Apricot Oak | Trauma Recovery, Psychology, and Faith

Rachel Votaw Ochoa
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Spirituality
  • Updated Bimonthly

Struggling with anxiety, spiritual burnout, or childhood wounds? Join Rachel Votaw Ochoa at the intersection of clinical psychology and faith. Move beyond cycles of brokenness with trauma-informed tools, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing. We explore neuroplasticity, inner child healing, and spiritual formation to help you reconnect with God and yourself. Transition from survival to flourishing with faith-based mental health insights. Discover true breakthrough and grow into your destiny.

  1. Understanding Your Vagus Nerve: Moving from Survival Mode to Safety with Melissa Armstrong

    Apr 14

    Understanding Your Vagus Nerve: Moving from Survival Mode to Safety with Melissa Armstrong

    Do you feel like you can never truly relax, even when your to-do list is empty? In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, host Rachel sits down with holistic health coach Melissa Armstrong to understand why our bodies stay "on edge." We explore Polyvagal Theory—the science behind your body's internal map of safety and threat. Melissa explains that many of us aren't just "stressed"; we are living in a chronic state of functional freeze, where we get things done but feel completely disconnected from ourselves, others, and God. In this episode, we discuss: The Science of Safety: Why safety isn't just the absence of a threat, but the presence of internal peace amidst chaos.Functional Freeze: How high achievers stay productive while their nervous systems are actually shut down.The Trauma-Body Connection: Understanding how past wounds (from playground bullying to chronic stress) create inflammation and physical symptoms today.The Vagus Nerve as a "Communication Superhighway": How your body sends more messages to your brain than the other way around.Practical Somatic Tools: Simple, "stupidly simple" ways to signal safety to your body right now through breath and awareness.Key Quote: "Safety isn't the absence of problems... it's the presence of internal peace amidst the chaos." — Melissa Armstrong Timestamps & Highlights [00:00] – Introduction: Moving from breakthrough to flourishing.[04:15] – Defining "Functional Freeze": When your body is a place you can't rest in.[08:42] – The Biblical Promise: Why the Bible promises difficulty but offers peace through a regulated spirit.[12:10] – What is Trauma? Gabor Maté’s definition and how it disconnects us from our bodies.[18:30] – The Physical Cost: How "thoughts, traumas, and toxins" lead to gut issues and fatigue.[22:15] – The Vagus Nerve: Your biological path to safety.[25:50] – The "Belly Breath" Exercise: A 30-second somatic tool you can use anywhere.[31:10] – Modeling for the Next Generation: Why regulating your own nervous system is the best gift for your kids. Connect with Melissa Armstrong Website: holistichealthbymelissa.comInstagram: @holistichealthbymelissaPodcast: Holistic Health with Melissa Connect with Apricot Oak: Follow the show on Instagram @ApricotOakPodcast for more content on healing, trauma recovery, and reconnection. Don't forget to rate, share, and review the show to help others find these tools for flourishing. Keywords: Nervous System Regulation, Polyvagal Theory, Vagus Nerve Healing, Somatic Exercises for Anxiety, Functional Freeze, Chronic Stress Recovery, Faith and Mental Health, Holistic Healing

    40 min
  2. Reclaiming Your Identity: Turning Broken Pieces Into Purpose with April Farlow

    Mar 23

    Reclaiming Your Identity: Turning Broken Pieces Into Purpose with April Farlow

    What happens when the labels you’ve built your life around suddenly fall apart? April Farlow joins us to share how a devastating medical detour and a lost season of her 20s forced her to strip away every title to find her true identity. Discover how the broken pieces of your life align to reveal a beautiful, unexpected purpose. In this episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, host Rachel (trauma-informed therapist) dives deep into the psychology of "Who vs. Whose." April Farlow, leadership coach and author of Pieces of You, reveals how a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder led her to build a life on "false stability" until the truth set her on a path toward radical authenticity and a place of flourishing. If you are navigating trauma recovery, seeking well-being, or trying to reconcile your faith with a messy reality, this conversation offers the "mirrors" you need to see the masterpiece God is building. The Identity Shift: Why rooting your self-worth in roles (parent, professional, high-achiever) is a recipe for a "crushing" collapse. The Kaleidoscope Metaphor: A powerful framework for seeing how your "shattered pieces" are being aligned into a beautiful pattern. Authentic Leadership: Why leading from your history of brokenness is more effective than leading from your successes. Finding Your "Tension": Practical steps to identify the burdens in your life that point directly to your calling. [04:15] – The trap of "Who vs. Whose": Distinguishing your roles from your foundation. [12:30] – The London Detour: Facing a season of extreme family trauma and "shattered pieces." [21:10] – The Label of "Unstable": Living 4 years under a medical misdiagnosis and rigid stability rules. [30:45] – Grieving the Season: How to restart from scratch when your life’s foundation is proven wrong. [42:00] – The Foundational Anchor: A father’s daily reminder that points to a heavenly identity. [55:20] – Lydia’s Place: Turning personal brokenness into a ministry for foster youth in Athens, GA. [01:05:00] – Practical Steps: How to look for the "tension" in your life to discover your purpose. April’s Book: Pieces of You The Ministry: Lydia’s Place (Athens, GA) Follow April on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragmentsoffaith_/Follow April on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567739151510 Get the book: Pieces of You https://www.amazon.com/Pieces-You-Knowing-Light-Whose-ebook/dp/B0DFK79ZJH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NCOZ9W5ZSK17&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XGvVSPSiXgbYZRr4EwH9Lnkc6ky27mwML785RkWeXyo.FKeTLVLczJMMflIyjE8Wn7NavQBPanjhcLhsfOCMNw0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Pieces+of+You+April+Farlow&qid=1773025082&sprefix=pieces+of+you+april+farlow%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1 Lydia’s Place https://lydias-place.com/ Yorkshire Publishing https://yorkshirepublishing.com/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=yorkshire%20publishing https://www.instagram.com/yorkshirepublishing/?hl=en Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apricotoakpodcast/ Rate & Review: If this episode helped you find clarity, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

    55 min
  3. Stop Repeating the Past: Breaking Cycles With Kathy Stommel

    Mar 10

    Stop Repeating the Past: Breaking Cycles With Kathy Stommel

    About Today's Episode: Are you tired of trying all the things to find healing without seeing real change? In this powerful episode of the Apricot Oak Podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of faith and holistic mental health with guest Kathy Stommel. If you’ve felt stuck in old patterns or overwhelmed by the weight of the past, this conversation is the invitation your soul has been waiting for. We explore the reality of healing trauma through a lens of trauma-informed spirituality, moving beyond surface-level fixes to engage in deep soul work. Kathy shares her profound insights on how we can begin breaking generational cycles by addressing the emotional and spiritual wounds that have been passed down through our families. In this episode, you’ll discover: Practical tools for healing that integrate your faith with modern psychological understanding.The difference between "spiritual bypassing" and true spiritual wellness.How to navigate faith-based trauma recovery without losing your connection to God.Steps to achieving lasting emotional wellness by listening to the wisdom of your body and spirit.Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been seeking a breakthrough for years, this episode provides a compassionate roadmap for anyone ready to move from survival mode into true flourishing. Connect With Today's Guest: Kathy Stommel can be found at: https://www.ignitingpurpose.net/ kathleenstommel@gmail.com IG: @Igniting_Purpose Connect with the Apricot Oak Podcast: Subscribe so you never miss an episode of deep healing and transformation.Leave a review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Godcaster to help us reach others searching for hope and healing.Fine me and connect on Instagram @ApricotOakPodcast*Please like, rate, and share this episode, it truly helps grow the show! I appreciate you so much. Thank you for listening.

    1h 15m
  4. How to Rewire Your Brain for Flourishing: Positive Psychology & Soul Work with April Thorndyke

    Feb 17

    How to Rewire Your Brain for Flourishing: Positive Psychology & Soul Work with April Thorndyke

    ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In today’s episode, we are diving deep into positive psychology—the scientific study of what truly makes life worth living. We’re going to explore how this field moves us beyond just 'getting by' and into a state of genuine flourishing. We’ll also look at the 'why' behind it all: how focusing on our strengths and cultivating well-being can actually rewire the brain, providing you with the practical tools to build a healthier, more intentional life. I want to thank April for showing up and sharing her expertise on the Apricot Oak Podcast. Also, a huge shout out to my loving husband who edits the show. I couldn’t do this without him and am forever grateful for him. ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST:  April Thorndyke is the Founder and CEO of Empower Counseling—an organization recently celebrated as the 2025 'Best of Georgia' in Mental Health. April is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has built a remarkable career on the foundation of creating safe, judgment-free spaces. Whether she is helping clients navigate deep-seated trauma, supporting families through the perinatal journey, or serving our military and veteran communities, April’s mission remains the same: to foster self-acceptance and empower people to see their lives through a brand-new lens. Beyond her clinical work, she is a no fluff, authentic and encouraging voice in the podcasting world as the host of Empower Hour. CONNECT WITH APRIL: April Thorndyke can be found on Instagram @empowercounselingpllc She is on TikTok, Facebook, and you can find her at: https://www.empowercounselingservice.com/ where you can also access her podcast Empower Hour. ————————————————————————————————— CONNECT WITH RACHEL: You can find me and follow me on Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing the show on social media, it means a lot to me and helps grow the show!

    1h 13m
  5. Healing Your Nervous System to Live the Life You Love

    Jan 26

    Healing Your Nervous System to Live the Life You Love

    ABOUT TODAY’S GUEST & EPISODE: Today’s episode is very special because of my absolutely lovely guest. Today you’re going to hear from a phenomenal woman, Anna Valentine. She holds a Master’s in Drama Therapy from New York University, is a Registered Drama Therapist, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in Mind Body Medicine with a Specialization in Integrative Mental Health from Saybrook University. Today Anna will talk about some of her story and how she has endured a horrific trauma and how she found her path to recovery and healing. In her journey she has become a healer and is sharing her knowledge and wisdom on how to cultivate a healthy nervous system in order to live the life you want for yourself. --------------------------------------------------------------------- A little more about Anna: She has previously served on a Private Assertive Community Treatment team at the world-renowned Menninger Clinic. She has worked with a myriad of populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including a forensic psychiatric unit at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the Veteran Affairs Hospital in West Haven, Conn., and a day program in Brooklyn, New York, for individuals with chronic and persistent mental illnesses. She has worked as the expressive arts therapist on the Ellenhorn PACT team in New York City. From the forensic psychiatric unit of Bellevue Hospital to working with veterans and individuals facing chronic mental illness, Anna has been on the front lines of complex care. But what makes her work truly electric is her 'whole-body' approach. As a registered yoga teacher and certified personal trainer, she doesn't just talk about healing; she utilizes improvisation, poetry, and physical movement to unlock growth where traditional talk therapy often hits a wall. She is a representative for the North American Drama Therapy Association and a true visionary in integrative mental health. As you’ll want to know much more about her after today, go get her book: Simply Begin: Create, Meditate, and Find Purpose. Not only all of that guys, she has a really great podcast, “Moved By Grace Counseling Radio,” you’ll want to check it out! CONNECT WITH GUEST: https://www.movedbygracecounseling.com/ https://www.theselahspace.org/ You can find her Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Begin-Create-Meditate-Purpose/dp/1666787876/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JIVIIHR5TI5A&keywords=simply+begin+anna+valentine&qid=1705068198&sprefix=simply+begin+%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1&asin=1666787876&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 Or here: https://www.movedbygracecounseling.com/about-6 Check out her podcast here: https://www.movedbygracecounseling.com/podcast  ————————————————————————————————— CONNECT WITH RACHEL: You can find me and follow me on Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing the show on social media, it means a lot to me and helps grow the show!

    55 min
  6. Turning Your Greatest Pain Into Your Greatest Power

    Jan 5

    Turning Your Greatest Pain Into Your Greatest Power

    ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: In today’s episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Megan Babcock. She is the Founder of It’s Your Story to Tell. She is also an Award-winning coach, bestselling author, speaker, and podcast host equipping leaders and transforming lives at the intersection of faith and neuroscience—helping people rise with purpose and leave a lasting legacy. You are in for a treat as you are about to hear a story that is powerful in both how much pain Megan endured while also how she found healing, identity, and purpose for her life. She shares how your pain can actually transform you into your destiny. You do not want to miss this. Lean in and find parts of her story in yours-as all human beings experience pain and struggle. Today, you will gain insight into how one woman found life on the other side of her traumas and how you can too! Megan is a trauma informed coach, holistic nurse, and author of Unstuck- Break Free from What’s Holding You Back & Create a Life You Love. CONNECT WITH MEGAN: Founder of It’s Your Story to Tell, a podcast, an offering of coaching programs, and writing all around Getting Unstuck, Unlocking Freedom, and Unleashing Impact. https://www.itsyourstorytotell.com/ https://substack.com/@meganbabcock CONNECT WITH RACHEL: You can find me and follow me on Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing the show with friends or on social media, it means a lot to me and helps grow the show!  A huge shout-out to my incredible husband, this wouldn’t be possible without you.

    1h 20m
  7. Part 2: Rewire Your Brain, Transform Your Life With Neuroscience

    12/22/2025

    Part 2: Rewire Your Brain, Transform Your Life With Neuroscience

    ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: It is such a gift of hearing MORE from the extraordinary leader and a true force in the world of human transformation: Marilize Smit—Founder, CEO, and Global Head of International Coaching for Mind Studio. I loved my conversation with Marilize so much, we made it into a two part series. In this second episode with Marilize, She discusses how the brain actually drives leadership, decision-making, and follow-through—why high-capacity leaders set bold goals yet struggle with execution, and what neuroscience reveals about sustained motivation and accountability. We’re also cover—imposter syndrome, inner criticism, and the self-talk that quietly shapes confidence, courage, and clarity. Because the truth is, the quality of your leadership is inseparable from the quality of your inner dialogue. Later in the episode, we bridge science and faith. If you’ve ever wondered whether neuroscience and Christianity are at odds, today’s conversation will change that narrative. We explore how Scripture’s call to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” is being validated by modern brain science, and how prayer, meditation, and spiritual disciplines tangibly reshape emotional regulation, resilience, and brain health. Stay throughout the episode to hear more of Marilize's personal story. Thanks for listening! --------------------------------------------------------------------- ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: Marilize Smit has built Mind Studio into a globally recognized powerhouse of personal development. Her work helps individuals unlock their full potential and create meaningful success in every area of life. Through a unique blend of cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient wisdom, Mind Studio offers a transformational framework—one that empowers people to rewire their minds, cultivate a resilient and powerful mindset, and step fully into their purpose. With customized tools, exercises, and breakthrough methodologies, Mind Studio guides individuals on a step-by-step journey into deeper clarity, confidence, and authentic success. Marilize herself has been recognized among the “Top 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders Making an Impact, 2025” by CIO Views magazine. They describe her as a visionary who “flips the script on success,” defining it not just as achievement, but as the ability to inspire and empower others while pursuing meaningful goals aligned with a clear and compelling vision. Through her neuroscience-based coaching, she helps both individuals and organizations break through barriers, ignite transformation, and unlock their highest potential. CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST: You can find out more about Marilize and what her business can bring you to help you unlock your full potential and achieve success in all areas of your life. See the link below: https://mind-studio.co/ She is also on LinkedIn and can be found on Instagram @marilize.smit ————————————————————————————————— CONNECT WITH RACHEL: You can find me and follow me on Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing the show on social media, it means a lot to me and helps grow the show!

    48 min
  8. Rewire Your Brain, Transform Your Life With Neuroscience, Part 1

    12/08/2025

    Rewire Your Brain, Transform Your Life With Neuroscience, Part 1

    ABOUT TODAY’S EPISODE: Today, you get the real treat of hearing from the extraordinary leader and a true force in the world of human transformation: Marilize Smit—Founder, CEO, and Global Head of International Coaching for Mind Studio. Today's show is part one of a two-part series where we talk about various topics focused through the lens of neuroscience and how understanding one's brain is a powerful tool to use in promoting overall mental health, emotional well-being, and success in one's professional and personal life. ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST: Marilize Smit has built Mind Studio into a globally recognized powerhouse of personal development. Her work helps individuals unlock their full potential and create meaningful success in every area of life. Through a unique blend of cutting-edge neuroscience and ancient wisdom, Mind Studio offers a transformational framework—one that empowers people to rewire their minds, cultivate a resilient and powerful mindset, and step fully into their purpose. With customized tools, exercises, and breakthrough methodologies, Mind Studio guides individuals on a step-by-step journey into deeper clarity, confidence, and authentic success. Marilize herself has been recognized among the “Top 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders Making an Impact, 2025” by CIO Views magazine. They describe her as a visionary who “flips the script on success,” defining it not just as achievement, but as the ability to inspire and empower others while pursuing meaningful goals aligned with a clear and compelling vision. Through her neuroscience-based coaching, she helps both individuals and organizations break through barriers, ignite transformation, and unlock their highest potential. CONNECT WITH TODAY’S GUEST: You can find out more about Marilize and what her business can bring you to help you unlock your full potential and achieve success in all areas of your life. See the link below: https://mind-studio.co/ She is also on LinkedIn and can be found on Instagram @marilize.smit ————————————————————————————————— CONNECT WITH RACHEL: You can find me and follow me on Instagram: @ApricotOakPodcast Thank you for rating, reviewing, and sharing the show on social media, it means a lot to me and helps grow the show!

    50 min
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About

Struggling with anxiety, spiritual burnout, or childhood wounds? Join Rachel Votaw Ochoa at the intersection of clinical psychology and faith. Move beyond cycles of brokenness with trauma-informed tools, nervous system regulation, and somatic healing. We explore neuroplasticity, inner child healing, and spiritual formation to help you reconnect with God and yourself. Transition from survival to flourishing with faith-based mental health insights. Discover true breakthrough and grow into your destiny.

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