trust, and spiritual reconnection after trauma. If you’ve done years of therapy, tried somatic work, explored breathwork, or read every book on PTSD and still feel hypervigilant, disconnected, or unsafe inside yourself — this episode is for you. Together, we explore: • How trauma can quietly shape identity • Why healing isn’t the same as curing • The difference between true healing and self-monitoring • How nervous system regulation creates real safety • The role of self-compassion in long-term trauma healing • Rebuilding self-trust after PTSD • Breathwork as a simple, holistic healing practice • Why community support matters in recovery This conversation bridges science and spirituality, exploring holistic healing in a way that feels both practical and embodied. Whether you’re navigating burnout, autoimmune symptoms, identity shifts, or simply longing to feel at home in your body again, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how healing unfolds and how to approach it with more grace. You are not broken. You are healing. ✨ Connect with Bee Doyle: Website: https://doublelibraastrology.com/ Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/doublelibracoaching/ Subscribe for more conversations about trauma healing, nervous system regulation, identity, and life after survival. 🌿 Explore Jess’s meditation series: When You’ve Been Holding It All Together https://www.jessicavanrose.com/when-youve-been-holding-it-all-together 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Mar 10

    How Trafficking Really Happens + The Shame That Keeps It Hidden | Jennisue Jessen

    Human trafficking doesn’t usually look like the headlines. In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Jess sits down with Jennisue Jessen, a survivor of human trafficking and Founder & CEO of Compass 31, to unpack what exploitation actually looks like, why it so often goes unnoticed, and how shame keeps survivors silent. Jennisue shares parts of her lived experience, including being trafficked beginning at a very young age, and the long journey of healing, identity reclamation, and stepping into leadership after trauma. Together, they discuss common myths about trafficking, prevention and red flags, systemic complicity, the role of shame, and what it truly means to move from survival into agency and empowerment. This episode is for survivors, parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone who wants a deeper, more honest understanding of exploitation, resilience, and the human capacity to heal. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of child sexual abuse, human trafficking and exploitation, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening and pause if you need to. Your well-being matters. 🔗 Learn more about Jennisue and the work of Compass 31: https://compass31.org/ 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Feb 24

    Stop Living to Work → Start Living as Your Whole Self | Dr. Melanie Gray

    In this conversation, Jess Vanrose and Dr. Melanie Gray explore the profound effects of trauma on identity, relationships, and everyday functioning. They discuss how trauma manifests in hyper-functioning behaviors, the importance of setting compassionate boundaries, and the journey of forgiveness and reclaiming personal power. Dr. Gray emphasizes the need for self-care and intentional actions to foster healing and resilience, encouraging listeners to view themselves as valuable gifts regardless of their past experiences. Takeaways Trauma can shape our identity and how we relate to others.Hyper-functioning can lead to burnout and disconnection from self.Forgiveness is essential for personal freedom and growth.Setting boundaries is crucial for self-care and mental health.Living from power means focusing on possibilities, not pain.Self-care practices are vital for long-term well-being.It's important to recognize the secondary gains from pain.Intentional actions are necessary for meaningful change.We should not let our past define our future.Everyone is a valuable gift to the world.  Chapters 00:00 Understanding Trauma's Impact on Identity 07:45 The Cost of Hyper-Functioning 14:32 Nervous System and Healing 20:47 The Power of Forgiveness 31:40 Living from Power, Not Pain Connect with Dr. Melanie Gray: https://www.drmelaniegraytheconfidencecoach.com/ Keywords trauma, identity, hyper-functioning, forgiveness, boundaries, healing, mental health, trauma-informed care, self-care, resilience 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Feb 10

    From Self Abandonment to Self Trust

    In this solo episode of Life After Trauma, Jess Vanrose shares her personal journey of navigating a challenging year marked by a chronic autoimmune diagnosis. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, presence over performance, and the need to acknowledge one's struggles while not allowing them to define identity. Jess discusses the creation of a meditation series designed to support those feeling overwhelmed and highlights the significance of building self-trust and setting boundaries. The episode concludes with an invitation for community engagement and a reminder that listeners are not alone in their struggles. When You've Been Holding It All Together Meditation Series: www.jessicavanrose.com/when-youve-been-holding-it-all-together Takeaways Presence over performance is essential in our lives.Sometimes we need to pull back to take care of ourselves.It's normal to go through hard seasons.A chronic illness can challenge our identity.Finding ways to live with what we cannot control.You can go through a hard season without letting it define you.Building self-trust is crucial for personal growth.Setting boundaries is necessary for self-care.You're not alone in your struggles. Keywords trauma, health, self-care, chronic illness, meditation, personal growth, identity, self-trust, community, podcast 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. 09/30/2025

    From Fear to Flow: Perimenopause, Identity Shifts & Love-Led Choices | Dr. Sue McCreadie

    Dr. Sue McCreadie, MD, is a paediatrician and midlife transformation expert who helps women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s navigate hormones, heartbreak, and healing. In this candid conversation, we explore the fear and shame many of us feel around perimenopause, how to separate identity from emotion, and practical ways to move through self-doubt with love. We talk about: Perimenopause 101: what’s happening in our bodies and why the timeline is so individualNaming shame & fear (Jess’s “black ball”) and how to unhook “I am” statementsSelf-doubt in high-achieving women + tiny, loving actions that rebuild confidenceMasculine structure vs. feminine flow in creativity, business, and healing“What would love do?” as a daily compass for boundaries, rest, forgiveness, and courageSecond callings: surrendering control and following the breadcrumbs Take the Midlife Personality Quiz: Uncover your greatest gift, biggest growth opportunity, and 8 personalized ideas to joy as a midlife woman. https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/6527eb2db315de001400d356 Resources & Links: Dr. Sue’s website: https://www.drsuemccreadie.com/ Substack: https://drsuemccreadie.substack.com/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/drsuemccreadie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsuemccreadie/ 💛 Connect with Jess: Website: www.jessicavanrose.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose 🎙️🤩 Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/jessicavanrose Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Life After Trauma is a trauma-informed podcast for women navigating life after survival — or still finding their way through it. Hosted by Jess Vanrose, a trauma-informed guide and fellow survivor, this space holds gentle, honest conversations about healing, nervous system regulation, identity, and learning how to be with yourself again. These are not conversations about fixing, forcing, or rushing the process. They’re slow, grounded reflections and shared stories meant to help you feel less alone, more understood, and a little more anchored in your body and your life exactly as it is. You don’t have to be “through it” to be here. This space is for presence, not perfection. Connect with Jess Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessvanrose TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejessvanrose Want to be a guest on Life After Trauma? Send Jess a message on PodMatch, here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/lifeaftertrauma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.