In this episode of Mother Mayhem, we explore why trauma does not always come with a clear story, how pain can live in the body instead of memory, and why memory gaps are not a sign that nothing happened.

Learn how trauma can show up as panic, shame, hypervigilance, a harsh inner critic, and a body that never fully feels safe.

This episode also addresses the fear many daughters have about starting trauma work without “proof,” the impact of cPTSD on mothers, and why healing does not begin with forcing memories but with building safety in the nervous system.

If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t remember my childhood, so maybe I’m making it up,” this episode is for you.

Topics include:

cPTSD and memory loss

Trauma stored in the body

The inner critic and trauma responses

Healing without remembering

Nervous system safety and self trust

Mothers healing from childhood trauma

Join our community: mayhemdaughters.com/community

This week, we explore what happens when the truth finally becomes clear, and how healing must eventually move beyond constant processing in order to make room for life.

This episode addresses:

Why years of therapy can help, yet still leave something unresolved

How narcissistic family systems assign roles to children, shaping siblings in different but interconnected ways

The difference between trauma-informed healing and trauma-centered living

How siblings can heal together without letting shared trauma dominate their relationships

What belongs in a marriage and what does not when one partner carries complex trauma

Why confronting narcissistic or emotionally limited parents is not required for healing

How quiet distance and discernment can be valid, protective choices

What breaking cycles actually looks like in parenting, repair, and presence

This is an episode about clarity, choice, and the slow shift from surviving to living.

Join our community: mayhemdaughters.com/community

This is your invitation to the Mayhem Daughters Retreat, a small, in-person experience for daughters of narcissistic or emotionally limited mothers who are ready to deepen their healing in shared physical space.

This episode is not a sales pitch. It’s an invitation to listen inward and decide with clarity.

Dates: April 30 – May 3

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Structure: Programming begins Thursday at 3:30 pm with pickup from the hotel. Full days of programming on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is reserved for travel home. Optional Wednesday arrival

Cost: $1,350 per person for retreat programming. Hotel booked separately at a group rate of $129/night. All programming and transportation to and from the retreat house are included

Lodging: Retreat house spots are full. Remaining openings are hotel-based with organized transportation provided

Availability: At the time of this recording, six spots remain. Retreat logistics and vendors will be finalized the week of February 16

This retreat is designed for daughters who have already been doing their healing work and feel ready to experience that work in a structured, facilitated, and well-held group setting.

It is not for daughters in acute crisis or those looking for a high-intensity or transformational experience.

Capacity, self-responsibility, and nervous system safety are central to this time together

Because this is a small, in-person retreat, registration is not open for direct purchase from the podcast.

If you’re interested in exploring whether this retreat is the right fit, please email Heather directly at:

Heather@MayhemDaughters.com

This begins a conversation, not a commitment.

Honoring your timing and capacity matters here. Whether this invitation leads to a yes or a no, listening to yourself with care is part of the work.

A Final Note: Honoring your timing and capacity matters here. Whether this invitation leads to a yes or a no, listening to yourself with care is part of the work.