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What happens when we approach our emotional wounds with genuine curiosity instead of judgment? In this soul-stirring conversation with licensed therapist Ruth Tessema, we journey through the landscape of complex trauma and discover powerful paths toward healing and transformation.

Ruth, a trauma specialist whose work blends traditional therapy with holistic approaches like somatic healing and breathwork, shares profound insights about how our bodies store memories that our minds have forgotten. When Ruth reveals that her own work in school settings triggered her nervous system without her conscious awareness, we witness the mysterious ways trauma operates beneath the surface of our daily lives.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as we explore morning anxiety, vivid dreams, and physical symptoms of CPTSD. Ruth explains how the body's fight-or-flight responses continue long after traumatic experiences end, creating patterns that feel impossible to escape. Yet within this challenge lies remarkable hope—our neurological systems can be rewired through compassionate attention and consistent safety-building practices.

Perhaps most revealing is our exploration of blended family dynamics and how they can activate our deepest childhood wounds. When stepchildren trigger unexpected jealousy or resentment, it's often our own inner child crying out for nurturing. The breakthrough comes in recognizing these moments as opportunities for healing rather than sources of shame.

"What's familiar about this situation?" emerges as the golden question—a doorway into understanding our triggers through the lens of compassionate curiosity. By embracing both gentleness and firm boundaries with ourselves, we can parent the wounded parts that still live within us.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by emotional responses that seem disproportionate, struggled with anxiety that hijacks your mornings, or found yourself reacting to loved ones in ways you don't understand, this conversation offers not just insight but a roadmap for transformation. Your capacity for healing isn't just possible—it's already wired within you, waiting to be awakened.

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