Interview with Elisabeth Henderson, Author of ‘The Courage To Own My Own Truth’ - part I
Release Date: 09/10/2024
#4/12 Every Story Deserves a Beginning
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Episode Summary In this opening episode of The Empowering Story, trauma-informed narrative coach Jean Dorff explores one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — moments in a survivor’s healing journey: The moment before the first sentence. If you’ve ever opened a blank page… felt your chest tighten… and closed it again, this episode is for you. Jean guides you through the emotional, psychological, and embodied reasons why beginning your story feels so difficult — even if you’ve already done years of therapy, personal development, and deep reflection. You’ll learn why...
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#4/12 The Keeps The Logic: How Reclaiming Our Stories Heals Us - and the World
THE EMPOWERING STORY
In this powerful episode of The Empowering Story Podcast, Nia introduces trauma recovery coach and author Jean Dorff, who shares a deeply personal and insightful exploration of healing after childhood sexual abuse. Drawing from both lived experience and expert knowledge, Jean delves into the neuroscience of trauma, the protective logic of the body, and how survivors can reclaim their voices and rewrite their narratives. Listeners will learn why silence, once a refuge, often becomes a cage; how the body’s responses are rooted in a survival logic; and why peace can feel threatening for those...
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#4/11 Interview with Filmmaker KC Bailey - Revenge in kind
THE EMPOWERING STORY
In this compelling episode, Jean Dorff welcomes novelist and filmmaker KC Bailey to discuss her powerful film Revenge in Kind. This conversation dives deep into the impact of abuse and sexual violence, how revenge and forgiveness shape survivors' journeys, and the limitations of the justice system in confronting these issues. KC shares personal motivations for creating the film, her own experiences, and the healing power of creative outlets. The discussion is raw, honest, and empowering—true to the heart of The Empowering Story podcast. Key Points & Highlights KC Bailey's Insights ...
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#4/10 The Child Who Seemed Alright
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Welcome to “The Empowering Story,” where we dive deep into the truths that often go unspoken. In this episode, “The Child Who Seemed Alright,” Jean Dorff, trauma-informed narrative coach and survivor, shares his personal journey and invaluable insights for educators, parents, and anyone who cares about keeping children safe. This candid discussion reveals why trauma often hides in plain sight and what adults must do to truly notice—and support—children who are suffering. Episode Overview Jean reflects on his experience as a child survivor of abuse, explores the patterns that keep...
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#4/9 When the Body Remembers What the Mind Cannot Speak
THE EMPOWERING STORY
The Empowering Story Podcast Episode Title: When the Body Remembers What the Mind Cannot Speak Show Notes In this deeply moving solo episode, host Jean Dorff—trauma-informed narrative coach and founder of The Empowering Story—dives into the limitations of talk therapy alone in healing trauma. Through powerful storytelling and clinical insight, Jean explores the essential role of the body in trauma recovery, drawing from somatic practices and neuroscience to illuminate the path toward true integration and resilience. 5 Key Points Made by Jean Dorff: The Body Holds the Story When Words...
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#4/8 Stop Waiting for Peace to Arrive
THE EMPOWERING STORY
In this episode of The Empowering Story Podcast, trauma recovery coach and author Jean Dorff explores one of the quietest—and most misunderstood—truths about healing: peace is not a destination, it’s a pace. Drawing from years of work with survivors of sexual abuse, Jean shares how trauma fractures the body’s natural rhythm and teaches us to live in a constant state of vigilance. He unpacks what happens when control becomes mistaken for safety—and how the first real signs of healing appear when the body is finally allowed to relax you, instead of you trying to relax it. Through...
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#4/7 The Field of Unlimited Potential — A New Philosophy for Healing
THE EMPOWERING STORY
In this transformative episode of The Empowering Story, host Jean Dorff introduces a groundbreaking philosophy he calls “the field of unlimited potential.” Drawing on years of experience in trauma work, storytelling, and movement, Jean shares a profound perspective on healing—not as a return to who we once were, but as the act of creating something new from what’s been broken. Key Themes: Healing as Creation: Jean explores how healing is less about repair and more about participating in the ongoing act of creation. He illustrates how, when we re-author our stories—even the painful...
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#4/6 Understanding Anxiety & Depression After Sexual Trauma: Your Symptoms Are Survival Responses
THE EMPOWERING STORY
In this episode of The Empowering Story Podcast, I explore why anxiety and depression after sexual trauma are often intelligent survival responses—and how that reframe opens a different path to healing. You’ll learn how hypervigilance, numbness, sleep disruption, and boundary difficulties can be understood as the body’s loyalty, not personal failure. I share a client composite story, explain why traditional one-size-fits-all approaches can miss the body-based nature of sexual trauma, and offer simple practices you can start today. Who this is for Survivors who are ready and willing to do...
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#4/5 Are You Ambitious Or Just Afraid? | Trauma Responses in High-Performing Workplaces
THE EMPOWERING STORY
High performers are often praised for their drive, precision, and reliability. But what if what looks like ambition... is actually anxiety? In this episode, Jean Dorff—founder of The Empowering Story and author of Broken Silence—explores a quiet truth many professionals carry: that what the world sees as excellence may actually be a trauma response. From over-editing emails to automatic “yeses,” we explore how fear-based striving can become a silent survival strategy. ✨ This isn’t about pathologizing success. It’s about understanding the invisible labor survivors perform to stay...
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#4/4 Sexual Abuse Recovery: Where Do I Begin?
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Where healing truly begins is often not with answers—but with a question. In this episode, we explore what it means to begin your healing journey after sexual trauma. From the importance of safety and nervous system readiness to the power of narrative reclamation, you'll learn why healing isn’t about rushing or rehashing, but about choosing how and when your story wants to be heard. This conversation is rooted in compassion, somatic awareness, and the gentle philosophy we live by at The Empowering Story. If you're wondering how to take that first step, this is for you. 🔗 Resources...
info_outlineWelcome to another powerful episode of The Empowering Story. I’m your host, Jean Dorff, and today; we delve deeply into the compelling and resilient journey of our guest, Elisabeth Henderson. In this third episode of our new format, Elisabeth opens up about a traumatic experience she initially tried to bury, the internal chaos and health issues that followed, and how her courageous path to healing has empowered herself and countless others.
Elisabeth bravely shares her story of facing an attempted sexual assault by a trusted figure and the aftermath of suppressing the trauma, leading to severe mental and physical health struggles. We discuss her battle with an eating disorder, the importance of addressing suppressed emotions, and the transformative role of therapy in her healing process. Elizabeth’s reflections underscore the complex interplay between outward success and internal turmoil, ultimately finding solace and strength through structured treatment and embracing her emotions without judgment.
She also discusses the profound influence of music in her healing journey, particularly her passion for playing the harp. We explore her foray into classical music, her challenges in this competitive field, and how these experiences shaped her personal and professional life. Elisabeth’s insights are entwined with her broader mission to support and empower others, a mission immortalized in her book, "The Courage to Own My Own Truth," available now on Amazon.
Join us as we uncover the layers of Elisabeth’s story, her dedication to sharing her truth, and the lessons we can all learn about resilience, community support, and the transformative power of owning one’s narrative. This episode promises a poignant reminder that our trials can turn into powerful tales of triumph. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation meant to inspire and uplift.
Get Elisabeth's book The Courage To Own My Own Truth at: https://library.theempoweringstory.com/thecouragetoownmyowntruth
09:13 Elisabeth's depression addressed with dance and coaching.
10:02 Volunteered in music, then hired for coordination.
13:08 Dedicated musicians from top institutions living music.
17:04 Read the book; story's unique in writing.
21:17 Elisabeth helped classical music celebrity with luggage.
24:22 Elisabeth's size makes self-defense difficult, no shame.
28:13 Attempted rape, bravery, catharsis, sharing personal story.
32:19 Empower individuals to control life, learn, grow.
36:18 I wonder who else they've victimized.
36:49 Mentally and physically exhausted, disconnected from behaviors.
41:47 Trauma's lasting impact: confusion, fear, questioning societal issues.
45:56 Elisabeth's story: Positivity, performance art, classical music competitions.
48:27 How your experience led to publishing insights.
51:15 Healing from abuse takes patience and support.
53:22 Follow Jean's empowering story podcast and community.