Feb 12 2025 33 mins
What happens when the very foundations of your safety are shaken, and healing seems out of reach? Join me as I share a deeply personal journey, marking the near fifth anniversary of the Wednesdays with Watson podcast. Born from the solitude of the pandemic and my struggle with PTSD, this episode takes you through the significant moments that shaped my path toward healing. From a life-altering stay in a psychiatric hospital to moving in with a friend who transformed my approach to counseling, we explore the profound role of faith, community, and a trauma-informed support system in navigating life's darkest periods.
In a candid discussion, I recount the decision to entrust my journey to Dr. Pettit, a Christian counselor who became a beacon of hope and safety. Despite my initial skepticism about having a male counselor, his approach turned a meeting room into a sanctuary for healing. Through recounting sessions filled with breakthroughs and challenges, this episode underscores how a worldview larger than oneself can be pivotal in recovery. You'll hear about heartwarming and sometimes humorous anecdotes, like my notorious sense of direction, even on the simplest drives from Clearwater to St. Pete.
As we recount the trials of facing threatening emails during hospital stays and the solace found in unexpected friendships, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of support and connection. The narrative reinforces a powerful message: no matter how bleak circumstances may appear, hope is unwavering, and every story is still being written. As the podcast approaches its fifth year, we celebrate not just survival, but the discovery of purpose and worth in the face of adversity.
"Safe in Your Arms" by Josh Baldwin, used by permission MusicBed.com
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