On this episode, Brenda J. and Karen B. are joined by Nina Batista, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and educator who helps survivors of narcissistic abuse. She works with individuals, families, and groups navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, and relationship challenges.

Nina shares a little of her own story and how she became passionate about helping survivors of narcissistic abuse. She explains what narcissism is and defines terms like DARVO, trauma bonding, and gaslighting. They also discuss whether narcissists know what they're doing, the physical impact of narcissistic abuse, and how survivors can begin making sense of experiences that once felt confusing and overwhelming. The episode concludes with listener engagement questions and practical takeaways that offer hope, healing, and clarity for survivors.

https://ninabatistacounseling.com

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing.

https://mendingthesoul.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing.

https://mendingthesoul.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J and Karen W interview Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn on their book Explore, A Guided Journey to Being Loved. Celestia is Co-Founder of Mending the Soul, author of twelve books and workbooks, and a professional trauma counselor. Drawing from twenty-five years of teaching and training experience in areas of abuse and healing, secondary trauma, intimacy and bonding, biblical sexuality, and soul care, Celestia ensures that all Mending the Soul curricula and trainings are psychologically-informed and using best practice models. Nancy is the artist in Explore, a Mending The Soul facilitator, and abuse survivor. The four women take a deep dive into the book and it is extremely educational and healing.

https://mendingthesoul.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Sneak peek into episodes 94, 95, and 96, Explore, A Guided Journey To Being Loved With Celestia Tracy and Nancy Galassini-Gunn

Brenda J and Karen B interview Steven Tracy, co-founder and co-author of Mending the Soul. Mending the Soul is a healing from abuse resource that meets in small groups and discusses six different types of abuse. We dive into deep discussion with Steven and get his expert opinion.

https://mendingthesoul.org

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome back to the show Carissa Raderstorf. Carissa is an ordained minister, board-certified pastoral counselor, and founder of Reset Ministries. She oversees Reset Retreats, Reset Together, personalized coaching, and intensive story work. Passionate about helping people experience emotional healing, relational growth, and a deeper connection with God, Carissa holds an M.A. from Olivet Nazarene University and graduate certificates in counseling and executive coaching from the Townsend Institute.

In this encouraging episode, Brenda, Karen, and Carissa discuss why being present with someone in pain is often one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Many of us feel pressure to fix problems, give advice, or provide the perfect spiritual answer, but Carissa explains why simply showing up and sitting with someone in their grief, trauma, disappointment, or loss can be far more meaningful.

They explore why so many people struggle with being present, how building healthy relationships before difficult seasons creates a foundation of support, and why even introverts need caring connections. Carissa shares practical, easy-to-understand ways to support others, discusses the "relational nutrients" that help people heal, and explains how our own experiences can grow our empathy and deepen our ability to bear one another's burdens.

Whether you're supporting a loved one through a difficult season or learning how to become a more compassionate presence in the lives of others, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for everyone.

https://resetministries.us

https://hangingontohope.org

Brenda J. and Karen B. welcome back to the show Carissa Raderstorf. Carissa is an ordained minister, board-certified pastoral counselor, and founder of Reset Ministries. She oversees Reset Retreats, Reset Together, personalized coaching, and intensive story work. Passionate about helping people experience emotional healing, relational growth, and a deeper connection with God, Carissa holds an M.A. from Olivet Nazarene University and graduate certificates in counseling and executive coaching from the Townsend Institute.

In this encouraging episode, Brenda, Karen, and Carissa discuss why being present with someone in pain is often one of the most powerful gifts we can offer. Many of us feel pressure to fix problems, give advice, or provide the perfect spiritual answer, but Carissa explains why simply showing up and sitting with someone in their grief, trauma, disappointment, or loss can be far more meaningful.

They explore why so many people struggle with being present, how building healthy relationships before difficult seasons creates a foundation of support, and why even introverts need caring connections. Carissa shares practical, easy-to-understand ways to support others, discusses the "relational nutrients" that help people heal, and explains how our own experiences can grow our empathy and deepen our ability to bear one another's burdens.

Whether you're supporting a loved one through a difficult season or learning how to become a more compassionate presence in the lives of others, this episode offers hope, wisdom, and practical encouragement for everyone.

https://resetministries.us

https://hangingontohope.org