Room to Bloom

⚠️ Listener discretion is advised: this episode discusses abuse, trauma, and addiction.In this episode, Kelley Gunter shares her powerful story of surviving childhood trauma (S.A.), weight loss, and overcoming multiple cross addictions. Her journey highlights the importance of addressing trauma for true healing and embracing God's love through the process.We discuss:Kelley's early life and childhood traumaThe impact of trauma on brain development and survival skillsThe dangerous cycle of emotional eating and weight gain as coping mechanismsThe transformative power of weight loss surgery and its aftermathHow cross addictions like shopping, pain medication, and gambling took over her lifeThe importance of speaking out and seeking help through crisis resourcesThe distinction between trauma recovery and addiction recoveryPractical steps for survivors to begin healing todayScripture that reflects Kelley's trust in God's purpose for her lifeTimestamps:00:00 - Kelley Gunter's inspiring story of trauma, weight loss, and healing00:23 - Introduction to Kelley, author, life coach, and mental health advocate00:51 - Childhood trauma and its long-lasting effects on the brain01:47 - The cycle of shame and secrecy in childhood abuse survivors03:01 - The development of survival skills and their long-term impact03:50 - Recognizing harmful survival mechanisms and feelings of shame04:26 - The false belief that achievement equals self-worth08:32 - How food became a comfort and a coping mechanism09:32 - The devastating effects of weight gain and the social impact of obesity11:29 - The connection between emotional health and overeating12:36 - The power of treatment and healing from emotional trauma13:25 - Weight loss surgery and its role in living a healthier life16:48 - Cross addictions: shopping, pain meds, gambling19:01 - The toll of addictive behaviors and losing everything20:15 - The importance of facing trauma to find true healing22:16 - Grounding techniques for flashbacks and night terrors23:04 - The significance of speaking out and sharing your story24:55 - Practical steps for survivors: hotlines, journaling, prayer28:36 - The importance of both trauma and addiction recovery31:35 - The statistics on survivor silence and the power of speaking out32:18 - Kelley's favorite scripture: Isaiah 6:8, "Here I am, send me"33:19 - Connecting with Kelley and her resources for trauma healingResources & Links:RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineConnect with Kelley:Kelley Gunter's WebsiteSave your Seat:Julie's free Anxiety Breakthrough: P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint Masterclass hereRemember, healing is possible, no matter how deep the wounds. If you're ready to seek help, take the first step today by reaching out to a trusted resource or loved one. You're not alone.Disclaimer:This episode is for informational and encouragement purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.

Do you feel guilty every time you try to rest? On this episode of Room to Bloom, we're breaking free from guilt around self-care and rediscovering what it means to care for yourself without apology.Dr. Rosemarie Downer joins the podcast to unpack self-care from a Christian perspective, blending psychological insight with biblical truth. Dr. Downer shares her background and mission, and why she believes self-care is not selfish but a spiritual obligation woven into how God designed us to live and serve.In this conversation, you'll discover:What self-care truly means across the physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and social domainsWhere negative beliefs about self-care come from, and how to challenge themPractical self-care strategies rooted in faith, including spiritual practices, quality time, and community supportHow childhood trauma shapes self-worth, and steps to reframe your identity in ChristWhy consistent self-care actually increases your capacity to serve in the KingdomIf this conversation stirs something in you, this is exactly the work Julie walks alongside people in every day. Join Julie for the Anxiety Breakthrough Masterclass to go deeper into breaking free from anxiety and guilt and stepping into the peace God has for you.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to guilt and self-care in a faith context00:24 - Dr. Downer's background and mission01:27 - Defining self-care: Beyond superficial acts02:55 - Why self-care is essential and not selfish - the analogy of the jar04:10 - Biblical example of Jesus practicing self-care through solitude05:37 - The five domains of self-care and creative ways to nurture them06:49 - Prioritizing self-care amidst busy schedules and responsibilities08:26 - Listening to your body and maintaining relationships and spiritual connection09:32 - Effect of childhood trauma on self-worth and strategies for healing11:16 - Rewiring self-perception through understanding God's view of us13:15 - First steps to embracing your identity and worth in Christ15:21 - Benefits of daily routines like prayer and exercise for mental and physical well-being16:58 - The wider impact of regular self-care on kingdom work17:28 - Overcoming feelings of guilt and starting small18:44 - Practical tools: Self-awareness, self-worth, and self-care decks of cards21:46 - Interactive example of self-reflection questions for groups23:09 - Final encouragement: Knowing your worth according to God's Word24:36 - A favorite Bible verse on God's ongoing work in you25:20 - How to connect with Rosemarie's resources, books, and speaking engagementsResources & Links:Books by Dr. Rosemarie Downer on Amazon: https://amazon.com/BooksbyRosemarieConnect with Dr. Rosemarie Downer: https://booksbastyrosemarie.com/Free Anxiety Breakthrough: P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint Masterclass with Julie Rebboah, MS. Save your seat here: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/peace-blueprint-masterclass-registration-pageThis episode is for encouragement and education only and is not a replacement for professional medical or mental health care. If you are navigating trauma or a mental health concern, please seek support from a licensed provider.

What if anxiety isn't a flaw but a signal from a God-designed nervous system?In the final episode of this three-part series on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Julie reveals how childhood adversity can shape the nervous system and contribute to chronic anxiety. Combining neuroscience with biblical truth, she helps listeners understand the connection between trauma, stress responses, and emotional well-being while replacing shame with understanding and hope.Learn about the three nervous system states, why past experiences often influence present anxiety, and how Biblical Breath Work™ can help signal safety to the brain and body. Julie also explores the role of breath throughout Scripture and shares a simple practice for staying anchored in Christ during stressful moments. Whether you're navigating anxiety, healing from childhood trauma, or seeking practical Christian mental health tools, this episode offers a powerful blend of faith, neuroscience, and nervous system regulation to support lasting peace and resilience.For deeper support and practical next steps, save your seat at the Anxiety Breakthrough Masterclass and the P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint here: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/peace-blueprint-masterclass-registration-pageEpisode Highlights00:00 – Anxiety as a God-designed signal, not a flaw 02:32 – The three nervous system states explained 02:59 – How ACEs influence anxiety and threat detection 04:06 – Connecting neuroscience and biblical truth 05:05 – The significance of breath in Scripture 06:10 – The extended exhale technique for calming anxiety 08:43 – Why breath work complements prayer 09:40 – The hidden physical costs of chronic anxiety 11:37 – Anxiety Breakthrough Masterclass and P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint 13:52 – Moving from shame to peace and resilienceDisclaimer: Educational content only and not a substitute for medical or mental health care.

Understanding your nervous system can transform the way you experience anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm.In this episode, Julie Rebboah shares how the body operates through three nervous system “gears”—Anchored, Revved, and Depleted—and how recognizing these states can help you move out of survival mode and into peace.Through personal story, practical insight, and faith-informed teaching, you’ll learn how past experiences shape present reactions and how awareness becomes the first step toward healing and regulation.You’ll also discover how neuroplasticity allows your nervous system to change over time, and how truth and understanding can help disrupt cycles of fear, shame, and reactivity.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODEA personal story about nervous system activation and a phone call reactionHow the nervous system responds outside of rational thoughtThe impact of adverse childhood experiences on stress responsesThe 3 gears: Anchored, Revved, and DepletedHow each state shows up in daily lifeHow neuroplasticity supports healing and new patternsA faith-based perspective on fear, shame, and restorationHow awareness creates space for intentional response instead of reactionKEY MOMENTS00:00 — Phone call reaction and nervous system activation 02:07 — Teeth grinding and body-based stress signals 02:28 — Childhood experiences and nervous system shaping 03:54 — Introduction to the 3 gears framework 04:12 — What Anchored feels like in the body 04:31 — Understanding the Revved state 05:32 — Understanding the Depleted state 06:27 — How patterns are reinforced over time 07:20 — Neuroplasticity and nervous system change 08:28 — Signs of Revved mode in daily life 09:30 — Signs of Depleted mode and shutdown 10:49 — Real-life shifting between states 11:10 — Nervous system as an “operating system” 11:38 — Faith and nervous system renewal 12:25 — The role of shame and fear cycles 13:14 — Reframing protective responses 14:50 — Moving toward thriving instead of survival 17:11 — Recognizing your current gear 18:20 — Visualizing anchored peace 19:24 — Masterclass invitation: Peace BlueprintCONNECTInstagram | ChristianNervousSystemCoach.Com | Masterclass LinkCLOSING THOUGHTYour nervous system is not broken—it is communicating.With awareness, support, and faith, you can begin to shift from survival responses into a more anchored, peaceful way of living.

I Didn't Know I Had Anxiety Until I Cracked My Teeth | Part 1 of a 3-Part SeriesHave you ever wondered if your anxiety, chronic stress, overwhelm, emotional reactivity, or constant sense of pressure could be connected to experiences from your childhood? In this powerful episode of Room to Bloom, Christian Nervous System Coach Julie Rebboah explores how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), nervous system dysregulation, trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, emotional healing, neuroplasticity, faith-based healing, Christian wellness, and biblical neuroscience intersect. If you've struggled with anxiety symptoms, panic, burnout, people-pleasing, perfectionism, emotional exhaustion, or feeling disconnected from God's peace, this episode offers practical insights rooted in both neuroscience and biblical truth.Julie shares how adverse childhood experiences can impact adult health, emotional well-being, relationships, stress responses, and nervous system regulation. You'll learn why anxiety is not a failure of faith, how your nervous system influences your daily experience, and why healing is possible through neuroplasticity, faith, and intentional nervous system care. This conversation provides hope for Christians seeking freedom from anxiety, stress, overwhelm, trauma responses, and emotional struggles while deepening their relationship with God.Whether you're navigating anxiety, healing from childhood wounds, seeking nervous system regulation tools, or wanting a faith-based approach to emotional health, this episode will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and show you practical next steps toward lasting peace.✨ This is Part 1 of a 3-Part Series.In This Episode You'll Learn:🌿 What Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are and why they matter🌿 How childhood experiences shape adult nervous system responses🌿 The connection between anxiety and nervous system dysregulation🌿 Why anxiety is not a failure of faith🌿 How shame and spiritual lies can fuel anxiety🌿 The role of neuroplasticity in healing🌿 Practical ways to begin resetting your nervous system🌿 How faith and neuroscience work together in the healing journeyMemorable Quotes💬 "Anxiety is not a failure of faith."💬 "Step into God's purpose with a reset."💬 "Your healing is not too far gone."Chapters⏱️ 00:00 Understanding Anxiety and Its Origins⏱️ 05:42 Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Impact⏱️ 10:36 The Connection Between Faith and Anxiety⏱️ 13:40 Nervous System Safety and Its Role⏱️ 19:07 The Process of Healing and Resetting⏱️ 26:01 Taking the Next Step Towards PeaceResources & Links🌐 Website: Christian Nervous System Coach📱 Instagram: @biblicalbreathwork🎵 Biblical Breathwork™ for Anxiety & Stress Relief Digital Album: Biblical Breathwork™ Store❤️ You can love your neighbor while caring for yourself. Every album purchased helps donate a Biblical Breathwork™ album to a woman living in a domestic violence shelter through the Crowned Diamond Voices Foundation.Ready to Move From Surviving to Thriving?🎓 Join my FREE Anxiety Breakthrough Masterclass where I'll teach you my P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint and show you how to move from surviving to thriving with God.👉 Register here: Anxiety Breakthrough Masterclass RegistrationDisclaimerListener Discretion is Advised due to sensitive topics addressed.This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. The information shared is not a substitute for professional medical care, mental health treatment, counseling, therapy, or advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Always consult your physician or licensed healthcare professional regarding any health concerns.

🌿 Season 5 Preview: Healing Through Nervous System Regulation, Faith & ScienceWhat if your anxiety, overwhelm, people-pleasing, or emotional exhaustion aren't character flaws—but signs of a dysregulated nervous system?Season 5 of the Room to Bloom Podcast explores the powerful connection between faith, nervous system regulation, childhood wounds, and emotional healing. If you've been praying for peace but still feel stuck in survival mode, this season was created for you.In this special preview episode, I share why Room to Bloom is expanding beyond traditional coaching conversations and diving deeper into Christian nervous system regulation. You'll get a glimpse of the transformative conversations coming this season with authors, therapists, coaches, and faith-based mental health experts.Together, we'll explore how unresolved childhood experiences affect our relationships, emotional health, and spiritual life—and how healing is possible through both God's design and evidence-based nervous system practices.✨ How nervous system regulation supports emotional resilience and spiritual growth✨ The connection between childhood trauma, anxiety, and survival responses✨ Faith-based tools for finding peace, safety, and clarity✨ Signs and symptoms of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)✨ Sacred self-care practices that honor both your faith and wellbeing✨ How healing impacts relationships, boundaries, identity, and purposeFeatured Guests This Season🌸 Dr. Gladys Childs — God's Love as the foundation for self-love and healing🌸 Dr. John Boyle — Understanding Complex PTSD and its hidden symptoms🌸 Dr. Rosemarie Downer — Sacred self-care and nervous system restoration🌸 Kelly Gunther — Cross addictions, recovery, and mental health challenges🌸 Mia Godfrey — Her personal healing journey through therapy and faithBy the end of this season, you'll have practical tools, biblical encouragement, and nervous system insights to help you move from survival mode into a life of greater peace, freedom, and flourishing.Episode Timestamps00:10 — Welcome to Season 500:31 — Why I'm shifting toward Christian nervous system regulation01:01 — Mental clarity, peace, and spiritual growth01:29 — Upcoming childhood trauma series01:55 — Dr. Gladys Childs preview02:23 — Dr. John Boyle on Complex PTSD02:37 — Dr. Rosemarie Downer on sacred self-care03:04 — Kelly Gunther on cross addictions03:10 — Mia Godfrey's healing journey03:40 — Subscribe, review, and share04:04 — Season 5 launch and Episode 1 previewConnect & SubscribeIf this podcast encourages your healing journey, please follow, rate, and review the show. Your support helps other women discover faith-filled resources for emotional healing and nervous system restoration.And don't forget to sign up for my FREE Anxiety Breakthrough: P.E.A.C.E. Blueprint Masterclass! Register now: https://www.christiannervoussystemcoach.com/peace-blueprint-masterclass-registration-page