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⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, childhood trauma, PTSD, violence, dissociation, and mental health that some viewers may find distressing. Please take care while listening.

Childhood abuse doesn’t always stay in childhood. Long after the physical events have ended, many survivors continue to carry invisible wounds that affect their relationships, confidence, mental health, and sense of safety. In this deeply personal episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore how childhood trauma can shape adult life—and, importantly, how healing is possible.

Joining me are Dr Jonathan Marshall, leading clinical psychologist and former professor, Sophie Leung, women’s trauma and wellbeing coach, and Tanya Quinn, who courageously shares her own journey of surviving childhood abuse, living with complex PTSD, and finding hope through therapy.

Together, we discuss why childhood trauma is often buried for years, how abuse changes the brain and nervous system, why many survivors blame themselves, and the therapies that can help people begin to heal. We also explore why healing is rarely linear, how generational trauma continues across families, and why understanding your past can become the first step towards reclaiming your future.

Who Is This Video For?

If you are living with the effects of childhood abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or difficult childhood experiences—or you’re supporting someone who is—this episode offers compassionate insight, practical guidance, and hope. We discuss emotional healing, therapy options, trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, and how survivors can move forward without being defined by their past.

In This Episode

* the difference between discipline and child abuse
* why many survivors suppress or forget traumatic memories
* how childhood trauma can affect adulthood, relationships, and self-worth
* complex PTSD, dissociation, hypervigilance, and perfectionism
* how trauma is stored in both the brain and the body
* therapies including EMDR, Brainspotting, meditation, and trauma-informed counselling
* breaking cycles of generational abuse
* why healing is possible at any stage of life

Key Takeaways

* Childhood abuse can have lifelong emotional and psychological effects, but recovery is possible.
* Trauma often shows up through behaviours, relationships, and nervous system responses rather than conscious memories alone.
* Healing takes time and looks different for everyone, but no one has to face it alone.
* Therapy, support, self-awareness, and compassion can help survivors reclaim their lives and rewrite old patterns.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction & Trigger Warning
00:01 Understanding Child Abuse vs Discipline
00:09 Why Trauma Is Forgotten or Remembered
00:14 Brainspotting, EMDR & Trauma Therapy
00:24 How Childhood Abuse Affects Adult Life
00:37 Accessing Therapy & Finding Support
00:42 Family Relationships & Generational Trauma
00:48 Hope, Healing & Final Advice

Conclusion

Healing from childhood abuse is not about erasing the past—it is about understanding it, processing it, and refusing to let it define your future. This episode reminds us that survivors are not broken, healing is possible, and reaching out for support can be one of the bravest and most life-changing decisions a person makes.

Keywords: childhood trauma, child abuse, PTSD, complex PTSD, trauma recovery, emotional healing, therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, childhood neglect, mental health, abuse recovery, generational trauma, nervous system, Ella Podcasts

Hashtags:
#ChildhoodTrauma #PTSD #ComplexPTSD #MentalHealth #TraumaRecovery #Healing #Therapy #EMDR #Brainspotting #ChildAbuseAwareness #Wellbeing #EllaPodcasts

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If you'd like to suggest episode subjects please reach out to us. Thank you!

Ever felt like you’re about to be “found out” despite having the qualifications, experience, and evidence to prove you’re capable? You’re not alone. In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the psychology behind imposter syndrome - that persistent feeling of self-doubt that can affect students, professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and even CEOs. Despite success on paper, many people continue to question whether they truly deserve their achievements.

We discuss why imposter syndrome is so common, how it differs from healthy self-reflection, and whether it stems from internal thought patterns, external biases, or a combination of both. We also examine the role of perfectionism, workplace culture, social media, and career transitions in fueling feelings of inadequacy.

Joining me are:

🔹 Dr Ronina Stevens – Clinical Psychologist specialising in anxiety, depression, trauma, and wellbeing
🔹 Sapna Makwana – Counsellor and Psychotherapist who shares her personal experience of imposter syndrome during a major career change
🔹 Eileen Coupin – Executive Leadership Coach and Keynote Speaker

Together, we unpack why so many talented people feel like frauds and how to stop self-doubt from holding you back.

In This Episode We Discuss:

* What imposter syndrome actually is — and what it isn’t
* Why high performers often experience it most
* The link between perfectionism and self-doubt
* How social media fuels comparison and insecurity
* Whether sexism, racism, and bias contribute to imposter syndrome
* Why career transitions can trigger feelings of being a fraud
* The difference between healthy humility and chronic self-doubt
* When imposter syndrome becomes harmful
* Practical strategies to build confidence and resilience

Key Takeaways

* Imposter syndrome is common and does not reflect actual competence.
* Thoughts and feelings are not always facts.
* High achievers, leaders, and CEOs often experience self-doubt.
* Comparison, perfectionism, and social media can intensify imposter syndrome.
* Growth often requires stepping forward before you feel fully ready.
* Confidence is built through action, not certainty.
* A small amount of self-doubt can encourage reflection and learning.

Tough times are hard to navigate. We share experiences, feelings and tools to cope and become resilient. Unpack what weighs us down - loss, grief, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, disappointment, sadness and change. Feel less alone and take away ideas to lift that dark cloud and face the future. Sprinkled with humour.
Creator / Host: Ella Sherman & Clinical Psychologist: Dr Jonathan Marshall with Two Special Guests per episode.

🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.
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✅ About Ella Podcasts.

Welcome to Ella Podcasts, a space where we openly talk about tough times and the struggles that come with them. Hosted by Ella Sherman and clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Marshall, this podcast shares personal experiences, feelings, and practical tools to help you cope and build resilience.

We discuss topics like loss, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, and life changes, offering support and understanding. Each episode includes insights from two special guests to help you feel less alone and find ways to face challenges with hope and a touch of humor. Join us for honest conversations that lift the weight off your shoulders and guide you through life's difficult moments.

🔔 Looking for real talk about life’s struggles? Subscribe for honest conversations, expert advice, & helpful tools to help manage life’s toughest moments.
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Does society value women less as they get older? Why are men often seen as experienced “silver foxes” while women are judged as being past their prime?

In this episode of Ella Podcasts, we explore the reality of ageism facing women in the workplace and wider society. From hiring bias and career progression to appearance standards and workplace stereotypes, we examine why so many highly skilled, experienced women feel overlooked despite having decades of knowledge, resilience, and expertise to offer.

Many women reach midlife only to find themselves being labelled as “too experienced,” overlooked for opportunities, or feeling pressure to maintain a youthful appearance to remain visible and valued. The impact can affect confidence, identity, career progression, and mental wellbeing.

Joining me are:

🔹 Dr Ronina Stevens – Clinical Psychologist
🔹 Nataly Papadin – Global Transformation Leader
🔹 Latha Prasad – Corporate Change Consultant and Midlife Career Coach

Together, we discuss the hidden realities of age discrimination, why older women are often underestimated, and how experience, confidence, and adaptability can become some of the greatest strengths of midlife.

Who Is This Video For?

This episode is for women navigating midlife, career transitions, workplace bias, menopause, leadership challenges, or questions about ageing and professional identity. It’s also valuable for employers, leaders, and HR professionals seeking to build more inclusive workplaces.

In This Episode We Discuss:

* Why ageing affects men and women differently at work
* The hidden forms of age discrimination women experience
* Whether diversity and inclusion efforts overlook older women
* The pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in professional settings
* How ageism impacts confidence, wellbeing, and career choices
* Why many experienced women are leaving corporate careers to start businesses
* The benefits of ageing, including confidence, resilience, and authenticity

Key Takeaways

* Ageism remains one of the least discussed workplace biases.
* Experience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence often increase with age.
* Feeling overlooked can significantly impact confidence and mental wellbeing.
* Organisations risk losing valuable talent when experienced women are undervalued.
* Ageing can bring greater self-awareness, confidence, and perspective.

Conclusion

Growing older should not make someone less visible or less valuable. This episode challenges outdated assumptions about women and ageing, while highlighting the wisdom, resilience, and leadership that often come with experience.

#Ageism #WomenInLeadership #WomenAtWork #CareerDevelopment #MidlifeWomen #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #MentalHealth #CareerTransition #WomenEmpowerment #MenopauseAtWork #EllaPodcasts

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