From Silence to Strength: June Hill’s Story of Survival and Hope
Release Date: 11/12/2025
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info_outlineIn this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson welcomes June Hill, who shares her powerful journey of surviving childhood abuse, complex PTSD, and reclaiming her life. June discusses her role as protector of her siblings, the impact of trauma, and her path to healing through therapy, advocacy, and storytelling. Now a life coach and author, June inspires listeners with messages of self-compassion, authenticity, and hope, emphasizing that healing is possible. The episode offers a safe space for reflection, connection, and community, encouraging women to embrace their worth and speak their truth.
Timestamps
Experiences of Abuse and Dissociation (00:08:08) June describes physical and sexual abuse, dissociation, and the normalization of trauma in her childhood.
The Role of PTSD in Survival (00:13:34) June reframes PTSD as a protective mechanism and discusses its impact on her adult life.
Adolescence, Escape Attempts, and Custody (00:16:14) June recounts running away, returning for her siblings, and eventually gaining custody of them.
Normalizing Dysfunction and Seeking Connection (00:20:51) Reflection on how chaos can feel like home and the challenge of breaking familiar patterns.
Therapy, Diagnosis, and the Turning Point (00:29:59) June describes her MS diagnosis, the loss of her job, and how therapy and research on complex PTSD began her healing.
Comparison, Empathy, and Validating All Trauma (00:36:22) Addressing the tendency to compare traumas and affirming that all pain is valid and deserving of healing.
Reclaiming the Self and Embracing Emotions (00:44:04) June talks about reclaiming hidden parts of herself, processing anger, and learning to stand up for her needs.
Helping Others and Advocacy Work (00:52:06) June shares her current work: support groups, public speaking, and her upcoming book to help others feel less alone.
Final Messages and Self-Compassion (00:53:16) June offers words of encouragement, emphasizing self-grace, self-care, and the importance of belonging.
Book Announcement and Closing Reflections (00:54:14) June introduces her book, "The Birth of an Advocate," and discusses its themes and release.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
June, 'Having my children made me realize how much I needed to change.'
June, 'I would take any of the pain for them, and if they were safe, then what was happening to me was worth it.'
June, 'I think my siblings just want the love we never really got, and they’re still going to chase it. For me, it’s more peaceful to have the hole than to try to fill it with someone who will never change.'
June, 'Men didn’t like women who are strong or have a voice, and I have fought against that my entire life.'
June, 'The more I talk, the more I find people who relate, and helping them is helping me.'
June, 'Now I feel a power in it. I can proudly say, this is what I’ve been through. I made it out.'
June, 'It’s such a freeing experience knowing there’s nothing in my closet anymore. I have nothing to hide.'
June, 'Healing is nowhere near a straight line. It’s a roller coaster, but it’s so worth it.'
June, 'You need to give yourself the same grace you give to everyone else you’re taking care of. You do deserve it.'
June, 'Learn what you enjoy, what you love, what is important to you, and find people who connect with that—not those who want something from you.'
RESOURCES:
Connect with June:
About June’s Upcoming Book:
My novel, The Birth of an Advocate, is in the final editing stage and I will update my followers with a release date as soon as I have it. This book is like another child to me, as I have poured myself into it, in hopes of educating others on the effects of Complex PTSD, the importance of mental health, and helping those who live with trauma-induced mental illness feel less alone. No matter how bad, how long, or how old you are — you can, and you absolutely deserve to heal.
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