Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Relationship Boundaries for PTSD Recovery: How to Say No Without Guilt How to Stop Letting People Walk All Over You After Trauma PTSD, Relationships, and Boundaries: Protecting Your Peace Without Blowing Up From People-Pleasing to Self-Respect: Trauma-Safe Relationship Boundaries How to Set Boundaries With Family While Healing from PTSD When Love Hurts: Relationship Boundaries Every Trauma Survivor Needs How to Enforce Boundaries with Toxic People in PTSD Recovery Stop the Yelling and Chaos: Trauma-Informed Boundaries That Actually Work Emotional Overload to Inner Calm: Nervous System-Safe Boundaries for PTSD How to Leave Draining Conversations and Events Without Feeling Like the Bad Guy Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Boundary Bootcamp session, Brad and Kayleen dive into one of the most misunderstood skills in trauma recovery: relationship boundaries. Instead of seeing boundaries as walls or punishment, they reframe them as the structure that lets you live a healthy, sustainable life while healing PTSD or trauma. You’ll hear real stories from their own relationship—times when there were no boundaries, when yelling and chaos ruled, and when things finally changed because one of them said, “This is no longer okay.” They walk through how painful it can feel in the moment, and how powerful it becomes in the long term for both people. Brad and Kayleen also break down the difference between emotional reactions and solid, non-emotional boundaries—how to decide what your limit is, how to express it calmly, and how to enforce it even when someone pushes back, gets upset, or tries to pull you back into old patterns. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to identify where you need boundaries, how to communicate them clearly, and how to hold your ground without screaming, collapsing, or people-pleasing—so you can protect your healing, your energy, and your future. 💡 What You’ll Learn How to recognize when a relationship or situation needs a boundary because you leave feeling worse about yourself The essential difference between emotional outbursts and calm, factual boundary setting A step-by-step process for defining, communicating, and enforcing relationship boundaries How unhealed trauma and low self-worth lead to people-pleasing and boundary-less relationships Ways to set boundaries around yelling, abusive language, and hurtful texting while healing PTSD How to protect your bedtime, energy, and goals without feeling selfish or guilty Why enforcing a boundary matters more than getting someone to agree with or “like” it How holding firm on boundaries can actually improve relationships and inspire others to grow Practical examples of what to say when you need space, time alone, or a break from emotional overload   🧠 Key Takeaway Boundaries are not emotional explosions—they’re calm, clear decisions about what you will and will not allow so you can respect yourself and protect your healing.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching & Boundary Bootcamp 02:00 – Why most trauma survivors have zero boundaries (and don’t realize it) 06:00 – Boundaries as healthy lifestyle choices, not just protection from abuse 10:00 – Brad’s story: people-pleasing, yelling, and having no limits in relationships 15:00 – The “law” of boundaries: firm, non-emotional, and not up for debate 18:00 – How to know you need a boundary: feeling worse after a person or event 20:00 – The dog story: how unspoken rules and boundaries shape behavior 24:00 – When a relationship boundary means living apart to heal from PTSD 30:00 – Step 1: Defining your boundary and your ideal outcome 35:00 – Step 2: Communicating boundaries without asking for permission 40:00 – Step 3: Enforcing boundaries when someone tests or pushes them 45:00 – Examples: text message boundaries, yelling, and walking away calmly 52:00 – Rules vs boundaries and why consequences still matter in healing 55:00 – Community shares: family patterns, grandkids, and being scolded 01:00:00 – Progress over perfection: boundaries, goals, and tiny lifestyle shifts 01:04:00 – What’s coming next in Boundary Bootcamp: Book of Law and core boundaries   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • relationship boundaries • emotional boundaries • internal boundaries • external boundaries • people-pleasing after trauma • PTSD and relationships • trauma coping tools • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • yelling and conflict in relationships • communication skills for trauma survivors • self-worth and boundaries • enforcing boundaries calmly • stopping abusive patterns • trauma-informed relationship tools • healing after toxic relationships • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Self Boundaries That Transform PTSD Recovery How To Stop Self-Abandonment When You Have PTSD From Self-Abuse To Self-Respect: A Trauma Survivor’s Guide To Boundaries The First Boundary Every PTSD Survivor Must Set (And It’s Not With Other People) How To Talk Yourself Into Healing (Not Back Into Trauma Patterns) Trauma, Addiction, And Boundaries: Choosing One Change That Changes Everything Why PTSD Makes Self-Love Hard (And How Boundaries Help You Rebuild It) From People-Pleasing To Self-Respect: Trauma Recovery Through Self Boundaries The “All Or Nothing” Boundary Strategy That Finally Sticks In PTSD Recovery Stop Feeling Worse After Everything You Do: Self Boundaries For Real Healing Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Boundary Bootcamp session, Brad and Kayleen dive into the most overlooked part of healing after trauma: self boundaries. Before you can set limits with the people around you, you have to learn how to stop abandoning yourself in daily decisions, habits, and coping patterns. This episode shows you how to start doing exactly that in a grounded, practical way. You’ll learn why self-love and self-worth are the real foundation of every boundary—and what to do if you don’t believe you deserve good things yet. Kayleen walks through how she went from feeling worthless and stuck in destructive habits to building simple, “binary” boundaries that shifted her confidence, energy, and relationships. Brad and Kayleen break down how to spot areas in your life that quietly make your PTSD or trauma symptoms worse—like media, food, substances, social media, or people-pleasing—and how to pick one boundary that will create the biggest positive ripple effect. You’ll also hear how to use visualization, self-talk, and introspection to stay on track when you’re tempted to break your own rules. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear first step: choose one self boundary, make it black-and-white, plan what you’ll do instead, and start proving to yourself—day by day—that you are worth protecting, respecting, and caring for.   💡 What You’ll Learn Why self boundaries must come before setting boundaries with other people in PTSD or trauma recovery How low self-worth and old trauma beliefs quietly sabotage your attempts to set and keep boundaries A simple “binary” way to set boundaries so they’re clear, doable, and easy to notice when you’re crossing them How to identify the one habit, behavior, or coping pattern that makes you feel worst about yourself and start there How to replace destructive habits with life-enhancing options instead of leaving empty space that pulls you back into old patterns How to use self-talk to talk yourself into healthy actions and out of self-abuse and self-sabotage How to pause, introspect, and uncover the deeper belief or wound underneath every urge to break your boundary How consistent self boundaries naturally increase confidence and change how others treat and respect you Why small daily decisions around media, food, substances, or people-pleasing matter so much in long-term PTSD recovery   🧠 Key Takeaway Every time you keep a self boundary, you’re proving to your brain that you are worth protecting—and that’s the foundation of real PTSD and trauma recovery.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to Boundary Bootcamp 00:57 Foundations of Boundaries 03:03 Understanding Self Boundaries 04:47 Building Self-Worth and Self-Respect 10:31 Practical Examples of Self Boundaries 15:58 Binary Boundaries: Yes or No 22:07 Self-Talk and Maintaining Boundaries 31:20 Starting Your Boundary Journey 32:06 Identifying the Biggest Source of Self-Doubt 32:36 Starting with the Biggest Challenge 33:31 Alternative Approaches to Setting Boundaries 36:41 Visualizing Life Without Negative Habits 38:12 Filling the Void with Positive Activities 41:27 Harnessing Pain to Drive Change 42:35 Radiating Self-Respect and Confidence 44:02 Q&A and Personal Stories 56:30 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • self boundaries • personal boundaries for trauma survivors • self-love and self-worth after trauma • PTSD coping tools • stopping self-sabotage • overcoming addictions after trauma • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • people-pleasing and PTSD • setting healthy limits • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • boundaries in PTSD recovery • how to build self-respect after trauma

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Boundaries Bootcamp: How Healthy Boundaries Accelerate PTSD Recovery From Walls to Gates: Rethinking Boundaries in PTSD Healing Foundations of Boundaries for Trauma Survivors Self-Respect and Boundaries: Reclaiming Your Life After PTSD Stop People-Pleasing: How to Set Trauma-Informed Boundaries That Stick Self-Boundaries First: The Missing Piece in PTSD Recovery When Saying No Is Healing: Emotional Boundaries for Trauma Recovery How to Set Boundaries With Family While Healing PTSD Boundaries, Self-Worth, and Nervous System Safety in Trauma Recovery Are Your Boundaries Built From Fear or Freedom? PTSD Healing Truths Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Boundaries Bootcamp kickoff, Brad and Kaylene break down what healthy boundaries really are—and what they’re not—for trauma survivors and those healing from PTSD. Instead of “fortress walls” that shut everyone out, they explore boundaries as fences with doors and gates you control, so you decide who gets access, when, and how. You’ll hear practical, real-life examples of boundaries around sobriety, family conflict, and emotional safety, and why highly emotional, all-or-nothing “I’m done, I’m out” rules usually backfire. Brad and Kaylene show how to pause, think long-term, and place your “fence” in the right spot instead of building it in the middle of your life during a meltdown. This episode also digs into the less-talked-about side of boundaries: self-boundaries. You’ll learn why keeping promises to yourself around food, sobriety, rest, and emotional reactions is the foundation for confidently setting boundaries with others. As your self-respect and self-worth grow, your boundaries become calmer, clearer, and easier to enforce. Finally, Brad and Kaylene touch on navigating boundaries in close relationships—especially family and parent-child dynamics—where it can feel like your hands are tied. You’ll walk away with a grounded, compassionate framework for respecting your own needs while allowing others to have their boundaries too, without getting lost in guilt, shame, or people-pleasing.   💡 What You’ll Learn What healthy boundaries are—and what they are not How to spot “fortress” walls versus flexible, loving boundaries Why self-boundaries are the foundation for every other boundary in PTSD and trauma recovery How to ask “What’s best for me long term?” in any triggering situation How fear-based decisions shrink your life and keep trauma patterns in place Practical boundary examples around addiction, sobriety, and shared living spaces Why you do not have to justify or defend your boundaries to anyone How respecting other people’s boundaries actually supports your own healing Simple ways to notice where you leave situations feeling worse—and where a boundary is needed   🧠 Key Takeaway Healthy boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out; they’re doors you control so your healing, safety, and self-respect come first. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Boundaries Bootcamp 01:39 Foundations of Boundaries 04:09 Defining Boundaries 25:21 Types of Boundaries 30:58 The Importance of Boundaries 31:25 Self-Talk and Self-Worth 31:54 Beliefs and Boundaries 32:38 Types of Boundaries 33:28 Q&A Session Begins 34:31 Handling Boundary Manipulation 40:13 Respecting Others' Boundaries 56:28 The Art of Communication 01:01:00 Conclusion and Next Steps   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • healthy boundaries • self boundaries • relationship boundaries • emotional boundaries • mental boundaries • nervous system regulation • people-pleasing and PTSD • sobriety and boundaries • family conflict after trauma • parent-child boundaries • communication skills in trauma recovery • self-respect and self-worth • emotional regulation tools • trauma coping tools • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ How to Explain PTSD Recovery to Loved Ones (Without Overexplaining Your Trauma) How to Talk About Trauma Recovery So Your Family Actually Understands Why You Don’t Need Anyone’s Permission to Heal from PTSD PTSD Recovery and Loved Ones: How to Ask for Support (Without Feeling Needy) Explaining Trauma Healing to Family: Simple Scripts for Better Support How to Get Space to Heal from PTSD (When Others Don’t Get It Yet) Stop Justifying Your Trauma: How to Speak Calmly About Your Recovery Journey PTSD Recovery Boundaries: How to Ask Loved Ones Not to Interfere How to Support Yourself When No One Understands Your Trauma Why Your Recovery Comes First (Even When Family Doesn’t Believe PTSD Can Heal) Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad breaks down a question most trauma survivors eventually face: How do I explain my recovery to the people I love so they don’t hold me back — and maybe even support me? Instead of centering the conversation on symptoms and past pain, Brad shows you how to talk about your recovery journey and future goals. You’ll learn why support from others is powerful “icing on the cake” — but why you can’t build a healing plan that depends on anyone else’s approval, belief, or emotional stability. Brad walks through the idea of your own “bubble” of responsibility and how to protect it, even when family or partners don’t fully understand PTSD or think full recovery is possible. Brad and Kalene also share practical examples, from asking loved ones for a simple “lack of interference” to structuring your life so you have time and energy to heal. You’ll hear real stories from their community about taking a step back to focus on recovery, building self-support through positive self-talk, and then having loved ones later say, “We see the difference in you.” If you’ve ever felt guilty for needing time, space, or boundaries to heal from trauma, this conversation will help you reframe that as an act of love — for you and for everyone in your life who benefits from you becoming whole.   💡 What You’ll Learn How to explain PTSD recovery as a future-focused journey instead of a past-focused trauma story Why your healing cannot depend on other people’s belief, validation, or emotional support How to ask loved ones for a “lack of interference” so you can focus on recovery Practical ways to communicate boundaries around your time, energy, and healing routines How to recognize when you’re asking others to fill a void that actually needs trauma healing Simple self-care actions that show you how to support yourself like you would a best friend How to build powerful internal self-talk that keeps you going when no one is watching Why over-relying on a partner or family member can strain the relationship during PTSD recovery When it’s essential to reach out for help immediately if you’re in danger of hurting yourself or others   🧠 Key Takeaway The strongest support you will ever have in PTSD recovery is the support you learn to give yourself — everything else is powerful icing on the cake.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 01:13 Today's Topic: Explaining Recovery to Loved Ones 05:38 The Importance of Self-Support in Recovery 18:23 Communicating Your Needs and Setting Boundaries 21:59 Practical Steps for Self-Support 29:48 Celebrating Small Wins 30:05 The Importance of Self-Support 30:25 Reaching Out for Help 31:26 Building the Best Version of Yourself 32:30 Daily Practices for Self-Care 33:11 Upcoming Events and Announcements 34:35 Positive Self-Talk and Personal Growth 35:42 The Power of Perspective 39:37 Community Support and Accountability 50:44 Future Plans and Platform Updates 52:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • explaining PTSD to family • PTSD and relationships • how to support someone with trauma • self-support in PTSD recovery • trauma recovery boundaries • nervous system regulation • emotional regulation • trauma coping tools • self-talk for PTSD • complex PTSD healing • recovery mindset • healing from childhood trauma • trauma-informed communication • partners of people with PTSD • family support and trauma • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Keeping an Open Heart With PTSD: How Releasing Pain Sets You Free Stop Building Your Life Around Trauma: The Power of an Open Heart When Pain Piles Up: An Open-Heart Practice for PTSD Recovery From Avoiding Pain to Emotional Freedom: Rewiring Your Relationship With Trauma How to Release Stored Trauma Energy Without Getting Overwhelmed Triggers as Teachers: Using PTSD Flashbacks to Heal Instead of Collapse Vulnerability, Boundaries, and Healing: Keeping Your Heart Open After Trauma Letting Go of a Lifetime of Pain: An Open-Heart Method for PTSD Survivors Why Numbing Out Keeps Trauma Stuck (And What to Do Instead) Living From Love Instead of Fear: How Open-Hearted Living Transforms PTSD Recovery Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad shares the simple but life-changing concept that helped him stop building his entire life around pain and fear. Instead of avoiding emotions at all costs, he explains how learning to keep an open heart allowed him to finally release the backlog of trauma energy that had controlled everything from his relationships to whether he could even step outside his front door. You’ll hear how pain piles up over years when it’s never fully felt or released, and why that creates a life that keeps getting smaller and more restricted. Brad walks through the idea of pain as “just energy” that can move out of your body when you learn to relax, soften your heart, and allow emotions to flow instead of stuffing them down and closing off. Brad and Kayleen also explore how this open-heart practice transforms relationships, authenticity, and everyday choices. They talk about vulnerability without losing boundaries, how to notice whether your heart is open or closed in the moment, and what it practically looks like to use triggers as opportunities to heal instead of proof that you’re broken. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a new way to understand your triggers, your pain, and your patterns of avoidance—and a simple inner compass: “Is my heart open or closed right now?” This one shift can change the way you move through PTSD recovery, your relationships, and your future.   💡 What You’ll Learn Why trauma pain piles up over time when you avoid feeling it How to tell if your heart is open or closed in everyday situations A simple way to step back into your observer or “true self” instead of being consumed by pain How to use PTSD triggers as opportunities to release old stored emotion Practical ways to start opening your heart in relationships without losing your boundaries How vulnerability can make you stronger instead of more fragile after trauma Why building your life around avoiding pain keeps you stuck and afraid How to gently practice emotional release so it feels safe and manageable The long-term vision of living from love and authenticity instead of fear and trauma patterns   🧠 Key Takeaway Healing from PTSD becomes possible when you stop running from pain, open your heart, and allow stored emotions to move through you instead of building your entire life around avoiding them.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Live Coaching Session 01:52 Today's Topic: Keeping an Open Heart 02:54 Understanding and Releasing Pain 07:46 Personal Experiences and Reflections 09:11 The Process of Releasing Emotions 17:03 Practical Steps to Open Your Heart 20:45 The Importance of Emotional Honesty 25:56 Different Approaches to Emotional Release 29:46 Keeping an Open Heart in Daily Life 31:28 Understanding Emotional Release 31:43 The Thorn Analogy: Avoiding Emotional Pain 32:45 Living with an Open Heart 34:32 Practical Tips for Emotional Release 35:50 The Power of Vulnerability 37:54 Engaging with the Community 45:51 Setting Personal Goals and Overcoming Perfectionism 57:38 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • keeping an open heart • releasing stored trauma • emotional release for PTSD • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • triggers as opportunities to heal • vulnerability and boundaries after trauma • trauma and relationships • C-PTSD coping skills • processing trauma emotions • avoiding emotional numbness • letting go of lifelong pain • mindfulness for PTSD • living authentically after trauma • inner child and past pain • trauma coping tools • Brad Schipke • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Why You Can’t Skimp on Routines in PTSD Recovery How Tiny Daily Routines Rewire a Trauma Brain for Healing From Chaos to Consistency: Building PTSD Routines That Actually Stick Why Your PTSD Recovery Fails Without Unbreakable Routines Overcoming Trauma by Design: Stop Letting Your Brain Build Default Routines How to Beat Resistance and Stay Consistent in PTSD Recovery The Hidden Power of Evening Routines for Trauma Healing Why You’re Not Broken: The Truth About Habits, Addiction, and PTSD From People Pleasing to Boundaries: Taking Your Time and Energy Back After Trauma One Small Change at a Time: Rewiring Trauma Habits with Compassion and Consistency Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this workshop-style episode from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching series, Brad and Kayleen break down why routines are absolutely non-negotiable if you want to fully recover from PTSD or trauma. They explain how your brain is already creating routines—often without your permission—and why the real question isn’t if you have routines, but whether those routines are helping you heal or keeping you stuck. You’ll learn how seemingly small patterns, like what you reach for when you’re stressed or how you end your day, quietly wire your brain over time. Brad and Kayleen share real-life examples—from pizza and addictions to bedtime and morning routines—to show how quickly the brain learns, changes, and locks in new habits through repetition and neuroplasticity. They also dive into the emotional side: resistance, guilt, people-pleasing, and the belief that you’re “broken” or can’t change. You’ll hear powerful mindset shifts around self-talk, boundaries, and why prioritizing your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s the only way to truly show up for the people you love. By the end of the episode, you’ll see that building unbreakable routines doesn’t require perfection or massive willpower. It’s about small, intentional shifts, one decision at a time, so your automatic habits finally start working for your PTSD recovery instead of against it.   💡 What You’ll Learn Why your brain is always building routines whether you choose them or not How to tell if your current routines are serving your PTSD recovery or sabotaging it How to break overwhelming tasks into tiny steps to cut through resistance Why self-talk is a “hidden routine” and how to rewire it to support healing How the learning model of addiction and neuroplasticity apply to trauma recovery How to build flexible routines that still work when life changes or gets chaotic Why boundaries are essential for maintaining healing routines with family and friends How to drop perfectionism and still make powerful progress in trauma recovery How one “domino habit” like bedtime can positively shift your entire day and nervous system   🧠 Key Takeaway You already have routines—healing begins when you consciously choose and protect the ones that support your recovery instead of letting trauma and autopilot choose for you.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Live Coaching Session 01:41 Today's Workshop: Overcoming Consistency Challenges 03:53 The Importance of Routines in Recovery 06:14 Building Positive Routines and Habits 11:23 Interactive Q&A: Addressing Your Challenges 35:11 Understanding Resistance and Its Impact 36:50 Breaking Down Tasks to Overcome Resistance 38:14 Embracing Flexible Routines 40:22 Becoming the Boss of Your Life 44:49 Setting Boundaries for Better Self-Care 50:07 Addressing Guilt and Prioritizing Mental Health 52:44 Creating Effective Routines and Overcoming Challenges 01:03:06 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery routines • trauma healing habits • building unbreakable routines • nervous system regulation • consistency in PTSD recovery • breaking trauma coping patterns • evening and morning routines for trauma • emotional regulation tools • neuroplasticity and PTSD • addiction learning model and trauma • overcoming resistance in recovery • boundaries and people pleasing after trauma • PTSD mindset shifts • self-talk and trauma recovery • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ How to Be Social With PTSD Without Burning Out From Isolation to Connection: Overcoming PTSD at Social Events Beating Holiday Social Anxiety With PTSD (Without Faking a Smile) Trauma, Shame, and the Fear of Being “Found Out” in Social Situations How to Stop Letting PTSD Turn Parties Into Panic Traps Rebuilding Relationships After Trauma When You’ve Pulled Away for Years A Simple Social Plan for PTSD: Triggers, Exit Routes, and Self-Talk How to Handle Crowds, Noise, and Overwhelm With a Trauma-Sensitive Plan The Truth About PTSD, Loneliness, and Why Everyone Is More Anxious Than You Think From Hiding in Your Room to Hosting Again: Social Tools for Trauma Survivors Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching session, Brad and Kayleen break down how to be social when you absolutely do not feel like being social—especially around holidays, family gatherings, and big events. If PTSD or trauma has turned barbecues, birthdays, and weddings into situations you dread, this episode shows you why that happens and what to do about it. Brad shares openly about the years he spent isolating, hiding in his room during family holidays, and avoiding people he loved because of shame and the fear of being “found out.” You’ll hear how he began to own his pain, release pressure to be perfect, and re-enter social situations with a calmer mind and a practical plan. Together, Brad and Kayleen walk you through mindset shifts that dissolve a lot of the internal pressure—like realizing most people are thinking about themselves, not judging you, and that hurting doesn’t make you broken or bad. They also show you how to pair that mindset with simple tools and an exit plan so you feel safer going into any gathering. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how to stop letting PTSD dictate your social life, how to handle triggers in the moment, and how to slowly rebuild relationships you may have pulled away from during the hardest seasons of your trauma journey.   💡 What You’ll Learn Why PTSD and trauma make social events and holidays feel overwhelming How shame, fear of judgment, and “being found out” secretly fuel isolation A mindset shift that lets you show up without pretending everything is perfect How to create a calm social plan including triggers, tools, and a safe exit option Practical grounding tools like the Butterfly Hug you can use discreetly in public How to use self-talk to decide when to stay, when to step out, and how to come back Ways to rebuild strained relationships after years of trauma-driven withdrawal How consistency, healing routines, and processing work reduce social anxiety over time Why discomfort is part of growth—and how to tell the difference between pain and healthy stretching   🧠 Key Takeaway You don’t have to be perfect or pain-free to be social—you just need an honest mindset, a few simple tools, and a plan that reminds you you’re safe, worthy, and allowed to be human. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome & 4th of July check-in 02:00 Why holidays and social events feel so hard with PTSD 06:15 Brad’s story: isolation, shame, and fear of being “found out” 13:40 Reframing social anxiety: everyone is in their own head 20:05 Mindset shifts: you’re not broken, bad, or alone 22:30 Building a social safety plan (triggers, tools, exit routes) 30:10 Using self-talk to navigate tough conversations & discomfort 37:45 Rebuilding relationships after years of isolation 46:20 Healing routines, consistency, and long-term recovery 53:10 Listener questions, wins, and next steps   Topics Covered: PTSD social anxiety • PTSD recovery • trauma healing • overcoming isolation after trauma • holidays with PTSD • social anxiety coping tools • nervous system regulation • grounding techniques for PTSD • Butterfly Hug technique • managing triggers in public • trauma and shame • rebuilding relationships after trauma • healing routines for PTSD • emotional regulation skills • mindset shifts for PTSD • coping with family gatherings • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ The Recovery Process Is a Self Discovery Journey With PTSD You Are Not Your Pain: Reclaiming Identity Beyond PTSD From Broken to Unbreakable: Peeling Back the Layers of Trauma Who Am I Without the Trauma? Rediscovering Your True Self After PTSD You Are Not Your Symptoms: How PTSD Warps Your Sense of Self Stuck in Survival Mode: How to Find Yourself Again After Trauma Why PTSD Recovery Is Really a Discovery of Who You’ve Always Been Layers of Pain, Layers of Healing: A New Way to See PTSD Recovery How to Stop Believing You ARE the Trauma and Start Seeing Who You Are From “I’m Broken” to “I’m Amazing”: Redefining Your Identity After PTSD Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this coaching session, Brad and Kayleen dive into one of the most important but often overlooked parts of healing: self discovery. When you’re in deep pain, it’s easy to believe you are the anger, the withdrawals, the shutdowns, and the symptoms. In this episode, Brad explains why you are not your PTSD, your addictions, or your anxiety—and how recovery is really about uncovering the real you underneath all that pain. Using powerful visuals and everyday metaphors, they show how trauma layers over your true self like heavy circles covering a stick figure or murky water hiding what’s beneath the surface. As you heal each “layer” through processing and tools, more of the real you comes into view—your humor, your values, your capacity for connection, your goodness. You’ll also hear how to navigate the confusing “in-between” phase of recovery, where some days you see your best self and other days the old patterns roar back. Instead of seeing that as proof you’re broken, Brad reframes it as key data pointing to the next layer that’s ready to heal. This episode is both grounding and encouraging, giving you a practical way to separate who you are from what you’ve been through—and to use every trigger, bad day, and setback as a guidepost toward deeper healing and self discovery.   💡 What You’ll Learn How PTSD and trauma create a false identity that makes you believe you are your pain Why the recovery process is really a discovery process of your true self How to visualize your symptoms as layers covering the real you underneath How to use bad days, setbacks, and triggers as data for what needs healing next Why you can have both good days and painful days without being “all good” or “all bad” How to separate “I am anxious” from “I am experiencing anxiety” Practical ways to start defining who you are not so you can get clearer on who you are How processing tools help you peel back layers and reveal more of your real self Why consistent small actions and routines build trust in your own healing journey   🧠 Key Takeaway You are not your PTSD, your symptoms, or your worst moments—you are the person underneath the pain, and every layer you heal reveals more of who you truly are.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Live Session 01:22 Today's Topic: Self-Discovery 02:02 Understanding the Layers of Pain 04:52 Upcoming Holiday Plans and Mental Health 07:52 The Recovery Process: A Visual Representation 20:24 Sharing Personal Stories and Insights 29:26 Action Plan for Self-Discovery 30:13 Separating from Negative Identities 31:02 Using Introspection Tools 32:17 Q&A Session Begins 35:33 Dealing with PTSD and Anxiety 36:27 Coping vs. Healing the Root Cause 37:18 Recovery Toolbox Tools 39:24 The Protector Processing Tool 41:36 The Importance of Taking Action 52:33 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Sessions   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • self discovery after trauma • PTSD identity and self worth • emotional regulation tools for PTSD • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • panic attacks and anxiety relief • survival mode and hypervigilance • processing tools for PTSD • protector parts work • beliefs and mindset in trauma recovery • overcoming shame after trauma • building healthy routines for healing • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching session, Brad and Kayleen walk you through a full, in-depth processing tool called “Challenging Beliefs.” Instead of starting with heavy emotions, this tool begins from a logical place so you can gently examine the beliefs that trauma created about yourself, your healing, and the world around you. You’ll learn the “belief cycle” and how it silently runs your life: beliefs drive actions, actions create experiences, experiences shape your thoughts, and those thoughts reinforce your beliefs. Brad and Kayleen show how this loop can either keep PTSD symptoms stuck in place or become the engine that moves you toward full recovery. Using simple metaphors like the “belief table,” they guide you step-by-step through breaking old trauma beliefs (like “healing isn’t possible” or “I’m broken”) and constructing new, empowering beliefs with strong “legs” underneath them. You’ll also get a practical worksheet so you can sit down, write it out, and actually rewire the way your brain interprets past experiences. Throughout the episode, they emphasize that belief work is both logical and emotional. As you challenge old references, emotions may rise—and that’s not a problem, that’s progress. When you pair this belief tool with emotional release tools like the Butterfly Hug and consistent healing routines, you’re no longer just hoping healing is possible… you’re actively building the mindset that makes it inevitable.   💡 What You’ll Learn How the belief cycle works and why your core trauma beliefs quietly control your daily actions The “table and legs” metaphor for understanding how PTSD beliefs are built and maintained How to identify negative trauma beliefs like “healing is impossible” or “I’m not good enough” A structured process to put your old beliefs “on trial” and poke logical holes in them How to transform a negative belief into a powerful new one using the Disconfirm & Swap method How to build strong references (legs) that support your new belief that healing from PTSD is possible How to use the belief worksheet and affirmations to reinforce new neural pathways in your brain Why emotions can surface during belief work and how to safely process them with tools like the Butterfly Hug How to weave this challenging-beliefs tool into a daily healing routine for long-term PTSD recovery   🧠 Key Takeaway If you can change the way you interpret your past, you can change the beliefs that shape your future—and that’s how PTSD recovery becomes possible, step by step.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Live Session 00:49 Today's Focus: Processing Tool 01:08 Engagement and Interaction 01:41 Diving into the Processing Tool 06:31 The Importance of Beliefs 08:23 The Belief Cycle Explained 15:36 Challenging Negative Beliefs 39:57 Weakening Negative Beliefs 40:03 Personal Experiences with PTSD 40:49 Challenging Long-Held Beliefs 43:29 Constructing Positive Beliefs 49:57 Worksheet Walkthrough 59:26 Q&A and Final Thoughts   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • challenging beliefs • PTSD beliefs • limiting beliefs after trauma • belief cycle and PTSD • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • cognitive restructuring for trauma • changing negative self-talk • “healing is impossible” belief • complex PTSD recovery • anxiety relief tools • Butterfly Hug technique • EMDR and CBT alternatives • trauma-informed coaching • recovery mindset • daily healing routine • affirmations for PTSD healing • overcoming hopelessness after trauma • reprogramming subconscious beliefs • self-worth after trauma • logical and emotional processing tools

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad breaks down why most trauma survivors struggle to stick with routines, even when they’re highly motivated and “know what to do.” Instead of forcing massive life overhauls, he walks you through a calm, practical way to create habits that actually last in the middle of PTSD, stress, and real life. You’ll learn how willpower really works, why it feels so limited during trauma recovery, and how to protect it from getting drained by stress, decisions, and unhealthy patterns. Brad explains the “habit equation” in simple terms so you can see exactly how negative patterns were formed in your brain—and how to begin rewiring them on purpose. He also shares how to stack habits slowly and strategically, so you’re no longer trying to change everything at once and then crashing back into old behaviors. Along the way, Brad reframes triggers and “bad days” as powerful opportunities to heal deeper instead of evidence that you’re failing. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to design your environment, your decisions, and your routines so that your default habits start moving you toward peace, stability, and long-term PTSD recovery.   💡 What You’ll Learn How to stop “all or nothing” routines that burn you out in PTSD recovery Why small 1% changes over time beat massive life overhauls for trauma survivors How willpower actually works and why it feels so limited when you’re healing trauma The simple habit equation Brad uses to explain how negative patterns get wired in How to weaken old trauma-based habits and strengthen new healing ones in your brain How to stack habits one at a time so they become automatic instead of exhausting Practical ways to design your environment so the “right” choice becomes the easy choice How to handle bad days, anxiety, and triggers without losing your progress Why triggers can be seen as opportunities to process and release buried trauma   🧠 Key Takeaway Lasting change in PTSD recovery doesn’t come from massive willpower bursts—it comes from small, focused habits that you repeat until they become automatic.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:59 Today's Topic: The Power of Habits 02:23 Common Mistakes in Building Habits 04:26 The Importance of Small Incremental Changes 07:07 Understanding Willpower and Its Limits 12:09 The Habit Equation: How Habits Are Formed 15:38 Strengthening Positive Pathways 24:18 Designing Your Environment for Success 27:07 Summary and Q&A 31:03 Welcome and Introductions 31:18 Visual Learning and Retaining Concepts 31:44 Addressing Negative Thoughts 32:25 Building Positive Habits 35:13 The 21-Day Habit Myth 37:12 Understanding and Overcoming Resistance 40:41 The Power of Protectors 43:15 Adapting to Different Environments 47:40 The Importance of Willpower 48:49 Setting and Achieving Personal Goals 55:01 Upcoming Sessions and Bootcamp 57:03 Closing Remarks and Future Topics   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery habits • trauma healing routines • habit stacking for PTSD • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • willpower and PTSD • rewiring trauma patterns • emotional regulation skills • healing after childhood trauma • overcoming negative thought loops • PTSD morning routine • trauma recovery mindset • building sustainable healing habits • processing triggers and flashbacks • environment design for recovery • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad and Kaylene break down why so many trauma survivors feel overwhelmed, stuck, and confused about what to do next in recovery — and how simplicity can completely change that. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, Brad shares how focusing on just one key action each day became a turning point in his healing from rock bottom. You’ll hear how to get clear on what you actually want from life and recovery, so decisions become simpler and less exhausting. Brad and Kaylene explore how to separate what truly matters from all the noise, expectations, and “shoulds” coming from other people, social media, and the world around you. They also walk through the “three pillars of recovery” — mindset, routines, and processing — and show you how to use them as a simple roadmap when you feel anxious, triggered, or lost. By the end, you’ll have a practical way to cut out what isn’t working, focus on what actually moves the needle, and begin building a calmer, more intentional life as you heal.   💡 What You’ll Learn How simplicity reduces overwhelm and helps you take consistent action in PTSD recovery Why doing less of the wrong things and more of the right few creates faster trauma healing How to clarify what you truly want so decisions become simpler and more aligned A powerful future-self exercise (age 84) to minimize regrets and prioritize what matters How to use the three pillars of recovery: mindset, routines, and processing A simple question to identify whether you have a mindset, routines, or processing problem Why eliminating certain habits, environments, or inputs can instantly create more peace How to spot the “biggest levers” that give you the most progress for the least effort Practical examples of simplifying your daily life, environment, and relationships   🧠 Key Takeaway True recovery happens when you simplify your life down to the few actions that truly move the needle and commit to doing them consistently.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Live Coaching Session 01:26 The Power of Simplicity 03:38 Brad's Personal Story of Recovery 06:38 Identifying Key Actions for Recovery 11:27 Gaining Clarity on Life Goals 13:25 The Importance of Knowing What You Want 21:10 Simplifying Recovery Choices 23:31 Technical Difficulties and Recap 25:00 Defining What Truly Matters 25:34 Creating Impactful Moments 26:41 Analyzing Efficiency in Actions 27:50 The Importance of Relationships 28:46 Guiding Principles for Recovery 29:42 The Power of Simplicity 31:21 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Topics   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • simplicity in recovery • overcoming overwhelm with PTSD • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • emotional regulation for trauma survivors • PTSD mindset shifts • trauma recovery routines • PTSD processing tools • 3 pillars of recovery PTSD • future self exercise trauma healing • eliminating triggers and stressors • simplifying life after trauma • recovery hero identity • beliefs as a trauma processing tool • boundaries and PTSD • practical PTSD recovery strategies

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad and Kaylene unpack why it’s so hard to finish what you start when you’re living with PTSD or trauma—and what to do about it. From dirty dishes piling up in the sink to unopened bills and unfinished healing work, they show how “negative momentum” quietly builds until everything feels overwhelming. Brad shares a raw story from early in his recovery when his house, routines, and emotions were all out of control—and the simple “hard reset” that helped him turn things around. You’ll hear how one decision point, fueled by pain and a little bit of hope, can completely change the trajectory of your future. Together they break down the most common reasons trauma survivors lose momentum: emotional overwhelm, open loops, lack of routine, complexity, forgetfulness, and unhelpful beliefs about who you are. Then they walk you through practical tools—like brain dumps, chunking tasks, and using the Unbreakable Planner—to rebuild trust with yourself one small win at a time. This is a calm but direct reminder that your life changes in tiny moments. One dish, one phone call, one vacuumed room, one day sober, one routine followed through. You’ll leave with a clear next step: choose one thing that would make today a great day—and go do it. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why PTSD and trauma make it so hard to maintain motivation and finish what you start How “negative momentum” builds from one unfinished task or avoided emotion The simple “hard reset” process Brad uses to clean up open loops and regain control How to do a brain dump so your mind can rest and your next steps are clear Why routines fail when they’re too complex—and how to simplify them so they stick How to chunk overwhelming tasks into tiny wins you can actually complete A new way to think about discipline so it feels supportive instead of harsh How to use the Unbreakable Planner to set up tomorrow’s success today The power of choosing just one thing that would make today a great day 🧠 Key Takeaway Your future changes the moment you decide to stop letting unfinished tasks and avoided emotions run your life—and start closing one small loop at a time. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 01:10 – Member-chosen topic: finishing what you start and maintaining momentum 04:10 – Professor Calamitous and the “never finishes anything” pattern 06:40 – Brad’s rock-bottom story: dishes, avoidance, and overwhelm 10:45 – The “hard reset” system: brain dump, clean up, recommit to routines 14:20 – One question: what’s one thing that would make today a great day? 18:00 – Decision points: seeing your future and choosing a different path 23:30 – Overwhelm, triggers, and emotional clutter after trauma 29:10 – Solutions: organization, self-talk, chunking, and long-term thinking 37:00 – Rethinking discipline: stickiness, consistency, and tiny daily wins 44:15 – Using the Unbreakable Planner to create tomorrow’s success 47:30 – Labels, ADHD/BPD, and how trauma can shape your sense of self 51:30 – Weekend action steps, platform resources, and closing encouragement Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • finishing what you start • maintaining momentum in recovery • overcoming overwhelm after trauma • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • open loops and brain dump • hard reset after PTSD setbacks • routines for PTSD • self-talk and motivation • chunking tasks in trauma recovery • sobriety and trauma healing • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad and Kayleen unpack a side of PTSD recovery that often gets ignored: having fun again. They explore why trauma can make life and relationships feel tense, serious, and heavy—and why you don’t have to be “fully healed” before you’re allowed to laugh, joke, and enjoy the people you love. You’ll hear how PTSD turns simple moments (like lettuce in the sink) into full-blown conflicts, and how to shift from blame and defensiveness to ownership and curiosity. Brad and Kayleen walk through the “relationship equation” and show how changing your part of the equation can transform the whole relationship—without trying to control or fix anyone else. They also talk about codependency, taking 100% responsibility without taking 100% of the blame, and how to stop dragging past pain into present moments. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to bring more lightness, humor, and play back into your life so relationships feel safer, warmer, and more fun again. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why PTSD and trauma make relationships feel so serious and heavy How to start having fun again even if you’re not fully healed The “relationship equation” and how changing yourself changes the whole relationship The difference between taking responsibility and taking all the blame How to stop making everything personal and start assuming the best in others Why you don’t really have “relationship problems,” you have individual problems you bring into the relationship Practical ways to bring more laughter, play, and lightness into daily life How to notice small moments of joy and let them build your new normal First steps to shift out of codependency and back into your own “box” 🧠 Key Takeaway You don’t have relationship problems—you have personal problems you’re bringing into the relationship, and when you change your part of the equation, the whole relationship changes. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Live Session 01:14 Today's Topic: Lightening Up in Relationships 01:54 Personal Stories and Examples 05:46 Mindset and Curiosity in Relationships 16:42 The Relationship Equation 30:49 Taking Responsibility and Contribution 40:08 Final Thoughts and Q&A 42:19 Upcoming Topics and Plans 42:52 Heartwarming Story from Bonnie 43:23 Cherishing the Little Moments 46:23 Q&A Session Begins 46:59 Isabella's Emotional Sharing 48:07 Taking Ownership and Healing 52:39 Understanding PTSD and Healing 56:57 The Power of Laughter and Belief 01:08:33 Codependency and Self-Focus 01:17:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • lightening up after trauma • PTSD and relationships • nervous system regulation • emotional regulation • trauma coping tools • healing from relationship conflict • codependency and trauma • PTSD communication tools • relationship mindset shifts • taking responsibility not blame • overcoming hypervigilance • rebuilding trust and safety • bringing back fun after PTSD • trauma and emotional triggers • laughter and healing • overcoming people pleasing after trauma • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad breaks down a simple but powerful way to measure your PTSD or trauma recovery so it doesn’t feel so vague, random, or confusing. Instead of guessing whether you’re healing, you’ll learn how to track real numbers that show your progress over time. Brad and Kayleen walk you through the difference between your overall “global” distress level and the more specific distress you feel around a particular trauma, memory, or belief. You’ll hear how Brad uses data in his own life and coaching to bring clarity, focus, and direction to the healing process. They also introduce the idea of “believability” — how strongly you believe a new, healthier belief after processing — and why that matters just as much as reducing distress. Together, they show you how to pair distress and believability tracking so you know when a trauma is truly complete and when it’s time to move on. By the end, you’ll have a simple tracking system you can start using today, even if you don’t know any processing tools yet. You’ll walk away with more focus, more motivation, and a clearer sense of what’s working in your recovery — and what needs more attention. 💡 What You’ll Learn How to measure your overall PTSD or trauma distress on a simple 0–10 scale The difference between global distress and distress around a specific trauma or belief How to track the distress level of one specific trauma until it reaches near zero What “believability” means in trauma healing and how to measure it from 0–10 Why focusing on one trauma or belief at a time speeds up your recovery How to know when a trauma is fully processed and ready to be “checked off” A simple way to track your numbers using a notebook, notes app, or Google Sheet How consistent processing time directly impacts your rate of PTSD healing How to use data to stay motivated, celebrate wins, and make smarter recovery decisions 🧠 Key Takeaway If you want faster PTSD recovery, stop guessing — track one trauma at a time until its distress is near zero and your new belief feels like a 10-out-of-10 truth. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Welcome to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching and series context 01:00 – Why Brad loves data and how tracking transformed his own healing 03:00 – The problem with vague goals like “be happy” or “be at peace” 04:30 – Introducing the global distress level: your overall 0–10 scale 09:00 – How to track your global distress over time (and what to expect) 15:00 – Macro vs micro: global distress vs specific trauma distress 19:00 – The two key metrics for a single trauma: distress and believability 22:00 – Example: turning “I don’t deserve love” into a believable new truth 27:00 – Why you must focus on one trauma or belief at a time 29:00 – How processing one trauma lowers your global distress level 32:00 – Future sessions: beliefs as a processing tool and bootcamps 38:00 – Using simple tools: notes, spreadsheets, and quick daily check-ins 44:00 – Time in equals results out: why processing hours matter 49:00 – Coaching, accountability, and building momentum in recovery 52:00 – Final encouragement and next episode preview Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • PTSD distress scale • trauma symptom tracking • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • PTSD processing tools • belief change in trauma recovery • measuring trauma healing progress • PTSD coaching • data-driven PTSD recovery • CPTSD healing journey • overcoming trauma triggers • mental health routines for trauma survivors • recovery metrics and goal setting

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad and Kayleen walk you step-by-step through how to turn affirmations from something that feels cheesy or pointless into a practical, daily tool that actually supports PTSD and trauma recovery. Instead of using random “blog post affirmations,” they show you how to build statements that are personal, emotionally meaningful, and powerful for your specific healing journey. You’ll hear the simple affirmation formula they use with clients: belief + reference + feeling. Brad and Kayleen break down what each part means, why it matters for a trauma-impacted brain, and how to use it to reshape core beliefs like “I’m not capable,” “I don’t deserve love,” or “I’m too broken.” They also talk about the difference between discomfort and pain, and why feeling “foreign” or awkward as you practice is actually a sign of progress. Brad then shares how he and Kayleen built affirmations into their own routines, including a 90-day challenge, morning and evening journaling, and how those practices helped shift their self-talk long term. They also explore what to do when guilt, shame, or fear show up as you start feeling better about yourself, and how to connect this work with deeper processing tools like introspective healing and protectors. By the end, you’ll have a clear, simple plan to start—whether that’s one affirmation a day or a full 90-day practice—and a realistic picture of how consistent affirmations can support nervous system regulation, belief change, and long-term recovery from PTSD and trauma. 💡 What You’ll Learn How affirmations actually work in the brain and why they can support PTSD recovery The exact formula for crafting powerful affirmations: belief + reference + feeling Why generic “blog post affirmations” often feel empty and how to make them personal How to attach real emotion and vivid visualization to your affirmations A simple 90-day affirmation challenge you can plug into your morning and evening routine How to turn a single phrase into a core belief you reinforce every day The difference between discomfort and pain while doing this work (and what to do with each) How to handle guilt or uneasiness when you start feeling good about yourself after trauma How affirmations connect with processing tools like introspective healing and protectors 🧠 Key Takeaway Affirmations only become powerful when they’re personal, backed by real experiences, and felt emotionally—belief + reference + feeling is what rewires trauma-driven thoughts. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Daily Recovery Coaching Call 00:53 Recap and Building on Previous Sessions 01:54 The Power of Affirmations 03:48 Crafting Effective Affirmations 05:21 Personal Experiences with Affirmations 08:12 Building Affirmations into Your Routine 16:48 90-Day Affirmation Challenge 26:44 The Affirmation Formula 31:20 Reflecting on Personal Achievements 31:55 Connecting Emotions to Achievements 32:34 Reinforcing Affirmations with References 34:46 Daily Affirmation Practice 36:46 Embracing Mistakes and Growth 37:26 Using References for Self-Love 41:21 Upcoming Sessions and Q&A 55:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • PTSD affirmations • trauma affirmations that work • changing core trauma beliefs • emotional regulation after trauma • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • self-talk for PTSD • daily recovery habits • morning routine for PTSD healing • evening routine for trauma recovery • introspective healing • protector parts work • processing guilt after trauma • self-worth after abuse • overcoming shame in PTSD • belief change and neuroplasticity • 90-day healing challenge • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Control Your Thoughts Before PTSD Controls Your Life How To Stop PTSD Thoughts From Running Your Day Rewiring Trauma Thoughts: Take Back Control Of Your Mind From Trigger Spirals To Peace: Mastering PTSD Self-Talk Break The PTSD Thought Loop And Become Your Recovery Hero How To Reprogram Trauma Thinking And Create A New Future The #1 Mindset Shift To Stop PTSD From Calling The Shots Turn Down Trauma Noise: Everyday Tools To Control Your Thoughts Your Brain Is Not The Boss: Simple Practices To Retrain PTSD Thinking From Addiction To Freedom: Using Thought Control To Heal Trauma Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad and Kayleen break down one of the most important foundations of PTSD and trauma recovery: controlling your thoughts before they control you. They explain how your mind is constantly running in the background, often wired by trauma to default toward negativity, fear, and self-sabotage. You’ll learn how your “automatic programming” gets created by past experiences, and why that programming doesn’t have to be your future. Brad shares a simple robot-and-controller analogy to help you see that you are not your thoughts — you’re the one holding the controller, even if you haven’t been using it. Kayleen opens up about how thought control was essential in her sobriety and healing from trauma. She walks through exactly how she talked herself out of urges, triggers, and negative spirals using one simple phrase and “future casting” her decisions. By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical way to start reprogramming your mind with positive self-talk, affirmations, and tiny daily cues (like red lights or doorways) so your thoughts begin working for your recovery hero — not against it. 💡 What You’ll Learn Why unmanaged thoughts quietly shape your PTSD symptoms, behaviors, and results How trauma “programs” your brain to default to negative, fearful thinking A simple robot-and-controller analogy to separate your true self from your thoughts How to choose one powerful phrase (“You’ve got this” or “I love you”) to interrupt spirals Practical examples of talking yourself out of urges, addiction patterns, and triggers How to use future casting to make choices your future self will be proud of Ways to use environmental cues (like red lights or mirrors) to practice positive self-talk Why changing your thoughts first eventually makes positive behavior feel automatic How daily mindset work supports long-term PTSD and trauma recovery goals   🧠 Key Takeaway If you don’t intentionally direct your thoughts, your old trauma programming will — but you always hold the controller, and you can choose a new path starting today.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Live Coaching Session 01:19 Mindset Mondays: Controlling Your Thoughts 03:19 The Power of Positive Self-Talk 04:43 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans 07:57 Strategies for Controlling Your Thoughts 15:36 Future Casting and Visualization Techniques 19:12 Building Positive Habits and Self-Talk 33:02 Understanding Your Programming 34:10 Taking Control of Your Thoughts 35:16 Visualizing Control with a Controller 37:15 The Power of Positive Phrases 39:19 Q&A and Weekly Plan 40:53 Community Feedback and Future Topics 43:18 Implementing Positive Self-Talk 54:40 Conclusion and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • controlling your thoughts • negative self-talk and PTSD • trauma mindset shifts • positive self-talk for trauma survivors • PTSD coping tools • nervous system regulation • neuroplasticity and trauma recovery • affirmations for PTSD • addiction and sobriety after trauma • recovery hero identity • emotional regulation skills • self-love after trauma • practical PTSD daily routines • trauma-informed mindset coaching

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Mindset Bootcamp: How To Become The Hero Of Your PTSD Recovery Story From Stuck To Strong: Daily Mindset Habits For Trauma Recovery Rewiring Your Brain For Healing: Bringing Your PTSD Recovery Hero To Life Stop Forgetting Your Progress: How To Keep Trauma Healing Top Of Mind From Survival Mode To Recovery Hero: Daily PTSD Mindset Training How To Think Like Your Future Self And Fast-Track PTSD Recovery The GPS Of Trauma Healing: Setting Your Destination And Recalculating Daily One Question That Can Change Your PTSD Recovery Every Day Recovery Hero Bootcamp: Daily Visualization Tools For Trauma Healing Why Most Trauma Goals Fade (And How To Make Yours Unstoppable) Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this episode, Brad wraps up the Recovery Hero Bootcamp by showing you how to bring your recovery hero into your real, everyday life. Instead of letting your goals fade like old school lessons you barely remember, you’ll learn how to keep your future self front and center in your mind so healing becomes your default direction. Using simple analogies like the old Garmin GPS and the brain’s “recalculating” system, Brad explains why you naturally forget even powerful insights if you don’t revisit them—and how to work with your brain instead of against it. You’ll see why doing the exercise once is helpful, but refreshing it consistently is what creates real change. You’ll also learn practical visualization tools, daily prompts, and simple questions you can ask yourself in real-time moments of stress, conflict, or temptation. This is about turning your recovery hero from “nice idea on paper” into a living guide you can lean on when it matters most. By the end, you’ll walk away with one clear action to weave your recovery hero into your routines so you stop settling for 10% of your potential and start moving steadily toward full recovery.   💡 What You’ll Learn Why your brain forgets most things you hear once—and how to use that knowledge to support PTSD recovery How to keep your “recovery hero” (future healed self) clear, vivid, and emotionally real Simple daily visualization practices to embody how your recovered self thinks, feels, and acts How to use the “What would my recovery hero do?” question in tough emotional moments Ways to bring your recovery hero into conflicts, triggers, and everyday decisions How emotion supercharges memory and how to attach positive emotion to your healing goals The difference between learning, studying, and mastering trauma recovery tools How to use your brain’s RAS (Reticular Activating System) to notice more opportunities for healing A step-by-step suggestion for choosing one daily practice to keep your recovery hero alive in your life   🧠 Key Takeaway Your recovery hero isn’t a fantasy version of you—it’s your true self uncovered, and every time you ask “What would my recovery hero do?” you take one real step closer to becoming that person.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Final Session of Recovery Hero Bootcamp 00:53 Recap of the Week's Sessions 01:31 Daily Actions for Success 02:31 The Importance of Refreshing Your Goals 06:34 Memory and Its Impact on Recovery 16:16 Visualization Techniques for Recovery 19:02 Practical Applications of Visualization 22:18 Embodying Your Recovery Hero in Daily Life 29:40 Uncovering Your Future Self 30:43 Daily Routine Visualizations 31:37 Commit to Your Visualization Practice 33:10 The Power of Relaxation and Reflection 34:11 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Improvement 39:23 Q&A Session 54:00 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • PTSD mindset tools • future self visualization • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • daily healing habits • emotional regulation skills • Recovery Hero Bootcamp • overcoming PTSD naturally • trauma recovery coaching • brain rewiring for PTSD • reticular activating system and trauma • trauma-informed goal setting • practical PTSD recovery strategies

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Write Your Recovery Hero Story: A New Roadmap For PTSD Healing How To Become Your “Recovery Hero” And Rewire Your Brain After Trauma From Broken To Unbreakable: Writing Your PTSD Recovery Story Bridging The Gap From PTSD To Freedom With Your Recovery Hero Turn Your Trauma Into A Hero Story (Recovery Hero Bootcamp) Designing Your Future Self: A Practical PTSD Recovery Visualization How To Build Belief In Your PTSD Recovery (Recovery Hero Method) Stop Feeling Broken: Map Out Your Trauma Recovery Hero Journey From Triggers To Transformation: Your Recovery Hero PTSD Game Plan Writing The Redemption Story Of Your Life After Trauma Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching session, Brad and Kayleen walk you through a powerful “Recovery Hero” exercise designed to bridge the gap between who you are today and who you become after fully healing from PTSD. Instead of guessing your way through recovery, you’ll learn how to define your current self, your future healed self, and the specific path that connects the two. You’ll be guided to step into the shoes of your future, fully recovered self and “look back” at how you got there. From that perspective, you’ll map out the stepping stones—habits, decisions, tools, and mindset shifts—that carried you from triggers, pain, and survival mode into peace, strength, and stability. Brad and Kayleen also share how visualization, self-image, and your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS) help you program your mind for PTSD recovery instead of staying stuck in old patterns. You’ll see how to turn your life into a redemption story and start building real belief that healing is not only possible, but inevitable when you follow a clear roadmap. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a practical challenge: write your own Recovery Hero story from “now” to your future self, so you can stop feeling broken and start living as the unbreakable version of you that’s already inside.   💡 What You’ll Learn How to clearly define your current self versus your future “Recovery Hero” self How to write your Recovery Hero story to bridge the gap between who you are and who you’re becoming How to transform destructive coping (like drugs and alcohol) into healthy PTSD coping strategies How to break huge recovery goals into clear, doable stepping stones How to use visualization to program your brain for trauma healing and success How the Reticular Activating System (RAS) helps you notice opportunities for recovery How to include real-life obstacles in your story so you stay resilient instead of getting blindsided How to rebuild belief in yourself when PTSD has made your future feel impossible How to turn your life into a powerful underdog and redemption story after trauma   🧠 Key Takeaway Your Recovery Hero is already you in the future—your job now is to write the story of how you got there and start walking it, one step at a time.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Live Session 01:18 Defining Your Current Self and Recovery Hero 03:08 Bridging the Gap: Creating Your Recovery Hero Story 06:29 Steps to Sobriety and Healing 09:07 Visualizing Success and Overcoming Obstacles 18:26 The Power of Recovery and Building Strength 20:41 Building Strength and the Journey to Unbreakable 21:06 Visualizing Your Recovery Hero 21:57 Overcoming Obstacles and Writing Your Story 23:57 Programming Your Brain for Success 28:00 The Power of Self-Image and Visualization 29:15 Bridging the Gap to Your Future Self 33:18 Daily Practices for Sustained Growth 36:08 Q&A and Final Thoughts   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery roadmap • trauma healing journey • Recovery Hero exercise • overcoming PTSD symptoms • trauma coping tools • sobriety and PTSD • nervous system regulation • visualization for trauma recovery • self-image and PTSD • reprogramming the brain after trauma • emotional regulation skills • trauma recovery mindset • broken to unbreakable • daily PTSD recovery habits • healing triggers and flashbacks

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Designing Your Future Self After PTSD: Become Your Recovery Hero From Trauma Survival to Future Self Vision: Creating Your Recovery Hero Stop Living for Others: How to Define What You Really Want After PTSD Recovery Hero Bootcamp: Goal Setting That Actually Works for PTSD Recovery How to Break Free From Trauma Patterns and Become Your Future Self PTSD Healing Roadmap: Bridging the Gap From Who You Are to Who You Want To Be From Numb and Hopeless to Purpose-Driven: Reclaiming Your Life After Trauma Overcoming Trauma by Becoming Your Own Hero, Not Someone Else’s Future Self Visualization for PTSD: Crafting the You That Finally Feels Safe Goal Setting for Trauma Survivors: How to Stop People-Pleasing and Start Living Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching session, Brad and Kaylene walk you through the second step of the “Recovery Hero Bootcamp”: defining your future self. Instead of trying to force yourself into other people’s expectations, you’ll learn how to design the healed version of you who has walked through PTSD and come out the other side. They explore why most trauma survivors struggle to answer the question “What do I really want?” and how years of people-pleasing, survival mode, and pain can make it hard to imagine anything different. Brad and Kaylene break this down into a practical exercise that turns your current struggles into a clear picture of your Recovery Hero. You’ll hear real examples of how to invert your current habits, beliefs, and reactions into the traits of your future self, plus how to borrow specific qualities from people you admire without losing your own identity. This episode shows you how to treat goal setting as a creative, judgment-free brainstorm instead of another way to beat yourself up. Finally, Brad explains why every big goal — especially healing from PTSD — requires a deep transformation, not just “trying harder.” You’ll walk away with a simple, doable action step to start defining your Recovery Hero today, and prepare for tomorrow’s session on bridging the gap between who you are now and who you’re becoming. 💡 What You’ll Learn How to define your “Recovery Hero” as the fully healed version of you after PTSD Why you must know where you are now before you can map where you’re going How to turn “I don’t want this” into a clear vision of what you do want How to stop living for other people’s goals and start honoring your own A simple way to use traits from people you admire without becoming a copy of them Why numbness, hopelessness, and dissociation are understandable AND workable states How to use divergent thinking to brainstorm your future self without judgment Why any real PTSD healing goal requires personal transformation, not perfection Practical reflection questions to guide how your Recovery Hero thinks, feels, and responds 🧠 Key Takeaway You don’t have to become a different person to heal from PTSD — you’re uncovering and growing into who you truly are beneath the pain. 🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Recovery Hero Bootcamp 01:25 Defining Your Current Self 02:13 Crafting Your Recovery Hero 03:07 Setting Goals and Overcoming Obstacles 03:49 The Importance of Self-Definition 06:46 Brainstorming Your Future Self 14:38 Divergent Thinking and Personal Growth 37:20 Commitment to Action 39:24 Getting Names Right and Dyslexia Challenges 40:09 Q&A Session Begins 41:01 The Importance of Pleasing Yourself 42:34 Embracing Your Own Path 44:40 Processing and Healing Emotions 48:50 Recovery Hero Journey 01:02:22 Dealing with Physical Illnesses and Emotions 01:13:03 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • future self visualization • recovery hero exercise • goal setting for trauma survivors • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • overcoming people-pleasing after trauma • releasing suppressed emotions • PTSD mindset shifts • healing from dissociation • building self-belief after PTSD • trauma-informed coaching • practical PTSD recovery strategies

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/ Mindset Bootcamp for PTSD: Defining Your Current Self Before PTSD Recovery Begins: How to Honestly See Where You Are From Trauma Survivor to Recovery Hero: Step One Is Awareness Stop Running From Your Trauma: Facing Your Current Self With Self-Love The GPS of PTSD Healing: Why You Must Know Where You’re Starting I Want to Stop Feeling This Way: A Simple Exercise for PTSD and Trauma Recovery You Are Not Your Symptoms: Redefining Identity After Trauma How to List Your Habits, Triggers, and Beliefs Without Spiraling Into Shame Turning Pain Into a Plan: Using Your “Current Self” to Map PTSD Recovery Scared to Change? How to Face “Insurmountable” Trauma Challenges One Step at a Time Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching In this Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching bootcamp episode, Brad and Kayleen walk you through the first, often skipped step of PTSD recovery: honestly defining your current self. Before you can become your “recovery hero,” you have to see who you are today with clarity, compassion, and zero sugarcoating. Using a simple GPS analogy, Brad explains why recovery stalls when you don’t know your starting point. Together, they guide you to look at your actions, habits, emotions, thoughts, triggers, and beliefs without turning it into a self-attack or shame spiral. You’ll also learn how to uncover your strengths—not just your struggles—so you can use them to fuel change instead of trying to “fix” everything at once. This episode gives you a practical 10–15 minute exercise you can do today to start transforming how you see yourself, your symptoms, and what’s actually possible for your healing. By the end, you’ll see that you are not your trauma responses, and that change isn’t about becoming a different person—it’s about becoming more of who you really are.   💡 What You’ll Learn How defining your “current self” becomes the foundation for PTSD and trauma recovery Why awareness and honesty are the first non-negotiable steps toward change A simple writing exercise to list the habits, actions, emotions, and beliefs you want to stop How to recognize and write down your strengths so they can support your healing The difference between objective self-awareness and beating yourself up How to view your life like a GPS route: where you are now, where you want to go, and how to bridge the gap Why feeling fear or seeing “insurmountable” challenges doesn’t mean recovery is impossible How to separate your true self from your symptoms, triggers, and trauma responses A practical way to use this list all week as you design your “recovery hero” identity   🧠 Key Takeaway You are not your symptoms—honestly seeing who you are right now, with self-love instead of judgment, is the first step to becoming the recovery hero you’re meant to be.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Welcome to the Live Session 00:49 Starting the Recovery Hero Bootcamp 05:29 Defining Your Current Self 10:44 The Importance of Self-Awareness 15:08 Embracing Change and Self-Love 18:27 Taking Action for Transformation 26:26 Accepting and Acknowledging Flaws 30:30 Embracing Your Strengths and Weaknesses 30:43 Setting Goals for Personal Change 31:01 Identifying and Stopping Negative Habits 31:39 The Power of Readiness and Commitment 33:31 The Journey of Recovery Hero 39:57 Overcoming Beliefs and Challenges 52:59 Taking Action and Building Momentum 54:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery roadmap • trauma healing journey • recovery hero identity • current self assessment • PTSD mindset shift • trauma coping tools • emotional regulation for PTSD • nervous system regulation • overcoming trauma triggers • self-acceptance after trauma • breaking negative habits PTSD • beliefs and PTSD recovery • trauma recovery coaching • practical PTSD exercises • healing C-PTSD step by step