In today’s episode of AwakenHer, I’m unpacking the widely shared “Let Them” theory—popularized by Mel Robbins—and exploring how this seemingly empowering phrase can sometimes be misunderstood or misused, especially when we’re still healing from relational trauma. We’ll look at what it really means to let someone be who they are from a trauma-informed lens—and how to discern whether your boundaries are coming from your grounded Self or a wounded protector part. You’ll learn the difference betw...
In this deeply moving episode of AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp welcomes Rabbi Cantor Judy Greenfeld for an honest and soul-stirring conversation about transforming pain into strength and finding true purpose through life’s harshest challenges. Judy—an author, spiritual leader, and founder of the Nachshon Minyan in Texas—brings powerful insights on healing, trauma recovery, and the eternal question: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Together, Corissa and Judy explore how to meaningful...
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “Why am I so angry all the time?” — this episode is for you. Host Corissa Stepp explores how anger shows up as a trauma response after narcissistic abuse, how it functions as a protector part through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), and why you might be snapping at the people you love. Tune in to learn how to listen to your anger with compassion, regulate your nervous system, and begin the healing process with somatic and trauma-informed tools. ...
Welcome to another empowering episode of AwakenHer with Corissa Stepp! In this transformative episode, Corissa explores how women can break the cycle of blame, release the weight of past trauma, and step confidently into healing after experiencing narcissistic abuse. Episode Highlights: Understanding Victimhood After Narcissistic Abuse: Corissa explains why her book, The Savvy Girl’s Guide to Thriving Beyond Narcissistic Abuse, is designed to be read in full to validate your personal journey ...
This week on AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp dives into the transformative topic of experiencing guilt-free joy—especially in the small, everyday moments. Sparked by a heartfelt listener message, Corissa explores why so many women struggle with feelings of guilt when prioritizing themselves and feeling joy, and how these patterns often begin in childhood through people-pleasing and codependency. Key Topics: - Guilt as a Survival Strategy: Corissa explains how guilt is not a flaw but a ...
Are you feeling stuck in your healing journey, despite doing all “the work”? Do you sense patterns, limiting beliefs, or traumas surfacing—ones that don’t seem entirely your own? On this transformative episode of AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp sits down with holistic mentor, bestselling author, and energy healer Edit B. Kiss. Together, they unravel the mysteries of ancestral trauma, spiritual awakening, and the science behind energy healing, offering actionable steps to break generational cycl...
In this transformative episode of AwakenHer, Corissa is joined by Cristina Calvi, a certified herbalist, Nutrition & Health Coach, for a deep-dive conversation into the powerful, often overlooked connection between trauma and gut health. Together, they explore how trauma—especially chronic or relational trauma—disrupts the gut-brain connection, impacts our nervous system, and alters our ability to trust our inner cues. Cristina shares her integrative approach to healing that blends scienc...
Have you ever struggled to remember details from your past—and wondered if something was wrong with you? You’re not alone. And no—you’re not crazy. In this heartfelt episode, Corissa gets personal about how trauma impacted her ability to recall memories and tell stories, and why this is especially common for survivors of narcissistic abuse. She unpacks the science behind trauma brain fog, how the brain protects itself by fragmenting memory, and how narcissists use this very symptom to gasligh...
In this episode, Corissa, your host, explores the complex relationship between forgiveness and narcissism. She discusses the importance of understanding forgiveness as a personal choice and practice, emphasizing that it is ultimately for one's own healing. The conversation delves into the necessity of compassion, both for oneself and for those who have caused harm, particularly narcissists. Corissa highlights the significance of self-forgiveness and empowerment in breaking free from victimhoo...
In this special “Ask Me Anything” episode of AwakenHer, I dive into listener-submitted questions about relationships, boundaries, and self-trust. I share insights on how to navigate narcissistic personalities, heal from emotional harm, and rebuild trust in yourself. If you’re struggling with toxic relationships or wondering how to strengthen your boundaries, this episode is full of practical advice and empowering strategies to help you take back control of your life. Join Corissa’s email li...
This episode delves into recognizing critical red flags in relationships, such as lack of genuine apologies, breaches of trust, absence of affection, power imbalances, and any form of abuse. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these issues and considering whether to stay in a relationship. The script also provides insight into how one's physical and emotional responses to their partner can indicate underlying problems. For those uncertain about their relationship status, the speaker...
This moment episode discusses the vital role of processing emotions, particularly grief and anger, for mental health. Corissa and Aypril highlight how holding in emotions like anger can negatively impact the nervous system, likening it to trying to hold a beach ball underwater. They emphasize the significance of creating safe spaces, whether with a coach or therapist, for individuals to fully express and process their feelings. The conversation also delves into how societal discomfort with em...
This moment episode explores the nuances of empathy, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion as a foundation for extending genuine empathy towards others. It discusses Daniel Goleman's three levels of empathy: cognitive, emotional, and empathic concern. The conversation also highlights the risks of empathic imbalance, particularly for individuals with past traumas, and underscores the necessity of testing emotional safety and timing in relationships. Key strategies for fostering healthy...
In this Moment episode of 'Awaken Her,' I dive deeper into how childhood experiences with critical and emotionally neglectful parents can lead to patterns of seeking validation and love through narcissistic relationships in adulthood. It explains the concept of trauma bonds, the cycle of abuse, and how familiar abusive dynamics can be mistakenly perceived as love. The discussion clarifies how these patterns are deeply ingrained from childhood, resulting in adults who perpetuate these unhealth...
In this Moment episode of 'Awaken Her,' I dive deeper into a profound conversation I had with Veronika Archer about the intricacies of co-parenting, the significant impact of internal energies on children, and emotional navigation post-separation. Veronika shares practical tools for transforming feelings of guilt and resentment into acceptance and positive influence. This episode is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their co-parenting dynamics and personal emotional well-being....
In this episode of AwakenHer, I sit down with Dr. Christina Wise, a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma and family dynamics. We explore practical strategies for empowering children when co-parenting with a narcissist. The discussion covers the importance of understanding different perspectives, fostering healthy narratives, and setting boundaries through open communication. Dr. Wise emphasizes the value of a supportive environment and shares insights from her work with Parenting Whil...
In this episode of 'Awaken Her,' host Corissa Stepp interviews Dr. Jolene Arasz, a practicing psychologist specializing in anxiety management and author of the book 'Why on Earth Do I Feel This Way? Understanding Anxiety and Mental Health Through Control Theory.' The discussion delves into the connection between trauma and anxiety, the mechanisms behind anxiety responses, and practical strategies for managing anxiety and promoting emotional regulation. Dr. Arasz explains how trauma can be roo...
In this episode of AwakenHer, host Corissa Stepp speaks with Jennifer, who shares her deeply personal experience navigating and ultimately breaking away from a narcissistic friendship. Corissa and Jennifer discuss the patterns of narcissistic abuse, such as manipulation, lack of empathy, and the pretending of genuine concern to maintain control. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of setting boundaries. How to recognize unhealthy relationships.How to foster and identify a...
Welcome to a transformative episode where we delve deep into the aftermath of abusive relationships and uncover the tools and strategies for healing and empowerment. Join me as I speak with Jennifer Parker, an experienced therapist and author, who sheds light on the crucial steps toward recovery, co-parenting post-abuse, and fostering resilience for a stronger future. In this episode, you’ll: Learn about heart and brain coherence, gratitude practices, and journaling as means of naviga...
Welcome to another insightful episode of our podcast, where we delve into the heart of dating, self-discovery, and cultivating authentic love. Join us as we welcome the incredible Lilli Bewley, a dating coach with a unique perspective forged from her personal transformation and a decade of expertise in personal development. In this episode, we journey through the dynamics of dating, the significance of self-love, and the process of becoming the magnetic woman who attracts genuine connections....