Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace
Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace is a trauma-informed podcast hosted by Naomi, guiding listeners from surviving trauma to finding inner peace. Combining CBT, somatic therapy, mindfulness, and practical tools, each episode offers gentle support for healing, emotional regulation, and reconnecting with your true self. Join us to take mindful steps toward lasting peace and wholeness.
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Episode 12: Beyond the Myths: The Real Truth About Healing After Trauma
01/28/2026
Episode 12: Beyond the Myths: The Real Truth About Healing After Trauma
We’ve all heard the sayings — “Time heals all wounds.” “You just have to get over it.” “You can’t love someone until you love yourself.” But what if these common beliefs about trauma and healing are doing more harm than good? In this episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, trauma-informed life coach Naomi Stanchfield takes a gentle, informative deep dive into 14 of the most common myths about trauma and recovery. She explores where these ideas came from, why they persist, and what modern psychology and somatic science reveal instead. You’ll learn how trauma actually affects the mind and body, why healing looks different for everyone, and how you can begin to rebuild safety, self-trust, and connection at your own pace. This episode is here to bring clarity, compassion, and empowerment to your healing journey—one truth at a time. If you’ve ever questioned your healing process or felt like you’re “doing it wrong,” this conversation will help you understand why that’s not true—and show you a more peaceful path forward. Topics Covered: Why time alone doesn’t heal trauma What it really means to “love yourself first” The body’s role in trauma and recovery Why healing looks different for everyone How trauma can lead to growth and resilience You are not broken—you’re healing. Tune in and take another step toward peace. #TraumaHealing #BeyondSurvivalPodcast #SomaticHealing #MindBodyConnection #TraumaInformed #HealingJourney
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Episode 11: From People-Pleasing to Peace - Escaping the Fawn Response
01/21/2026
Episode 11: From People-Pleasing to Peace - Escaping the Fawn Response
Do you say "yes" when your body screams "no"? Discover why people-pleasing isn't a flaw—it's the fawn response, a little-known trauma survival mechanism that kept you safe but now traps you in exhaustion, resentment, and lost identity. In this raw, trauma-informed episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, host Naomi Stanchfield shares her personal journey from childhood abuse to reclaiming her voice, breaking down the 7 interconnected people-pleasing patterns (like boundary struggles, excessive apologizing, and over-functioning), and delivering 9 practical somatic + CBT strategies to escape fawn mode. What you'll learn: How fawning develops from fight/flight/freeze and shows up in daily life The nervous system roots of guilt, codependency, and self-abandonment Naomi's story: From hating Star Wars to adopting her ex's hobbies (and how she rediscovered herself) Actionable tools: Body scans, micro-boundaries, self-compassion practices, and more Perfect for trauma survivors, empaths, and anyone tired of putting others first. Join the healing conversation in our Facebook group: Beyond Survival: Healing Together. Subscribe for weekly tools to move beyond survival into peace. Connect @beyondsurvivalpathway on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. New episodes drop every week—your path to peace starts here.
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Episode 10: Confirmation Bias Why Trauma Makes Your Brain Hunt for Proof You're Right (And How to Flip It)
01/14/2026
Episode 10: Confirmation Bias Why Trauma Makes Your Brain Hunt for Proof You're Right (And How to Flip It)
Have you ever noticed how easy it is to find “proof” that you’re unlovable, unsafe, or destined to be abandoned—while your brain somehow overlooks all the moments you were actually cared for and supported? That’s not you being dramatic or broken. That’s confirmation bias, and after trauma, it becomes a powerful filter that keeps you stuck in old pain. In this episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, Naomi unpacks how confirmation bias works in a trauma-impacted brain, how it feeds beliefs like “Everyone always leaves me,” and why your nervous system clings to those stories as a form of protection. You’ll hear a personal example from Naomi’s own life, plus relatable everyday scenarios in relationships, work, and friendships where this bias quietly shapes how you see yourself and others. Most importantly, you’ll learn gentle, practical tools to start shifting it. Naomi walks you through: A simple CBT “proof list” journaling exercise to test your painful beliefs and collect evidence for new, truer ones Compassionate ways to honor how those beliefs once kept you safe, without letting them run your adult life Somatic practices like progressive muscle relaxation, resourcing (creating an internal safe place), and grounding movement to help your body feel the safety your mind is relearning This episode is for you if you: Feel stuck in cycles of “I knew this would happen” and worst-case thinking Struggle to trust others, even when they’ve shown up for you Want to understand why your brain does this and how to gently retrain it without shaming yourself By the end, you’ll have both language and tools to notice your confirmation bias in real time, question whether it’s telling the whole truth, and slowly teach your brain and body to look for evidence of safety, love, and support. One thought, one breath, one list at a time, you can move from surviving old stories to living in a fuller, kinder reality.
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Episode 9: Stepping Stone Thoughts: Bridges from Trauma Lies to True Beliefs
01/07/2026
Episode 9: Stepping Stone Thoughts: Bridges from Trauma Lies to True Beliefs
Tired of affirmations that feel like lies? In this episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, trauma-informed coach Naomi Stanchfield reveals Stepping Stone Thoughts—her gentle, body-honoring adaptation of CBT's thought ladder. Discover why trauma-wired thoughts like "I don't deserve love" trigger anxiety spirals, how your body reveals believable next steps, and practical ways to build from pain to self-worth—one micro-shift at a time. Through personal stories, somatic check-ins, and examples like Sarah's relationship breakthrough, you'll learn to: Spot the CBT triangle in real life Test thoughts for body-truth Create your own stepping stones (with free worksheet link!) Embrace neuroplasticity without perfectionism Perfect for anyone healing self-doubt, relationship wounds, or negativity bias. No leaps required—just compassionate steps forward. and start today. New episodes weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen.
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Episode 8: Negativity Bias: Why Your Brain Loves the Worst-Case Scenario (And How to Rewire It)
12/31/2025
Episode 8: Negativity Bias: Why Your Brain Loves the Worst-Case Scenario (And How to Rewire It)
Do you struggle to remember the good times but replay every argument, mistake, or potential disaster on repeat? You're not broken—this is negativity bias at work, your brain's evolutionary survival tool that prioritizes threats over joy. In this expanded episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, we explore why negativity bias feels especially intense after trauma, how it fuels anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and even physical health strain—and most importantly, gentle ways to retrain your brain toward balance. From caveman survival instincts to modern-day spirals (like scanning for rejection in every text), hear personal stories of mistaking hypervigilance for a "superpower," plus research on how trauma heightens threat detection and PTSD symptoms. You'll get trauma-informed tools including Stepping Stone Thoughts (CBT bridges to kinder self-talk), somatic grounding, mindful movement, body scans, and realistic gratitude practices that honor your pain without toxic positivity. Discover neuroplasticity's hope: small, consistent shifts create new pathways for safety, resilience, and noticing goodness again. Perfect for trauma survivors ready for compassion over perfection—no tiger-chasing required. Key takeaways: Awareness as step one, why your body signals bias first, health impacts from amygdala overdrive to weakened immunity, and proof your brain can heal. Listen if you're tired of "Negative Nancy" loops and want embodied skills for peace. Share with someone scanning for danger today. Join our Facebook Group:
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Episode 7: Healing is a Journey: The Spiral Beyond "Fixed"
12/24/2025
Episode 7: Healing is a Journey: The Spiral Beyond "Fixed"
Healing Is a Journey: The Spiral Beyond “Fixed” Healing after trauma is so often sold as a finish line: one day you’ll be “over it,” never triggered, never overwhelmed again. In this episode, Naomi gently unpacks why that expectation keeps you stuck—and offers a much more honest, hopeful map. You’ll explore healing as a journey and a spiral, not a destination, so you can stop wondering “Why am I not better yet?” and start noticing the real progress you’re already making. Naomi shares her own story of chasing the “fixed” fantasy, then discovering the spiral of change: stages like pre‑contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and revisiting old patterns. You’ll learn why it’s normal to hit plateaus, feel like you’re getting worse, or circle back to behaviors you thought you’d “dealt with,” and how neuroplasticity and your nervous system make healing non‑linear by design. From there, you’ll get concrete, trauma‑informed tools to support you on the path. Naomi walks you through somatic practices like 4‑7‑8 breathing, orienting, and gentle movement, paired with CBT‑style thought tracking and reframes to calm your body and rewire old stories. You’ll also try a short guided “Journey Reset” practice you can return to whenever you feel overwhelmed. Finally, this episode explores why healing isn’t meant to be done alone. Naomi talks about the power of co‑regulation, safe relationships, therapy, coaching, and community support—and invites you to see reaching out as wisdom, not weakness. If you’ve ever felt behind, broken, or frustrated with your progress, this conversation will remind you that you’re not failing; you’re walking a very human, very courageous spiral of healing at your own pace.
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Episode 6: Trauma-Informed New Year's Resolutions: Goals That Actually Stick
12/17/2025
Episode 6: Trauma-Informed New Year's Resolutions: Goals That Actually Stick
Trauma-Informed New Year's Resolutions: Goals That Actually Stick Tired of resolutions crashing after days or weeks? Trauma survivors face unique barriers—perfectionism traps, failure avoidance, decision fatigue, and time blindness that blur progress. Discover why traditional goals derail post-trauma and get your complete toolkit for 2026 success: values-aligned SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), minimum viable steps for low-capacity days, brain-rewiring celebrations, and somatic body checks for nervous system safety first. Real examples: Transform "start healing" into "therapy 1x/week, Feb-July." Map bite-sized roadmaps that respect your energy. Counter negativity bias with dopamine-boosting wins. No perfection pressure—just flexible progress that builds confidence and momentum. Episode Highlights: Spot past patterns (rigid? vague? shame quits?) Align goals with YOUR values (family, learning, kindness, helping) Beat decision fatigue with pre-planned paths Celebrate tiny wins to rewire neural pathways Perfect for trauma survivors ready to thrive beyond survival. Free New Year's Resolutions Worksheet in show notes. Subscribe for weekly trauma recovery skills + somatic tools. New episodes every Wednesday.
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Episode 5: Stop Blaming, Start Thriving: Healing the Victim Mindset
12/10/2025
Episode 5: Stop Blaming, Start Thriving: Healing the Victim Mindset
Ever catch yourself thinking, “Why does this always happen to me?” or feeling like life is happening to you, not with you? In this episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, Naomi unpacks what victim mentality really is, how it often grows out of trauma, and why it can quietly keep you stuck in cycles of blame, resentment, and helplessness. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between trauma responses (your nervous system trying to protect you) and a victim mindset (a learned way of thinking and feeling about your life). Naomi shares parts of her own story, plus Sarah’s transformation from blaming her partner in every argument to owning her defensiveness and creating a safer, more connected relationship. You’ll explore behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and relational signs of victim mentality, then walk through practical tools to shift into a survivor mindset: stepping-stone thoughts (why big affirmations don’t work and what to do instead), thought records, gratitude and strength inventories, body-based practices, and self-compassion. This episode is for you if you’re tired of feeling powerless and are ready to gently reclaim your agency—without denying your pain, minimizing your trauma, or forcing “good vibes only.” You’ll leave with concrete, trauma-informed practices to start moving from victimhood to surviving, and eventually, to thriving.
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Episode 4: Conceal, Don’t Feel: Unlearning Emotional Suppression After Trauma
12/03/2025
Episode 4: Conceal, Don’t Feel: Unlearning Emotional Suppression After Trauma
From Numb to Noticing: Safely Reconnecting With Your Emotions Emotions are not the enemy—they’re survival tools. But if you’ve lived through trauma, your nervous system may have learned that feelings equal danger, leading to numbness, overwhelm, or a total disconnect from what you feel. In this episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, Naomi gently unpacks why so many survivors avoid their emotions and how this protective strategy shows up in the body, mind, and relationships. You’ll learn the real purpose of emotions like fear, anger, sadness, and joy, and how childhood messages such as “stop crying” or “be a man” shape lifelong patterns of emotional suppression. Naomi then shares trauma-informed CBT and somatic tools—thought awareness, body mapping, body scanning, mindful breathing, journaling, and safe self-touch—to help you start noticing, naming, and processing emotions at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system. This episode is for you if you feel numb, “too much,” or terrified of what might happen if you let yourself feel. You’ll walk away with practical practices, compassionate reframes, and the reminder that emotions are not obstacles but guides on your healing journey beyond survival and toward peace.
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Episode 3: Embracing Gratitude: How Noticing Good Can Quiet Trauma’s Voice
11/26/2025
Episode 3: Embracing Gratitude: How Noticing Good Can Quiet Trauma’s Voice
In this episode of Beyond Survival, we explore the profound role gratitude can play in healing from trauma. Discover how simple gratitude practices can shift your brain, calm your body, and open a pathway from pain to peace. Learn about the many benefits of gratitude—from boosting self-esteem and emotional resilience to improving relationships and physical health. We also address the challenges of gratitude, including toxic positivity, avoidance, and minimizing needs, to ensure your practice is compassionate and authentic. Join us as we share practical tools like gratitude journaling, self-appreciation, and gratitude letters to help you nurture healing at your own pace. Embrace gratitude as a gentle guide on your journey beyond survival toward true peace.
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Episode 2: Rebuilding Self-Trust: The First Step on Your Healing Journey
11/19/2025
Episode 2: Rebuilding Self-Trust: The First Step on Your Healing Journey
If trauma has left you doubting yourself, you’re not alone. In this episode of Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, Naomi shares her personal journey and dives deep into how self-trust is damaged—and how you can gently rebuild it. Learn four practical steps for reconnecting with yourself, from setting small goals and practicing self-compassion to making conscious decisions and using body-based grounding techniques. Discover how every small action adds up to meaningful change, and why self-trust lays the foundation for healing. Tune in for heartfelt stories, evidence-based practices, and the reassurance that your healing matters. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking for tools to keep going, this episode invites you to take that next small step toward peace.
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Episode 1: From Surviving to Healing: Understanding Trauma, PTSD, and Tools for Change
11/16/2025
Episode 1: From Surviving to Healing: Understanding Trauma, PTSD, and Tools for Change
Welcome to Beyond Survival: A Pathway to Peace, hosted by Naomi Stanchfield. If you’re living with the effects of trauma or PTSD, this episode is a compassionate space where your experiences and healing matter. In this powerful first episode, Naomi shares her personal journey from living in survival mode to seeking authentic peace and healing. She breaks down the definition of trauma and PTSD in clear, relatable terms, exploring who is affected, why symptoms develop, and how trauma can impact your mind and body. You’ll hear why trauma is subjective, why comparing your pain does a disservice to healing, and why labels like “little t/big T” trauma don’t tell the full story. Naomi explains the body’s survival response and demystifies what it means to be “stuck” in anxiety or overwhelm. She illustrates why some develop PTSD after trauma while others do not, and how your body’s attempts to protect you are actually natural—even if they no longer serve you. With stories and science, you’ll get practical insight into recovery and self-understanding. You won’t just learn what trauma is—you’ll discover three simple, actionable practices to help you begin your healing journey now: Grounding through body awareness Safe place visualization Gentle mindful movement Naomi offers gentle reminders that healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up for yourself, one small step at a time. Listeners are invited to join a supportive community, seek professional help if needed, and connect for future episodes on building a life beyond trauma. If this episode resonates with you, please subscribe, share, and join Naomi on social media for ongoing encouragement and thoughtful new content.
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Episode 0: Welcome to Beyond Survival — A Pathway to Peace
11/12/2025
Episode 0: Welcome to Beyond Survival — A Pathway to Peace
What does it really mean to heal from trauma—not just survive, but truly find peace? In this very first episode, host Naomi opens up about her own journey as a trauma survivor and coach. She shares the turning point when healing shifted from struggling in therapy to discovering the powerful connection between body, mind, and lasting change. Join Naomi as she introduces the vision behind Beyond Survival: a safe space for real talk, grounded education, and gentle, practical tools rooted in CBT and somatic therapy. Learn why trauma affects us in ways we may not expect, why “fixing” isn’t the path forward, and how compassion for all parts of ourselves is the foundation for true recovery. Whether you’re new to the healing journey or have felt stuck for years, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and take the first step toward peace—with hope and support by your side. Listen now, follow for weekly episodes, and start your own path to wholeness.
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