In this episode, Trish is back to share how her healing journey continued and inspired her to walk alongside other women who desperately needed a second chance after incarceration. The unexpected gift of training to be a social worker was how much time she would invest in healing from her own trauma and shame. While her criminal record may have kept her from being employed in some settings, it was the very means through which God showed Trish that she would open her own refuge for women in need. Discover how Imagine Therapy and A Place for Hannah are strategically supporting women after incarceration so they can heal and thrive. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why a mission trip to Haiti helped Trish learn to share her story How Trish began to understand that everyone has a shame story Why the path to social work was initially so unexpected for Trish How challenging it is to find effective therapy with Medicaid How the women Trish and her team support are learning to lead with their strengths in their places of work To learn more about Trish's work, find her at Imagine Therapy and A Place for Hannah. Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here. Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here. Did you have trouble listening to last week’s episode on iTunes? If you’ve subscribed to the podcast, delete the episode and download it again. Or listen right here on the website.
If you’ve developed a pattern of people-pleasing, it can feel impossible to break free of it, especially in our core relationships. It often begins when someone in our childhood in authority communicates that their needs trump our needs. We become driven by the need to avoid conflict or deflect from the shame we feel about ourselves. But when we don’t look for other ways of relating, we can stunt our growth and deprive other people of the chance to grow. I’ll share how God exposed the people-pleasing habits in my life and why learning practical ways to set boundaries transformed how I felt about myself and related to others. I’ll unpack the roles of the “drama triangle” and how you can identify which roles you play in this dynamic as well as what you can do to get unstuck here. In this episode you’ll learn: Why it’s so tricky to distinguish between a need and a desire Why it’s unhealthy to believe it’s our job to stop anyone from experiencing negative emotions How people pleasing can feel so rewarding at times Evidence for why tolerating abuse is not an expression of love Why we can feel stuck believing we have no choices Grab your copy of Lifted From Shame Order your eBook or print book on Amazon here. Print and eBook are available now through the publisher here. Links Mentioned: Episode #11: Our Valid Need for Love and Respect National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Most of us can only imagine the horrors of war,, but for many around the world, it is daily reality. Jolie Nabigondo, born and raised in Congo, has lived through what she calls not a war, but a genocide. Like the Holocaust of World War II, the ethnic cleansing in her homeland has taken countless innocent lives and left unimaginable trauma in its wake. In this week’s episode, Jolie courageously shares the first part of her story abou twhat happened when she was captured by those who despised her for how she looked. For nearly a year, she was held in darkness, starved, stripped of dignity, and haunted by what she witnessed. Her story is one of pain, loss, and the struggle to trust God in the midst of deep suffering. Yet even in the darkest moments, God was not absent. This week, Jolie invites us into the raw reality of her captivity—and next week, she will share how God brought her into profound healing and freedom. Links Mentioned: Jolie’s mental health clinic: https://brand.site/HumuraCareCenter Friendly House: Http://friendlyhouse.org To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Family estrangement is becoming more common, often born out of years of unspoken pain and unresolved hurt. When relationships within our families fracture, walking away can feel like the only option. But what does it mean to pursue reconciliation when safety, truth, and forgiveness all hang in the balance? In this episode, Blanche DiDomenico returns to share the next chapter of her story. After experiencing childhood abuse and neglect, Blanche wrestled with how to honor her parents when they never acknowledged the harm they caused. Through her journey, God revealed what it means to set boundaries, seek healing, and practice honor in a way that reflects His heart. This powerful conversation invites listeners to consider how grace, truth, and healthy boundaries can coexist—and how God meets us in the tension between forgiveness and self-protection. Connect with Blanche: Blanche DiDomenico’s website: https://blanchedidomenico.com/ Blanche’s book: Rise with Purpose: A Biblical Workbook for Building Resilience, Growing in Faith, and Living Your God-given Calling To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
What happens when the ones we long for love and safety from are also the ones who wound us? In this episode, author, podcaster, and nurse Blanche DiDomenico shares the first part of her story. As a Filipino-American, Blanche grew up with a father working overseas for most of her childhood, leaving her mother to wrestle with fears and unresolved struggles. That environment shaped an unsafe childhood—but it did not define Blanche’s future. Through her story, we see both the pain of broken family dynamics and the surprising ways God’s grace can prepare a life for His purpose. Join us as Blanche opens up with honesty, courage, and hope about navigating love, abuse, and the complicated longing to be seen by the very people who caused harm. Connect with Blanche: Website: https://blanchedidomenico.com/ Blanche’s book: Rise with Purpose: A Biblical Workbook for Building Resilience, Growing in Faith, and Living Your God-given Calling To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Unforgiveness can keep us trapped when we hold onto anger and resentment that only deepens our pain. It robs us of peace and keeps old wounds open. This week, Rhonda James Woolard returns to the podcast with a powerful reflection on the miracle of forgiveness. She shares how God gave her the freedom to release bitterness, even toward her stepfather, who never once apologized for the deep harm he caused. Rhonda’s words, “I had no ill will against my step-dad,” capture the kind of healing that only God can bring. This conversation invites us to consider what forgiveness makes possible in our own lives and how it can transform even the most painful stories into testimonies of grace. Connect with Rhonda: Website: www.yourtimetoheal.net A Time to Heal: 7 Steps to Healing and Forgiveness after Sexual Abuse and Assault A Catalyst Change: God Intervenes During Abuse/Neglect To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com
This week, I’m joined by author, speaker, and certified life coach Rhonda James Woolard, who courageously shares her story of betrayal and abuse. Convinced she was unworthy of love, Rhonda carried deep shame and believed she was to blame for what she endured. But God had a different story to write. It’s one of restoration, freedom, and healing. In this episode, you’ll hear how Rhonda’s faith carried her through unimaginable pain and how she now helps others discover the same hope and wholeness she found. Connect with Rhonda: Website: www.yourtimetoheal.net A Time to Heal: 7 Steps to Healing and Forgiveness after Sexual Abuse and Assault A Catalyst Change: God Intervenes During Abuse/Neglect To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week, author Daryl Potter returns to share a powerful story of transformation. For years, he carried a “steel rod” in his heart that looked like strength but felt like anger to those around him. It wasn’t until he experienced love and acceptance from his family that he began to soften—and discovered the challenge of living without that armor. Daryl also opens up about his daughter’s rare genetic disorder and how it led him to seek real answers from God in the midst of suffering. His journey is raw, tender, and full of grace. Caring for her and walking through that season as a family forced Daryl to seek real answers from God—answers that shaped his faith and his life in lasting ways. Connect with Daryl: Website (& Books) www.darylpotter.com Lifted to Hope, the audiobook is here! If you would be willing to listen to it and write a review for Audible, I can connect you with a free copy. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by author Daryl Potter, whose writing—both fiction and non-fiction—flows deeply from his own life story. In his latest book, Something More: Living Well in a Broken World, Daryl shares how God met him in a profound way, bringing unexpected healing to places he didn’t even realize were broken. Although Daryl grew up in the church, the neglect and emotional abuse he experienced at home left him carrying a heavy burden of shame. It wasn’t until the unconditional love of an aunt broke through those walls that Daryl began to experience freedom and the tender healing of God’s timing. This conversation is a powerful reminder that none of us are beyond the reach of God’s love, and that healing often comes through the kindness and care of others. Listen now to hear Daryl’s story of brokenness, grace, and hope. And if you’re looking for a safe place to explore your own journey of healing, I’d love to invite you to join one of my Lifted from Shame small groups. You can register on my website. Connect with Daryl: Website (& Books) www.darylpotter.com
Emma returns to continue sharing her powerful story which includes a journey marked by deep trauma, an unplanned pregnancy, and the desperate search for someone safe enough to trust with her truth. Looking back now, Emma sees how God’s grace was present even in her most painful moments. It was His tender care that carried her through the season of secrecy and shame, and it’s that same grace that brought healing and redemption over the years that followed. Out of her healing, Emma discovered a new calling: sharing her story with teen girls to remind them that God’s work in their lives isn’t undone by mistakes or hardship. Her testimony is one of honesty, hope, and the kind of grace that changes everything. Lifted to Hope, the audiobook is here! If you would be willing to listen to it and write a review for Audible, I can connect you with a free copy. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this episode, my guest Emma shares how as a teenager, she found herself in a vulnerable situation that ended in a horrific experience of date rape. The aftermath was heavy and too much for anyone to carry alone. And yet who would believe her? Confusion, shame, and a deep sense of abandonment settled in, especially as Emma wrestled with painful questions about God’s presence and care. Emma shares the loneliness of wondering where God was in her suffering, and the struggle of believing she was being punished for lying to her parents about going on that date. This conversation offers an unflinching look at what fear, secrets, and powerlessness can do to a soul. But God. Join me again next week as Emma shares how God met her in that dark season, offering her a path forward and a new identity. Lifted to Hope, the audiobook is here! If you would be willing to listen to it and write a review for Audible, I can connect you with a free copy. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
In this second episode with licensed professional counselor Elly Brown, she shares her own journey of coming to know God as He truly is. With tender honesty, Elly recounts how God revealed Himself to her, bringing restoration to both body and soul. She also opens up about her path to becoming a therapist and her passion for integrating faith with the science of psychology. If you’ve ever struggled to trust God’s goodness because of past hurt, Elly’s story will encourage and inspire you. Her humility and compassion shine through every word, and I believe you’ll leave this conversation feeling deeply blessed. Connect with Elly: Website: eleanorbrowncounseling.com Podcast: abetterwaythepodcast.com Grab the Book: A Better Way: Integrating Faith & Psychology to Heal Inner Wounds To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
The messages we internalize in childhood, especially from trauma, rejection, and abuse, can leave lasting scars. Shame lies take root early, convincing us we’re unworthy, unlovable, or beyond help. In this powerful episode, Licensed Professional Counselor Elly Brown shares her deeply personal story of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of multiple perpetrators and the heartbreaking betrayal by her own mother. What began to feel “normal” in her young mind would take years to untangle. But Elly’s story doesn’t end in despair. Through faith, therapy, and the slow work of healing, she began to experience a redemption she never thought possible. This is a tender, honest conversation that sheds light on the shame so many silently carry and offers hope that healing is possible. Connect with Elly: Website: eleanorbrowncounseling.com Podcast: abetterwaythepodcast.com Grab the Book: A Better Way: Integrating Faith & Psychology to Heal Inner Wounds To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction... and set my feet upon a rock.” (Psalm 40:2) This week, Shequan Palmer returns to share the rest of her incredible redemption story. After surviving unthinkable trauma, Shequan experienced the steady, healing hand of God lifting her out of the darkness. In this powerful follow-up episode, she reflects on how God has not only restored her life but is now using her story to draw others to Himself. With a tender, teachable heart, Shequan testifies to the faithfulness of a God who hears our cries, sets our steps secure, and puts a new song in our mouths. Her words will stir your soul and strengthen your hope. Don’t miss this moving episode of restoration, healing, and God’s glory on full display. Connect with Shequan: Website: shequanshow.com Instagram: @shequanshow To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Some stories are so powerful, they bring you to your knees—and this conversation with Shequan Palmer is one of them. In this first of a two-part series, Shequan courageously shares the heartbreaking truth of her early life. She opens up about witnessing domestic violence, surviving sexual abuse, and losing her mother to murder at just six years old. By the time she was sixteen and unexpectedly pregnant, she felt completely alone—until she cried out to a God she didn’t yet know. What happened next is nothing short of miraculous. This episode is raw, real, and filled with the kind of hope only God can provide. It’s not an easy story, but it’s one you won’t want to miss. Connect with Shequan: Website: shequanshow.com Instagram: @shequanshow To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
After a devastating car accident left my daughter and son-in-law seriously injured, I’ve been walking closely with them through the slow, painful process of healing. In this solo episode, I share more about their story and how it brought me face-to-face with the lasting effects of trauma. Trauma doesn’t just touch one area of life. It impacts our emotions, our bodies, our relationships, and our ability to function in everyday life. As I reflect on what it means to heal, I also want to speak hope. God has provided powerful tools through trauma-informed care and the expertise of trained professionals. Friends and loved ones can walk with us, and God Himself, Jehovah Rapha, is present in our pain. He wants to bring healing not only to our bodies but to our souls. If you’re struggling to make sense of suffering or wondering how to move forward after trauma, I pray this episode reminds you that healing is possible, even when it feels out of reach. God is near, and He is enough. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Sarah returns to share the next chapter of her powerful story. After devastating infidelity, she faced a choice: let bitterness take root, or surrender fully to God. With incredible courage, Sarah chose surrender, not knowing what would happen in her marriage, but trusting that God would have the final word in her life. Her obedience didn’t come without pain, but through it, she discovered an intimate strength and deep connection with God that carried her through each day. Sarah is a living testimony of God’s grace in the hardest places. Her story will inspire and encourage you to trust God with your own. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com. Links Mentioned: Find Revive 40 and Beloved Groups (Arizona)
After betrayal, how do you move forward? Especially within the same relationship? This week and next, I’m joined by Sarah, a brave woman whose story of heartbreak and healing will move you. When she married her second husband, she had every hope for a Christ-centered partnership. But then came earthshaking infidelity. As she navigated daily life, caring for her children and going to work, Sarah clung to Jesus for strength. Scripture tells us God is near in our suffering. But when we live it, His presence transforms us. Through unimaginable pain, Sarah found deeper intimacy with God, who met her in every moment of grief and survival. Her story is a powerful reminder that His promises are real, and His love never fails. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
Infidelity is one of the deepest wounds a marriage can face. Whether through an affair, pornography, or emotional betrayal, the pain can feel overwhelming, and the path forward unclear. In this solo episode, I share hard-won insights from walking alongside couples through the heartbreak of infidelity toward the possibility of healing. Not all marriages survive, but many do—and with God, restoration is possible. Even if this isn’t part of your story, this episode offers hope, perspective, and encouragement for building strong, honest relationships in a world where betrayal is all too common. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com.
This week on the podcast, I re-release the second half of my conversation with Lisa, who experienced domestic abuse. She tells about the different ways God brought healing, and how, in time, she began to believe her worth. She shares great insight and wisdom about the healing journey that will encourage your heart in God’s faithfulness. To inquire about counseling, email Louise at Louise@louisesedgwick.com. Links Mentioned: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233