Content Note:

This episode discusses trauma, nervous system responses, and embodied healing. While not graphic, the conversation may resonate deeply with survivors of abuse or religious trauma.

In Episode 17, we are joined by Jeffrey Shearer (Jeff), a trauma therapist who helps us explore what trauma really is, how it impacts our sense of self-worth, and why healing must involve both the mind and the body.

Jeff walks us through how trauma is stored in the body, the difference between hypervigilance and hypovigilance, and how these nervous system responses often develop as survival strategies. Together, we unpack why so many survivors struggle with self-worth and how learning to understand our bodies can be a powerful step toward healing.

This episode is grounding, educational, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating life after trauma.

1. What trauma is and how it shapes self-worth
2. How trauma is stored in the body
3. Hypervigilance vs hypovigilance
4. Nervous system responses and survival patterns
5. Why trauma-informed healing matters
6. Compassionate approaches to recovery

Jeffrey Shearer is a trauma therapist who specializes in helping individuals understand their nervous systems, rebuild self-worth, and move toward embodied healing.

🌐 Jeff’s Website:

https://www.jeffreyshearer.com/

Many survivors are told to “think differently” or “pray harder,” while their bodies remain stuck in survival mode. This conversation reminds us that trauma is not a failure of faith or character — it is a physiological response, and healing is possible when we approach it with compassion and understanding.

🎶 Intro/Outro Music: Your Poison by Roy Knox

💬 Connect with your hosts:

Heather — @happyheather | @happyheathersmiles

Tamara — TikTok: @feralatheistjezebel321 | Instagram: @tamarajo321

📩 Interested in being a guest?

Email us at theawakeningpod@gmail.com

If this episode brings anything up for you, pause when needed and tend to yourself with kindness. Your nervous system learned to survive — and it can also learn safety.

If you like what you here, check out other great pods on the BIG Media LLC Podcast Network!

Barrett and Zac host The All About Nothing: Podcast, discussing everything from news and politics to entertainment and sports! All About Nothing, but All About Something too!

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