Getting Past Survivor

A Journey to Wholeness

Blog & Podcast

Hey there! Welcome to "Getting Past Survivor, A Journey to Wholeness," a blog and podcast where I openly share my personal journey of triumphing over trauma and loss. And, through my writing and speaking, you'll hear stories from other trauma survivors who really want to share their own experiences but prefer to remain anonymous, entrusting me to speak on their behalf.

This podcast is dedicated to creating a safe haven for vulnerability and fostering meaningful connections. Through sharing my stories, my aim is to offer guidance, hope, and inspiration to those who may be navigating their own healing paths. Together, we will unravel the complexities of trauma and loss, unearthing the strength within us to overcome adversity.

Whether you have encountered personal hardships or are looking to understand and support others who have, "Getting Past Survivor, A Journey to Wholeness" is here to accompany you on your journey. I firmly believe that by acknowledging our pain and embracing our vulnerabilities, we can discover the inner strength necessary to triumph over any challenge.

To read more about my story: The Reason for Getting Past Survivor

Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Connections That Thrive

Want to strengthen your most important relationships? Discover how to nurture trust, build intimacy, and create bonds that truly thrive. Read more now!

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Are You Reacting to Life or Proactively Shaping It?

Do you feel like life is happening to you, leaving you scrambling to catch up? Living in reaction mode can be exhausting, driven by fear and the need to survive the moment. But what if you could step out of the cycle? What if you could purposefully create your life starting now?

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Love Starts with Self-Trust

Discover how true love starts with self-trust. Explore the role of trust and attachment in building relationships that last—beginning with trusting yourself first.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Healing from the Inside Out

For most of my life, food was my comfort, and weight was my shield. Losing 50 pounds felt like a victory, but as the pounds dropped, so did my sense of security. Looking good on the outside doesn’t heal the wounds you carry inside. Real change happens when you heal from within and learn to love yourself at every size. It’s not about the number on the scale—it’s about shedding the emotional weight that’s been holding you back.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Detaching from Attachment

Explore how attachment, as vital as food and oxygen, shapes our lives and emotions. From early unhealthy connections to the deep, mutual bond of true love, the journey of detaching from attachment can lead to profound healing and self-discovery. This reflection delves into the balance between honoring meaningful relationships and maintaining one's sense of self after loss.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

The One True Brain (and the Other Two "Brains" People Like to Talk About)

Explore the fascinating connection between the brain, heart, and gut—the three "brains" that influence your emotions, physical health, and overall well-being. Learn how these systems communicate with each other and how understanding this connection can help you improve mental clarity, emotional resilience, and even physical health.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Neuroplasticity: How to Rewire Your Brain for Growth

Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt and change, helping you build new neural pathways and strengthen cognitive flexibility. By engaging in activities like learning, physical exercise, mindfulness, and proper nutrition, you can enhance brain function, recover from emotional and physical injuries, and improve overall well-being. Discover how neuroplasticity supports growth, creativity, and emotional resilience, empowering you to thrive in all areas of life.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

The Brain-Body Connection

Our bodies respond to stress, pain, and emotions in ways that might seem mysterious, but it all comes down to the brain. Let's talk about the science behind how your brain controls every sensation through a complex network of communication pathways. Learn how to tap into this connection using visual, auditory, and sensory techniques to manage stress, reduce tension, and create lasting calm.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

A People Pleaser Reclaims Herself

For years, she carried the weight of others' expectations, always putting herself second. Raised in a home filled with guilt and shame, her need to please turned into perfectionism. But now, she’s letting go of those burdens and living for herself. Read her full story of transformation.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Remember to Forget / Forget to Remember

Have you ever considered how much control you have over your own memories? The concepts of “remembering to forget” and “forgetting to remember” reveal that we can actively choose how we deal with our past and present experiences.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Achieve Those Lingering Goals!

Uncover and overcome hidden blocks in your long-standing goals. Reflect deeply, identify obstacles, and develop strategies to finally achieve your dreams with structured journaling.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

NLP Presuppositions

Discover how the NLP (neurolinguistic programming) presuppositions can deepen your understanding of yourself and others, enhance communication, and improve relationships.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Yawning

Ever wonder why you yawn during deep emotional moments? It's not boredom—it's your body signaling profound shifts, especially during trauma recovery. Discover how yawning helps transition your brain from tension to relaxation, and how it reflects deep work in your nervous system.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Fake It Till You Make It

While the intention behind the phrase "fake it till you make it" is to boost confidence, the word "fake" may subconsciously reinforce that you are not truly capable or deserving of success. This can create a conflict between your conscious efforts and your unconscious beliefs, hindering your ability to achieve consistent success.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

The Downside of Speaking Goals

Discover the surprising downside of sharing your goals aloud in today's digital age. Uncover how the social reality effect can hinder your progress, leaving you feeling satisfied without taking meaningful steps forward. Learn practical strategies to navigate this phenomenon and stay focused on your aspirations. Read on for tips on selective sharing, action-oriented planning, and celebrating real milestones. Find the balance between external validation and internal drive. Dive into the full blog for insights and actionable advice.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Understanding and Navigating Trauma: A Comprehensive Guide for Survivors and Their Loved Ones

The belief that "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" doesn't always hold true for trauma survivors. Trauma can lead to behaviors like excessive accommodation, tolerance of negativity, emotional clutter, quick forgiveness, and difficulty asserting oneself. Loved ones should encourage survivors to express needs, set boundaries, and be patient. Survivors may also face challenges in speaking up, excessive sensitivity, trust issues, and navigating relationships. The path to healing involves understanding these changes, fostering open communication, and providing support for a balanced and fulfilling life.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Turning to Belief

Imagine this: a battle within, one part cheering, "You deserve the best!" The other whispers, "No, you don't.” You try to believe, to break free from doubts. Looking back, you long for that confident step into a fulfilled life.

Ever notice resistance holding you back? What if you could let it go, embracing your truth and transforming your life?

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

You’ve Got To Want To Succeed

You’ve heard of the fear of success, but what about the benefits of not succeeding? Looking back at your life, where did holding yourself back actually seem beneficial to your unconscious mind? The unconscious mind is there to serve you, but all too often it has the wrong idea. In this case, for me, it was all about changing my mindset to embrace that as much as I held myself back, I truly did want to succeed.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

The Opportunity of Chaos

Life is full of chaos. And that’s a bad thing, right? Or is it? Reframing what we perceive as negative into something that’s positive will shift your focus into finding the bright side of life!

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