As a physical therapist, Samantha spent years treating bodies in pain. But what she uncovered was that so many of her patients — high achievers, athletes, professionals — weren’t just dealing with physical symptoms. They were carrying deep emotional wounds: perfectionism, people-pleasing, addiction to productivity, and shame.

And it wasn’t just in their heads. It was in their nervous systems.

In her new book, Breaking the Circuit, she shares: ✨ Her personal journey through addiction recovery, grief, and self-forgiveness ✨ How trauma patterns live in the body and affect our health ✨ Why she reinvented the 12-step recovery model for modern women ✨ The life-changing practice of making amends… to yourself

One thing Samantha said that stuck with me:

“At one point, those coping mechanisms saved you. But if they’re running the show now, they’re keeping you stuck.”

We dove deep into the intersection of trauma, nervous system rewiring, hormone health, and how so many women are unknowingly trapped by patterns they didn’t choose. Patterns that are stealing their joy, their health, and their sense of worth.

If you’ve ever carried guilt, shame, or perfectionism on your back like a heavy bag of bricks — you’re not alone.

And it is possible to heal.

This conversation cracked something open for me, and I hope it does the same for you.

Dr. Samantha Harte is a physical therapist, author, performing artist, podcast host, and sober mom of two. She has been featured on ABC7 and CBS and has been written up in People magazine, Time magazine, Best Life, and The New York Post for her expertise on the intersection of mind-body health and wellness. Her self-help memoir, Breaking The Circuit: How to Rewire Your Mind for Hope, Resilience and Joy in the Face of Trauma is a reinvention of the 12 steps of recovery so that anyone, addict or not, can turn heartbreak into hope.

Find Dr. Samantha:

https://www.facebook.com/samantha.harte.5/

https://www.instagram.com/drsamanthaharte/

https://www.tiktok.com/@drsamanthaharte

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-addiction/id1604438985

Episode 531: Should You Block Your Ex?