This week's Healing Her Story episode is a fiery one, intentionally timed with Aries season.

Over the years, Riva has heard things said in therapeutic spaces that stopped her in her tracks. Things said in places that are supposed to be safe. Places where people go to heal.

But this carries profound wisdom about what truly trauma-informed care looks and feels like.

In this episode, Riva shares 5 phrases that have no place in trauma-informed healing, drawing from her own lived experience, her work supporting women, and the research that backs it all up.

She covers:

"You're just sensitive" and why dismissal activates the nervous system's threat response

"You should..." and why prescribing someone's healing path undermines lasting change

"Just let it go" and why the body cannot be forced to release before it feels safe

Interpreting your spiritual or psychedelic experience and why meaning must come from within

Toxic positivity and why rushing past pain is its own form of invalidation

If something has ever felt off in a therapeutic space but you couldn't name why, this episode will give you the language.

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Our intro and outro song, Reclamation (Reborn), is an anthem of remembering.

This song was created as a companion for the healing journey, especially for women reclaiming their voices, their rhythms, and their belonging in a world shaped by patriarchy.

You’re invited to listen, feel, and let the music meet you wherever you are.

Looking for support? Here's how to go deeper:

• Book a Somatic Assessment & Care Planning Session: Your 75-minute 1:1 virtual session to explore what your body is holding and shape a personalized care plan. The starting point for working together 1:1 or in a group. Book Here
• Free Trauma Recovery Mini-Course: A self-guided introduction to trauma recovery and nervous system care. Begin here if you're new to this work. Download Here
• Explore 1:1 and Group Support: Learn about our virtual and in-person offerings. Learn Here
• Donation-Based Meditations on Insight Timer: Guided practices to support nervous system regulation and inner calm. Listen Here
• Watch "Reclamation": A music video and expressive arts project standing as a testament to this work. Watch Here
• Follow on Instagram: @healingherstorypodcast

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