Depresh Mode with John Moe Stephanie Foo on Complex PTSD, Finding Recovery, and This American Life
12 snips
Jan 19, 2026 
Stephanie Foo, a talented author and radio producer known for her work on This American Life, candidly shares her journey with complex PTSD stemming from childhood abuse. She recounts the neglect and violence she faced, revealing how her diagnosis helped connect the dots of her trauma. Stephanie discusses the challenges of managing relationships, the impact of trauma on her workplace dynamics, and her healing process, including using EMDR therapy. She emphasizes that healing is an ongoing journey of carrying trauma while building resilience.
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What Complex PTSD Really Is
- Complex PTSD arises from repeated, long-term trauma and differs from single-event PTSD.
- Stephanie Foo links her symptoms to sustained childhood abuse and emotional neglect.
Childhood Lessons Become Bedrock Beliefs
- Early abuse taught Stephanie a bedrock belief of being unlovable that later trumped other evidence.
- Childhood lessons become core beliefs that discount later positive experiences.
Abuse That Began Early And Persisted
- Stephanie Foo describes physical abuse like beatings, knives to the throat, and being hit with household objects.
- She says emotional neglect and being told "you ruined my life" were the most formative harms.
