Sharing Trauma Stories with Structure & Safety

Telling a traumatic story in chronological order can intensify the trauma that the telling of the story is supposed to help heal.
BRITT FRANK

On this incredibly important topic, Britt describes that sharing our story in the presence of a compassionate and skillful witness can be incredibly powerful medicine for healing trauma.⁣
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AND…⁣
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From a nervous system perspective, telling a story the way it happened chronologically can further install the traumatic narrative in the brain and make symptoms worse.

In this episode Britt shares with us what usually happens when a trauma narrative is told in order and gives really clear guidance on what to do instead.

We talk about:

  • Euphoric Recall and Traumatic Recall
  • Telling stories in a healing way vs a re-traumatising way
  • Dissociation as a helpful coping mechanism
  • Setting the structure for sharing stories in a skillful way
  • Tools to use if you’re an over-sharer
  • A great question to ask the group leader if you’re thinking of joining a women’s circle

ABOUT BRITT FRANK

Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP is a speaker, teacher, and trauma therapist.

Britt received her BA from Duke University and her Master’s from the University of Kansas, where she is now an award-winning adjunct professor.

She is certified in Somatic Experiencing and is Level 1 Internal Family Systems trained. Britt is often featured as a mental health expert for podcasts, print, and broadcast media.

Her mission is to empower people to understand the inner workings of their minds and brains so that the change process moves from mystery to mastery.

Britt’s website

Britt on Instagram


melanie swan with a podcast mic in nature

Melanie Swan

Melanie is a Perimenopause Guide, Podcast Host, Trainer & Former Trauma Resolution Therapist.

For over 24 years, she has worked with women for the soul-deep restoration of their true nature.

Her clinical experience, soul & shadow work, womb wisdom and shamanic healing continue to form the foundations of her work, as she guides women in perimenopause and menopause to move through mid-life as a process of liberation and self-realisation through 1:1 perimenopause coaching and The Crucible Community.

She hosts The Sacred Womb Podcast and The Womb Medicine Woman Training (last cohort Jan '27), and is currently writing her first book, The Sacred Womb — a handbook for the restoration of womankind.

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