Close the Chapter Podcast Episode 350-Regulation, Safety, and Connection: Understanding the Nervous System with Deb Dana, LCSW
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
Release Date: 12/31/2025
How Childhood Trauma Shows Up in Adult Relationships and Parenting with Amber Trejo, LMFT
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen talks with Amber Trejo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in complex trauma and CPTSD, about how complex childhood trauma can resurface in adult relationships and parenting, shaping attachment, emotional responses, and the healing journey. You’ll Learn: How childhood trauma can shape adult relationships and attachment Why trauma responses can resurface when you get married or become a parent What spiritual bypassing is and how it can interfere with healing How reconnecting with your body and internal needs can support healing Why self-compassion,...
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Life After a Cult and the Journey to Healing with Chris Shelton, Part 2
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen continues her conversation with former second-generation cult member and author Chris Shelton as he shares the emotional aftermath of leaving a high-control group, exposing the lasting effects of coercive control, trauma, and the difficult process of rebuilding his life. You'll Learn: Why leaving a cult is only the beginning of the healing process. How coercive control continues long after someone walks away. The emotional impact of losing relationships after leaving a high-control group. What Chris discovered after researching the organization he dedicated 25 years...
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A Cult, the Psychology of Control with Chris Shelton, Part 1
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen is joined by Chris Shelton, a former second-generation cult member and author, who shares how he broke free from decades of cult indoctrination, exposing the psychological tactics of coercive control and the long journey to reclaiming critical thinking and personal freedom. You'll learn: How love bombing and emotional manipulation are used to recruit people into cults. Why coercive control makes it difficult to question or leave high-control groups. How isolation and black-and-white thinking reinforce cult indoctrination. What...
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The Connection Between Shame and Anger with Bronwyn Schweigerdt
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen is joined by returning guest Bronwyn Schweigerdt, therapist and anger specialist, to explore how shame shapes our anger, relationships, and sense of self, and what it takes to break free from unhealthy patterns. The difference between reactive anger and healthy anger, and how to recognize which one you're experiencing. How unresolved shame from childhood can impact your relationships and emotional reactions. Why feeling unheard can trigger deeper wounds and create conflict with partners. What differentiation means and how it helps you stop seeking approval...
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Healing the Inner Critic and Rebuilding Self-Worth with Mary Beth Fox
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen dives into the hidden roots of the inner critic with licensed professional counselor and motivational speaker Mary Beth Fox, exploring how early experiences influence the stories we tell ourselves and how healing begins. You will learn: How to identify the voice behind your inner critic and uncover the childhood messages shaping your self-worth. Why childhood trauma and emotional experiences can lead to perfectionism, people-pleasing, and shame in adulthood. How to separate inherited beliefs from your authentic voice so you can stop believing your inner...
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How to Follow Your Spark and Not Your Trauma with Andrew Newman
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen is joined by author Andrew Newman to explore how reconnecting with your inner spark can help you heal from trauma, move beyond fear and perfectionism, while cultivating greater joy, self-worth, and authentic self-expression. You will learn: Why creativity is a powerful pathway for healing trauma, building self-worth, and reconnecting with your authentic self. How perfectionism, comparison, and fear of judgment quietly block creativity and practical ways to move through them. Why just 20 seconds of courage can help you overcome resistance and finally bring...
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The Mental Health Challenges of Working Motherhood: Postpartum, Mom Guilt & Childcare
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen shares her conversation on Mental Health Monday with Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Betsy Phillips, founder, and Courtney Hott, board member of St. Gianna's Families, about the challenges of balancing motherhood and work, navigating postpartum, and building the support every mom deserves. You will learn: How to recognize the difference between mom guilt and shame, and why it matters for your mental health. Practical ways to cope with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and perfectionism. Why asking for help is a sign of strength and an essential part of...
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How to Calm Your Nervous System and Build Emotional Resilience
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen shares a previous conversation from Mental Health Monday with Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, where they discuss how understanding and regulating the nervous system can help reduce stress, improve relationships, and build emotional resilience. You will learn: How your nervous system influences your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to stress. The differences between fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flop responses, and how to recognize them. Simple, science-backed techniques like breathwork, movement, and bilateral music to regulate your nervous system. Why...
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Understanding Family Roles and How They Shape Your Life
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen explores how the roles we adopt in our families can shape our relationships, self-worth, and emotional well-being, and shares how understanding these patterns can support healing and personal growth. You will learn: How family roles develop and influence your behavior. Why childhood patterns often carry into adult relationships. The hidden emotional impact of the roles we take on in our families. How family dynamics can shape your self-worth and identity. Ways to recognize and break free from unhealthy patterns for lasting healing. Subscribe and get...
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How Healthy Anger Helps You Heal with Bronwyn Schweigerdt
Close the Chapter Podcast with Kristen Boice
In this episode, Kristen sits down with therapist and anger specialist Bronwyn to explore the hidden role anger plays in emotional healing, self-advocacy, and personal freedom. You will learn: How anger is a universal emotion and can serve as a healthy guide that helps identify unmet needs, boundaries, and personal values. The difference between healthy anger and reactive anger . How suppressed or dissociated anger can contribute to depression, anxiety, physical symptoms, and self-betrayal. Why many people fear anger because it is connected to rejection, abandonment, and childhood...
info_outlineIn this episode, Kristen talks about the importance of self-reflection and nervous system regulation as we enter the new year, and shares her previous conversation with Deb Dana on how to support the nervous system in returning to a state of calm during stress, overwhelm, and emotional dysregulation.
Check out Deb Danas' books through these Amazon Links:
By using these links to purchase, you're supporting the podcast without any extra cost to you. We appreciate your help in bringing more valuable content your way!
1. Anchored - https://amzn.to/40RwX7u
2. The Nervous System Workbook - https://amzn.to/3EaRATp
3. Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection - https://amzn.to/42yrG5T
4. Polyvagal Card Deck: 58 Practices for Calm and Change - https://amzn.to/4aylqNJ
5. Polyvagal Practices: Anchoring the Self in Safety - https://amzn.to/3CAkOdG
6. Polyvagal Prompts: Finding Connection and Joy through Guided Explorations - https://amzn.to/4hwhpvq
7. Glimmers Journal: Reflect on the Small Moments That Bring You Joy, Safety, and Connection - https://amzn.to/3PYfPqc
Subscribe and get a free 5-day journal at www.kristendboice.com to begin closing the chapter on what doesn't serve you and open the door to the real you.
This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to you to educate you about ideas on stress management and as a self-help tool for your own use. It is not psychotherapy/counseling in any form. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgment. For my full Disclaimer, please go to www.kristendboice.com.
For counseling services near Indianapolis, IN, visit www.pathwaystohealingcounseling.com. Pathways to Healing Counseling's vision is to provide warm, caring, compassionate and life-changing counseling services and educational programs to individuals, couples and families in order to create learning, healing and growth.