308. What Trauma Actually Costs Entrepreneurs (And Why Sean/a's Story Will Restore Your Faith) | Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison

We're harsh with each other right now. Judging people we don't know based on where they live or how they voted. But what if we got curious instead?

Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison spent 35 years as a trauma psychologist working with severe PTSD, dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experience survivors. This conversation changed how I see everyone—including myself.

High achievers are often high-functioners—people who've adapted to trauma in remarkably creative ways. The executive who never misses a deadline might be falling apart inside. The entrepreneur who appears unstoppable could be privately compensating for relationships that are struggling.

Dr. Harrison explains the hidden costs of trauma that show up in our businesses and relationships. She shares the BASC framework (behavior, affect, sensation, knowledge) and why severe trauma creates protective barriers that help us survive but can limit our ability to connect later.

We also talk about Sean/a's story—an intersex woman with schizophrenia who slept on cardboard for eight years. One rainy night, one moment of compassion changed everything. Ten years later, she's never been back on the streets. She walks 15 miles a day, has a million social media views, and teaches thousands about resilience.

This episode is for anyone who's survived something hard. For anyone loving someone who's struggling. For anyone wondering if we're going to make it as humans.

There’s hope here. And truth. And a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is real.

 

What You'll Learn

• The hidden cost of trauma most don’t recognize

• What near-death experiences reveal about the mind and soul

• Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in real life

• Spirituality as a tool for post-traumatic growth

• The inspiring story of Sean/a—intersex, unhoused, and profoundly human

• How empathy, curiosity, and storytelling remake the world

 

Related Episodes You Might Like

• Ep 263: How Your Nervous System Shapes Your Money Habits with Stephanie Crochet https://sarahwalton.com/nervous-system-regulation/

• Ep 196: Are You a Lazy Overachiever? with Naketa Ren Thigpen https://sarahwalton.com/lazy-overachiever/

• Ep 207: Let Your Ambition Fly with Monique Allen https://sarahwalton.com/ambition/

Connect with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison

• https://www.soulwisesolutions.com/ 

• https://twitter.com/soulwiseteam 

• https://www.facebook.com/soulwiseteam/ 

• https://instagram.com/soulwiseteam 

 

About Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison

Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison is a trauma psychologist, author, and founder of Soul Wise Solutions. For over 35 years, she has helped individuals navigate profound psychological and spiritual transitions — including those living with complex PTSD (C-PTSD), dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences. Her integrative approach blends clinical expertise with compassionate soul work to support true, lasting healing.

She is the co-author of “I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community,” the true account of Sean/a Smith, an intersex woman with schizophrenia whose life defies stigma and inspires change. Together, they advocate for an end to outdated medical practices and a future rooted in dignity and inclusion.

Whether she’s speaking, writing, or working with clients, Dr. Harrison brings insight, depth, and humanity to conversations about trauma, identity, and transformation.

 

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Ready to shift from chasing to receiving in your business? Book your call with Sarah today and discover how The Abundance Academy can help you scale with soul, strategy, and sanity.

 

Work with Sarah

Apply for The Abundance Academy group coaching program https://sarahwalton.com/abundance-academy/

Connect with Sarah

• Website: https://sarahwalton.com/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesarahwalton/

• You can check out our podcast interviews on YouTube, too! http://bit.ly/YouTubeSWalton

 

Thank you so much for listening. I'm honored that you're here, and I'd be grateful if you could leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom, and selecting "Write a review." Then, we'll get to inspire even more people!

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About Sarah Walton

Sarah Walton is a business coach specializing in helping women entrepreneurs overcome internal barriers to success. With a background in trauma-informed coaching and nervous system regulation, she takes a holistic approach that addresses both mindset and tactical business skills. Featured on The Today Show and speaking at women's conferences worldwide, Sarah has helped hundreds of women build profitable, sustainable businesses aligned with their values while healing the deeper blocks that keep them playing small. She's the creator of The Money Mindset Course, The Abundance Academy, and Effortless Sales, and the host of the 5-star-rated Game On Girlfriend® Podcast, becoming the go-to source for women who want to build businesses that honor both their ambition and their nervous system's need for safety.