In this episode, Michelle Renee talks with her client, Judy. Judy discusses how her work with her therapist and Michelle has helped her feel safer in certain situations and has allowed her to challenge her beliefs about herself. She also talks about the importance of leaning into difficult emotions with curiosity and the process of relearning self-worth and self-care. In this final part of the conversation, Judy and Michelle Renee discuss the power of being raw and vulnerable with another person. They explore the idea of rewriting personal narratives and reframing past experiences. They also discuss the importance of physical touch and the role of surrogate partner therapy and cuddle therapy in healing relational wounds. Judy shares her journey of self-discovery and self-love, and expresses deep gratitude for the transformative work she has done with Michelle Renee and her therapist.

Takeaways

Asking for help is a brave and important step in healing and personal growth.

Setting boundaries is essential for prioritizing mental health and self-care.

Childhood experiences, even those that may seem small, can have a significant impact on adult life.

Therapeutic love and support can be transformative in the healing process.

Rewriting stories and reframing past experiences can lead to personal growth and healing.

The triadic model, involving collaboration between therapist, client, and support system, can be highly effective in therapy.

Recognizing triggers and understanding the symptoms of PTSD can help shift one's perspective on certain situations.

Working with a therapist and a supportive touch professional can help create a sense of safety and challenge negative beliefs about oneself.

Leaning into difficult emotions with curiosity can lead to healing and growth.

Learning self-worth and self-care is a process that takes time and patience.

Rewriting personal narratives and reframing past experiences can be transformative.

Physical touch, such as in surrogate partner therapy and cuddle therapy, can play a crucial role in healing relational wounds.

Self-discovery and self-love are essential for living a fulfilling life.

Michelle Renee (she/her) is a San Diego-based Intimacy Guide and Surrogate Partner. Michelle's website is ⁠https://meetmichellerenee.com⁠ and can be found on social media at @meetmichellerenee.

If you’d like to ask a question, for Michelle to answer on an episode, https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/podcast

To grab your own set of We’re Not Really Strangers https://amzn.to/47XJjvm

Links shared in today's episode:

We’re Not Really Strangers Healing Edition https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com/collections/shop-all/products/healing-edition

The_emdr_coach on IG https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7TvzAyMtP2/?igsh=Z2JyMWlna3FtM21t

The Power of Journaling blog post https://www.meetmichellerenee.com/blog/journaling

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) test https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean

Polar bear shaking off trauma https://youtu.be/xDlR-wl7iFI?si=QffFsOYMTTTG7b2R

The myth of self regulation https://youtu.be/91tUxJq12gc?si=6mTBE9PQAw5_-fIy

Setting Boundaries that Stick by Julianne Taylor Shore https://amzn.to/459NdkW

Complex PTSD from Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker https://amzn.to/4e1QfeW

Pitsburg Action Against Rape https://paar.net/