The Cocoon: A Safe Place for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Trauma

"It felt like necrosis. Like parts of me had to die off to even begin healing". In this raw teaser. Denise shares how the aftermath of trauma lived in her body- how survival meant peeling away the dead layers left behind by the abuse. Part One soon to drop on 25th Jan.

In this episode, I speak with Mao, founder of Mistakes Are Overrated, about how journalling became a powerful tool in her trauma healing journey. We talk about Mao’s long-standing love for reflective writing, how consistent journalling helped her process trauma, regulate her nervous system, and rebuild self trust, and how that deeply personal practice inspired her to create her own self impact journalling book.This conversation explores journalling for mental health, healing through writing, self reflection, and how putting your inner world on the page can support trauma recovery and personal growth.🌱 Learn more about Mao’s workhttps://mistakesareoverrated.com/📓 Explore Mao’s self impact journalling bookhttps://mistakesareoverrated.com/TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

In this episode, I sit down with licensed massage therapist and journalist Dr. Dominique Carson to explore how intentional touch can become a powerful tool in healing sexual trauma.We go beyond the table by diving into the emotional, psychological, and somatic layers of massage therapy. Dr. Carson shares how trauma can live in the body long after words run out, and how a safe, informed practitioner can help clients reconnect with their bodies, reclaim pleasure, and begin to truly heal.This is a conversation about consent, nervous system regulation, and what it really means to feel safe in your skin again.Whether you’re healing, holding space for others, or simply curious — this episode might change how you think about touch forever.Dominique's Linktree: TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

What happens when the place you go for help… has another agenda?In this gripping episode, I sit down with U.S. clinic escort and reproductive rights advocate Cait Morrigan to expose the lesser-known side of abortion access — where “support” is used to coerce, and choice becomes a carefully guided illusion.From crisis pregnancy centres in Australia that push people toward parenthood, to the emotional manipulation tactics used under the guise of care, this episode unpacks the quiet war being waged against bodily autonomy — in both the States and here at home.We talk activism, emotional abuse in reproductive healthcare, and what real support should actually look like in 2025.🎙️ If you’ve ever wondered why reproductive rights still need defending — or how even “safe” clinics can pressure vulnerable people — this one’s for you.Listen now. Share widely. This conversation could change someone’s path.Cait's Linktree:TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

In this grounded and informative episode, trauma-informed therapists Amanda and Carol who are co-founders of the Stress & Trauma Clinic in Mittagong explore the core principles of EMDR, attachment repair, and somatic healing. With decades of experience supporting survivors of complex PTSD, early childhood trauma, and nervous system dysregulation, they offer deep insights into how therapy can truly meet people where they are.Perfect for anyone seeking clarity about trauma recovery, EMDR, or the importance of safety and trust in the healing process.Stress and Trauma Clinic Website: https://stressandtraumaclinic.com.au/TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Counsellor Kendra King (LPC, NCC) joins us to unpack the impact of porn and sex addiction on couples from broken trust to rebuilding intimacy. With years of experience guiding partners through infidelity recovery, Kendra shares practical steps for healing, communicating, and reconnecting after betrayal. A must-listen for anyone navigating relationship wounds in the digital age.TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Did you know porn addiction can start as young as age 10? In this gripping conversation, counsellor Kendra King breaks down the hidden impact of early exposure, how it rewires the brain, and why parents often don’t see it coming. This clip from our upcoming full episode will make you rethink what you thought you knew about porn, sex, and addiction.Full episode drop on August 31st.TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Criminologist Dr Kathryn Whiteley returns to continue her powerful exploration of prison reform, rehabilitation, and the lived experiences of incarcerated women.In Part Two of this special episode, Dr Whiteley dives deeper into the long-term impacts of incarceration — both on the women she’s worked with and on herself. From navigating grief and vicarious trauma to witnessing moments of profound change, Kathryn shares what she's learned about listening without judgement and the transformative potential of human connection inside the justice system.This conversation challenges stigma, re frames justice, and reminds us of the power of empathy in spaces where it’s often forgotten.If this series has moved you, please share it or leave a review — it helps us reach more people and keep these stories going.Kathryn's Podcast: Self- Identities 'Conversations With Convicted Women'TBBI Links/Enquiries:Facebook: The Blue Butterfly InstituteEmail: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auWebsite: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.auIntro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya StarkIf in need of help during an immediate crisis:100RESPECT: 1800 737 732Interested in being a guest speaker on the podcast? We are currently on the look-out for people to share their story so if interested:Email: podcast@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au