Growing up in communist Romania, Mia Godfrey experienced childhood trauma, poverty, domestic violence, addiction, and unimaginable loss. In this powerful conversation with Julie Rebboah, she shares how years of carrying shame and unresolved pain eventually led her to seek help—and how EMDR therapy, biblical truth, breathwork, and faith became instrumental in her healing journey.
Mia vulnerably discusses breaking cultural and church stigmas around mental health, overcoming panic attacks and nightmares, and discovering that seeking professional help isn't a sign of weak faith—it's often a courageous step toward the healing God desires.
Whether you're navigating childhood trauma, anxiety, grief, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical encouragement and lasting hope.
0:02 — Welcome to the episode and introduction to Mia Godfrey
1:00 — Mia introduces herself as an author, Bible counselor, EMDR practitioner, and life coach
1:29 — Growing up as the youngest of 10 children in Romania
2:32 — Childhood poverty, long bread lines, and food restriction under communism
3:29 — Exposure to hunger, bullying, and abuse
3:59 — Witnessing domestic violence and living with an addicted father
4:59 — Learning to believe women were lesser than and had to endure abuse
5:56 — Fear of male authority and abusive relationships
7:24 — Alcohol abuse as a normalized part of the culture
8:27 — Her father's moonshine operation and early exposure to drinking
9:21 — Carrying shame and self-blame after drinking as a child
11:11 — Grief, overdose, and leaving home at 18
13:05 — Losing her first husband and replacing alcohol with overworking
14:33 — Caring for her sister during cancer and reaching a breaking point
15:29 — Her first therapy session and beginning to let her guard down
17:10 — Why she once believed therapy was a waste of time
18:56 — Family and church culture around secrecy, shame, and silence
21:24 — Why the right therapist can uncover the root of trauma
23:19 — Connecting nightmares and night terrors to childhood trauma
24:20 — Journaling and EMDR as key parts of healing
26:24 — What EMDR is and how it helped her process painful memories
28:53 — The butterfly hug and box breathing as grounding tools
30:57 — How therapy changed her daily life and reduced panic attacks
📖 Buried Not Broken by Mia Godfrey
Discover Mia's inspiring memoir about overcoming childhood trauma, grief, addiction, and finding hope through faith and healing.
https://www.amazon.com/Buried-Not-Broken-Survival-Sisterhood/dp/B0G6Y12J29
If anxiety, stress, or unresolved trauma have left your nervous system feeling overwhelmed, Julie Rebboah's Biblical Breathwork™ for Anxiety & Stress Relief Digital Album combines Scripture-centered meditation with guided breathing exercises to help calm your body, regulate your nervous system, and experience the peace of Christ.
Get your digital album here: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/store
Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or mental health care. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual needs.
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