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Trauma Intersections

Trauma Intersections

By: Courtney Copeland
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This podcast is a space for real stories, honest conversations, and meaningful healing. Together, we'll explore the ways trauma, loss, and life's hardest moments shape us—and how healing can happen in many different forms. Join Courtney Copeland, counselor, integrative healer, and your trauma bestie, as she talks with guests who have faced difficult intersections in life and found a path forward. Through vulnerability, connection, and hope, each episode offers a reminder that you are not alone and that healing is possible. Come laugh, learn, heal, and discover the power of sharing our stories.2026 Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Laura Richards: From Trauma Bonding to Triumph—Reclaiming Your Life After Narcissistic Abuse

    Laura Richards: From Trauma Bonding to Triumph—Reclaiming Your Life After Narcissistic Abuse
    Jun 19 2026
    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Laura Richards, a podcaster, speaker, author, and coach dedicated to empowering women in midlife as they heal from relationships with the "nice" guy. Through her global podcast, That's Where I'm At, and her bestselling book, Married to a "Nice" Guy: Getting Over Narcissistic Abuse, Laura shares her personal journey of recovery after surviving 32 years of narcissistic abuse in her marriage. Together, they discuss how childhood trauma can leave people without healthy boundaries, making them vulnerable to abusive relationships. Laura explains the challenges of recognizing covert narcissism, breaking trauma bonds, and overcoming people-pleasing behaviors. She emphasizes that healing requires self-love, boundary-setting, and doing the inner work rather than focusing on the abuser. The conversation also explores how toxic religious environments can perpetuate abuse cycles, while offering hope that healing is always possible and no one has to walk the journey alone. Timestamps Introduction to Laura Richards (00:00:39) Laura introduces herself, her podcast "That's Where I'm At," and her focus on narcissistic abuse after a 33-year marriage. Living with a Covert Narcissist (00:01:44) Laura describes her experience with a covert narcissist, walking on eggshells, and the erosion of her self-esteem over the years. The Cycle of Seeking External Validation (00:03:04) Laura discusses how societal expectations and a lack of self-worth led her to seek validation through marriage and relationships. Growing Up Without Boundaries (00:04:48) Laura explains how she was raised without boundaries, making her trusting and gullible, which others took advantage of. The Power of Boundaries and Self-Love (00:06:52) Laura emphasizes that setting boundaries is impossible without self-love and describes how learning to love herself was life-changing. Losing People After Setting Boundaries (00:09:42) The speakers discuss how setting boundaries reveals people's true colors and can lead to losing friends and family who benefited. Ending a Toxic Friendship (00:11:46) Laura shares a personal story of setting a firm boundary with a toxic best friend, which ultimately ended their friendship. The Hyper-Awareness of Abuse (00:14:43) Laura describes the constant state of high alert and hyper-awareness she lived in, leading to exhaustion after her divorce. The Reverse Discard (00:17:47) Laura explains how her ex-husband manipulated her into asking for the divorce so he could play the victim. The Role of Faith in Staying (00:24:53) Laura discusses how her church community and the "stay and pray" mentality kept her in the abusive marriage longer. Being the Common Denominator (00:26:52) The speakers explore why victims of abuse often attract multiple abusers and how it's a pattern learned from childhood. Healing Modalities and Self-Care (00:31:06) Laura shares the various methods she used for healing, including journaling, exercise, meditation, and stopping drinking to avoid numbing. The Power of Sharing Your Story (00:37:37) Laura and Courtney discuss how sharing personal stories of abuse breaks shame and gives others hope and courage to leave. Grief Beyond Death (00:41:42) The conversation covers the grief of what could have been, grieving a person who is still alive, and unmet dreams. Understanding Trauma Bonding (00:44:18) Laura explains the chemical attachment of a trauma bond, comparing it to the intermittent reinforcement of a slot machine. Finding Joy After Trauma (00:47:04) Laura shares how she finds joy in making her own choices and embracing whimsy in her life after the abuse. How to Connect with Laura (00:48:43) Laura provides her social media handles and website for listeners who want to connect or seek coaching and resources. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Laura, "You only think I'm a bitch because you're benefiting from me not having boundaries." Laura, "You can't have boundaries without loving yourself." Laura, "I didn't know I was in abuse until after I started healing and unraveling my life." Laura, "If you are living off of hope and breadcrumbs, you'll starve to death." Laura, "After not having choices for so much of my life, that brings me so much joy." RESOURCES: Connect with Laura: https://www.instagram.com/thatswhereimatpodcast/ https://www.youtube.com/@thatswhereimatpodcast https://www.facebook.com/thatswhereimatpod/ https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/ Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "Healing begins the moment you stop abandoning yourself." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    51 mins
  • Breathe, Feel, Release: A Compassionate Path to Trauma Healing Through Body Awareness

    Breathe, Feel, Release: A Compassionate Path to Trauma Healing Through Body Awareness
    Jun 5 2026

    In this episode, Courtney, host of Trauma Intersections, leads listeners through a gentle body scan meditation designed to help them connect with physical sensations linked to trauma. She creates a warm, judgment-free space where all emotions are welcomed. Guiding listeners from head to toe, Courtney encourages mindful awareness of tension or discomfort, followed by a soothing healing wave visualization to release stored emotions. She normalizes varied responses and emphasizes that healing unfolds naturally. The episode closes with reminders that recovery is a communal journey, inviting listeners to subscribe, share, and return to the meditation whenever needed.

    Timestamps

    Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:01) Host Courtney introduces herself and the podcast's tone, promising a candid and supportive space for discussing trauma.

    Guided Body Scan (00:00:46) Listeners are guided through a body scan meditation, from head to toe, to notice any discomfort or physical sensations.

    Breathing and Reflection (00:01:38) The host leads a breathing exercise and prompts listeners to reflect on the memories or feelings associated with their sensations.

    Healing Visualization (00:02:38) A visualization exercise begins, focusing on imagining a gentle wave of healing to release tension from a specific body area.

    Acknowledging Physical Reactions (00:03:41) The host describes potential physical reactions like tingling, shaking, or tears, encouraging listeners to allow these sensations to surface.

    Concluding the Meditation (00:05:10) The meditation concludes with deep, releasing breaths and an invitation to notice any changes in physical or emotional state.

    Support and Resources (00:05:46) Courtney offers further support, provides contact information, and suggests saving the episode for future use, mentioning the Cast Keeper app.

    Closing and Call to Action (00:06:46) The episode outro encourages listeners to subscribe, review, and share the podcast, reinforcing the message of healing through connection.

    Powerful Quotes from the Episode

    "I'm Courtney, your new trauma bestie."

    "I won't bore you with a list of credentials that make me very good at what I do, but we will laugh, we'll cry, we'll cuss, and we'll get through some big, heavy things."

    "I invite you to sit at the intersection of trauma and whatever's going on in your life."

    "If today's conversation resonated with you, challenged you, or helped you feel a little less alone in your journey, we invite you to subscribe."

    "At Trauma Intersections, we believe healing doesn't happen in isolation."

    RESOURCES:

    Connect With Me:

    Courtney Copeland

    Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/

    Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland

    FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

    "Sometimes healing begins by simply listening to what your body has been trying to tell you."

    Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com

    Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    8 mins
  • From Childhood Trauma to Shamanic Mastery with Holly Million: A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Emergence

    From Childhood Trauma to Shamanic Mastery with Holly Million: A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Emergence
    Jun 5 2026
    In this episode of Trauma Intersections, host Courtney speaks with Holly Million, a professional shaman, artist, herbal medicine maker, founder of Soul Arts Workshop, and micro-homesteader. With more than 11 years of experience providing shamanic healing support to clients across the United States and Canada, Holly has dedicated her life to helping others transform trauma and reconnect with their inner wisdom. She shares her journey from severe childhood trauma to becoming a healer, discussing how shamanic practices such as soul retrieval and energy healing address trauma on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. Holly also explores the power of creativity in healing, explains her self-protection techniques, shares transformative client stories, and encourages listeners to trust their inner guidance. Through her work, Holly reminds us that healing is possible, transformation is available to everyone, and ultimately, "you are the medicine." Timestamps Introduction to Holly Million (00:01:04) Holly introduces herself as a professional shaman who uses her personal story of severe trauma to guide and heal others. What is Shamanic Work? (00:02:54) Holly explains that shamanism is an ancient healing modality where the shaman acts as a bridge between spiritual and material worlds. Holly's Healing Journey Begins (00:06:42) Holly shares her story of childhood trauma, including neglect and emotional abuse, which led her to seek psychotherapy at age 30. Becoming a Shaman (00:11:32) Holly describes her second spiritual emergence, accepting her psychic abilities, and finding teachers who helped her develop her shamanic skills. Energetic Protection (00:14:41) Holly explains how she protects herself energetically, emphasizing taking up her own space and practicing "shamanic spiritual hygiene." Journeying for Clients (00:17:05) Holly shares examples of taking clients on guided journeys into past lives to heal old wounds and retrieve lost power. Healing Her Own Trauma (00:21:07) Holly describes a personal shamanic journey where she went back in time to comfort and heal her infant self. The Power of Soul Retrieval (00:23:53) Holly explains soul retrieval, the process of bringing back parts of oneself that split off during trauma, with a client example. The Importance of Client Trust (00:26:18) Holly and Courtney discuss the honor of a client's trust and the profound connection required for deep healing work. Working with Severe Trauma (00:28:19) Holly shares her experience working with a new client with profound trauma, highlighting the need for skill, care, and high ethics. Emotional Origins of Illness (00:30:37) Holly discusses her belief that most physical ailments have an emotional origin, exacerbated by modern society's toxicity and constant input. Natural Intelligence and Embodiment (00:32:15) Holly advocates for "Natural Intelligence," emphasizing that sanity and healing are found through embodiment, inner guidance, and living an alternate life. Creativity as a Healing Tool (00:35:45) Holly shares how her own creativity, particularly writing poetry during a "shamanic death experience," has been essential to her healing process. How to Connect with Holly (00:37:39) Holly provides her website details for listeners who want to learn more or book a discovery call for a session. Final Words of Encouragement (00:39:28) Holly offers a final message of hope, stating that trauma can be healed and encourages listeners to begin their own journey. Powerful Quotes from the Episode Holly, "You can actually emerge out of it, have a beautiful life, and fundamentally be free of the trauma." Holly, "One of my therapists actually said that to me along the way: 'Your job is to take up all the space that is yours.'" Holly, "My message to people is that you are the medicine and that your inner guidance is what you need to follow." Holly, "I had to overcome a really dark beginning. I'm living the life of my dreams now, and it is possible for you to heal, too." Holly, "My soul knows when it's time to shed the old version and prepare for the new one, so I just embrace it now." RESOURCES: Connect with Holly: Website: https://www.hollytheshamanartist.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holly.million.soulartsworkshop/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hollymilliontheshamanartist Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holly.million.5 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollymillion/ Substack: https://substack.com/@hollytheshamanartist Connect With Me: Courtney Copeland Website: www.thecourtneycopeland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.courtney.copeland/ Resources and offerings: linktr.ee/theCourtneyCopeland FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Trauma Intersections on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. "Healing begins when we reclaim the parts of ourselves that trauma convinced us were lost." Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com Contact us for expert podcast production and support.
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    41 mins
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