Life after sexual abuse - The Podcast

In this Survivor Story episode, Stacie has the honour of speaking with Kath from Ireland giving a different sexual trauma experience that we haven't heard on the podcast before - stranger violence/assault in adulthood. Many of the experiences shared so far have been in childhood and so Kath and her story gives a voice to those who have experienced sexual assault in adulthood. We honour those victims who have lost their lives during violent sexual attacks - those that didn't survive. We hold them in our hearts during this episode. No specific details are given about the incident in this episode, the focus is about raising awareness of the isolation survivors of this type of abuse experience. Kath, although remains anonymous, wishes to offer to be a point of contact if there are any other survivors who have experienced a similar type of trauma and want to be connected to share the healing journey. You can contact Stacie who can then put you in touch with Kath. Thank you Kath for sharing your much needed voice and experience. As always, take care whilst listening - look after yourself first.

*Take extra care when listening to this episode* In this guest episode, Stacie and Louise take on the very sensitive topic of navigating sex after sexual trauma. They vulnerably share their own personal journey's which coincidentally have similar themes. Sexual intimacy and relationships can be extremely difficult to navigate when often survivor's are still in the trauma response. As aways, there are many potential varying experiences however, the hope in sharing this conversation is that it is a safe space to reflect upon your own experience and recognise what you need to heal after sexual trauma. We give you permission to be exactly where you are and encourage you to question unserving beliefs you may have about yourself and your sexuality; trauma often has a way of creating limiting beliefs and behaviours. You can connect with Louise on Instagram (@_LouiseMilne).

Stacie chats with her sister Katherine on this very topical subject of whether to report (or not report) abuse to police to seek justice. This episode is based upon both their experiences of going through the UK justice system. Experiences will vary depending upon the laws of the justice system of a specific country. We caveat this episode that the decision to/or not to report is a very individual one and we do not advocate/advise for or against - there are arguments for both sides of the case (no pun intended) and this is what we discuss in this episode. This episode is to give a real insight into the lived experience but mainly to give you permission to do what feels right for you. Some listeners may find this episode triggering so please do take care and know it will be here if and when you want to come back. 

In this episode, Stacie talks about this very important topic of nervous system safety, how to bring the nervous system back into it's baseline (parasympathetic) state and the importance of safety and trust when healing after sexual trauma. Feeling unsafe in our bodies and minds is what triggers the trauma/stress response and a big part of the healing journey is regaining a sense of safety and trust again. This episode contains some ideas/tools to help such as mindful breathing, subconscious processing (therapy), journaling and daily 'tune ins' to bring awareness to what you need to feel safe. 

As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself first and foremost and what you need today. The podcast will be here when you are ready.

In this solo episode, Stacie answers a listener question of what her healing looks like now, 12 years on from starting 'conscious' healing. Stacie talks about how her healing is ongoing - it isn't a once and done thing; it is a continual cycle. Healing is like peeling back the layers of an onion to reach that inner peace and no longer being triggered by trauma memories. Patience and self-kindness are key. As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself first and foremost and what you need today. The podcast will be here when you are ready.

Stacie shares updates, upcoming online Survivor Circles, 1:1 mentoring and a short Q&A. Thank you for your patience as season 2 has been slower to get started than anticipated but Stacie shares a personal life event which will explain the reason for the delay. Stacie is looking to share more survivor stories on the podcast so do get in touch if you would like to share yours: stacie.m.glass@gmail.com. As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself first and foremost and what you need today. The podcast will be here when you are ready.

On this guest episode, Stacie talks with Rachelle Blake, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who shares her story of what it was like growing up as a child carrying this burden and healing now as an adult - "Freedom to live without fear". Thank you Rachelle for sharing your truth with us here - it is an honour when a survivor bravely shares their voice and truth on the podcast to help others feel less alone. If you wish to connect with Rachelle, you can on Instagram @word_farmacy. Rachelle is at the point in her healing process where she wants to advocate and support others - she has plans in the future to share her story to help others. 

As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself first and foremost and what you need today. The podcast will be here when you are ready.

Season 1 is a wrap…thank you to each of you who have listened and been a part of this growing survivor community. The aim of this podcast is to let each of you know you are not alone and hopefully provide some practical help and support for your own healing journey. Always permission to heal your way and at your pace. Stacie reflects back upon the season and the feedback she has received about it. A massive thank you to all the guests that have been on so far. The offer is there for any survivor who wants to come on and share their truth here in this safe space (anonymously if preferred). Know that you are needed in this world - if you are having emotional/mental difficulties, reach out to someone. Keep going, you’re doing better than you realise and it will get easier. 

In this guest episode, Stacie chats with 'Emily' who shares her story and healing journey anonymously. This is a powerful episode that Stacie hopes will encourage you to share your truth here in this safe space if you feel called, anonymously if you wish. One of the main purposes of this podcast is to give a platform and voice to survivors of sexual abuse; we will not be silenced. It is a liberating experience to share your voice and truth in this way. Full permission to talk about what you feel comfortable to share. This is an invitation only - it's okay if you aren't ready to share your story but know the offer is here if and when you want to take it. Emily shares her healing journey which began a few months ago, the power of therapy and healing your way, at your own pace. This is an inspirational episode (as always) that could specifically help you if you are just beginning your healing journey - so much can shift in a short amount of time if you are willing to heal for you. This episode also discusses the media, the power of belief and triggers within the media of high profile figures. 

In today's episode, Stacie talks about honouring our grief. Yes, grief for what you lost as a result of your experience(s). Grief that you had so much taken away from you against your will. Grief is not often spoken about in relation to sexual trauma but it is real and it is heavy if left unprocessed. Grief is the word that encapsulates all the emotions that Stacie felt during the early stages of healing. She talks about her own experience and the tools that have helped her process it. This is still in progress and that’s okay. Included in this episode are journal prompts and suggestions to invite you to explore your own grief. As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself first and foremost and what you need today. The podcast will be here when you are ready.

In this episode, Stacie is joined by the joyful Hanna Francis who is a singer and songwriter to share the healing power of music. This podcast is all about empowering you with tools to help you along your healing journey and where you want to be so this episode is perfect for how music can (and probably is) helping you. This episode is an uplifting one, giving us a break from the heavy stuff that is healing after trauma - a reminder that it is necessary to give ourselves a break from feeling it all, all of the time. 

In this solo episode, Stacie talks about how in the beginning of the healing journey how she felt broken and thought she needed fixing. Part of the healing journey is acknowledging what is present - giving it space to be seen, heard and felt. Stacie reads an extract from her book Life after sexual abuse (Chapter 1 'I'm not broken') - a letter to her inner child. Everything you feel now is valid - give it space to be heard. Stacie's wish for you is that you healing journey brings you to a place of knowing that you too, are not broken. It wasn't your fault. 

As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself first and foremost and what you need today. The podcast will be here when you are ready. Thank you for sharing your feedback about the podcast/book - it is always welcome.  

The pod is back with a guest episode where Stacie chats to business coach and mentor Lauren April (Instagram @Laurenapril.co) who shares her experiences of sexual assault aged 10 and 13. This episode goes into the complexities of abuse within families and how we can struggle with guilt and shame when abuse experiences were not traumatic. This is an important episode about teenage development and how we feel at the time can affect how we view both the experience and how we feel about ourselves. This podcast is a safe space to share your truth - without judgement. All experiences and feelings are valid and welcome. Thank you Lauren for sharing your truth here. 

You can find Lauren on Instagram @laurenapril.co.

As always, take care of yourself when listening - look after yourself and what you need first and foremost. The podcast will be here when you are ready and that's okay if that isn't today. 

You can find out more about Stacie and her work in these places:

Welcome back to this solo episode where Stacie shares what’s going on for her right now, why all experiences of sexual abuse are valid (including yours!)  and info about online survivor circles. Stacie shares some survey feedback for what other survivors are struggling with right now - there are always similar themes which is why Stacie created Survivor Circles - to connect with others and know you are not alone. 

As always, take care of yourself and what you need. You are important too. 

You can find out more about Stacie and her work in these places:

In this short solo episode, Stacie talks about where she is on her healing journey and the reminder that healing is always in progress. Stacie shares her experience of going on retreat recently and what that brought up for her to witness and honour.

In this guest episode, Stacie is delighted to be joined by Tilini Jayaweera, a yoga teacher and cyclical living advocate who joins the podcast today to talk about how a traumatic event brought on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), how she begun to address this, the healing journey and tools that helped her to move forward. This is such an insightful episode with themes that are relatable to any trauma and practical steps to help you along your own journey. Stacie is so grateful for the wisdom Tilini shares in this episode. 

As always, take care listening to this episode, your wellbeing is paramount so pause if you need to. This is meant to be a supportive space for the healing journey. 

In this episode, Stacie shares how meditation has become a life changing tool on her healing journey. Also includes - what meditation is, the benefits of meditation, types of meditation and a bespoke guided meditation just for you here. Stacie recently became a meditation teacher to share the benefits in her work as a therapeutic coach. Time stamp for when you want to re-listen to the meditation: 22.00. This meditation was created just for you here, to explore what healing means to you and what you most need today; to be a supportive tool. Feel free to come back to it as often as you need. 

In this first guest episode, Stacie is delighted to have her sister Katherine as her first guest who herself is a survivor of sexual abuse. Katherine was a pivotal part of Stacie’s healing journey which they explain. The focus of this episode is disclosure of abuse to family/friends and how the response to disclosure is impactful upon the survivor and their healing journey. Stacie and Katherine share some useful disclosure suggestions based upon their own experiences. Remember, you are the expert in your own experience. 

As always, take care listening and always put what you need first so it’s okay if you need to come back to this or any episode. This podcast was created to be a supportive and safe companion for the healing journey - look after yourself. 

If you need someone specialist to talk to, there are several national charities nationally and internationally (search the internet local to where you live). In the UK, you can call either the Samaritans or Napac.