Shelly Winemiller, a trauma therapist and survivor of clergy sexual abuse, shares her powerful story of reclaiming her body and spirit. Topics include the struggles of growing up in a small city and experiencing sexual abuse, the journey of therapy from medication to healing, sharing with the church, healing from spiritual trauma and abuse, a surprising outing to combat nightmares, healing through breaking and singing, and the power of love and connection in healing from abuse.
Creating a safe therapeutic relationship is crucial for addressing trauma and reclaiming one's body and sexuality.
Engaging in physical activities and music can help release stored trauma and support healing from sexual and spiritual abuse.
Deep dives
Reclaiming the Body: Healing from Sexual Abuse
In the podcast episode, the speaker shares a deeply personal story of healing from childhood sexual abuse and discusses the steps taken to reclaim their body and sexuality. They begin by emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship, which allowed them to address the trauma and memories associated with the abuse. The process involved exploring family dynamics, establishing healthy boundaries, and redefining intimacy with their partner. The speaker also describes the significance of engaging in physical activities like kickboxing and swimming to release stored trauma from the body. Additionally, they highlight the role of music in their healing journey, both through leading a choir and reclaiming their own voice. The summary underscores the importance of healing in relationship and acknowledges the complexities of spiritual healing and the impact of religious trauma. Ultimately, the speaker shares their insights on reclaiming one's sexual identity and finding empowerment in their journey towards healing.
Navigating Spiritual Healing and Religious Trauma
The podcast delves into the speaker's experience of spiritual healing and reflects on the impact of religious trauma. The speaker describes growing up in a heavily involved Catholic community, emphasizing their connection with Jesus, while struggling with their faith in God due to the abuse by a priest. They explore the process of reframing spirituality and actively reclaiming their faith, including challenging oppressive religious systems and embracing healing practices like yoga and kickboxing. The speaker also discusses the importance of forming healthy boundaries with their family, as well as finding support from understanding friends and spiritual mentors. They highlight the role of music and communal singing in their spiritual healing, leading a choir that fosters empowerment, connection, and a sense of purpose.
Unveiling the Journey of Healing from Trauma and PTSD
The podcast episode shares the speaker's journey of healing from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They stress the importance of finding a skilled and trustworthy therapist who provided a safe and nurturing space for exploring family dynamics, childhood abuse, and stored trauma in the body. The speaker engages in various therapeutic techniques, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and grounding exercises, to process traumatic memories and regulate their emotions. They highlight the significance of grief work, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-care throughout the healing journey. The speaker also emphasizes the role of intimate connection with their spouse in rebuilding trust and reclaiming their sexual identity. They share insights on recognizing dissociation, engaging in self-compassion, and paving the path towards post-traumatic growth.
Empowering the Journey of Sexual Healing
The podcast episode explores the speaker's path of sexual healing after experiencing childhood sexual abuse. The speaker discusses the process of reclaiming their body, desire, and pleasure within the context of a safe and trusting relationship. They describe the significance of establishing healthy boundaries, building trust with their partner, and learning to communicate their needs and limitations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing when dissociation occurs during sexual intimacy and provides examples of grounding techniques, such as wearing a symbolic belt or charm bracelet, to reestablish a sense of safety and presence in the moment. They also highlight the power of self-compassion, resilience, and the gradual reintegration of sexual experiences as part of their healing journey.
In this season 5 opener, Craig sits down with Shelly Winemiller, a Colorado-based trauma therapist, to witness her powerful story of reclaiming her body and spirit from the nightmare of clergy sexual abuse.
