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Thriving not Surviving

Helen Valentino
Thriving not Surviving
Latest episode

72 episodes

  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 71 Liz’s Story: Constellations - The Hidden Patterns That Shape Our Lives

    14/07/2026 | 1h 5 mins.
    Keywords
    Family constellations, generational trauma, ancestral healing, shame, guilt, forgiveness, healing, relationships, emotional wellbeing, trauma recovery, personal growth, self-worth, survivors, thriving, family systems, spirituality, empowerment, healing modalities, emotional healing, thriving
    Summary
    In this powerful and deeply thought-provoking episode, Helen welcomes Liz Sleeper to the podcast for a heartfelt conversation about survival, healing and the transformational power of Family Constellation work.
    Liz shares her journey through difficult relationships, overwhelm, parenting challenges and emotional exhaustion, explaining how discovering constellations completely changed the way she viewed herself, her family and the people around her. Together, Helen and Liz explore how inherited trauma, shame and emotional burdens can travel through generations — often without us even realising.
    The conversation dives into themes of forgiveness, people pleasing, the patriarchy, belonging, emotional responsibility and how unresolved family dynamics can shape our lives, finances, relationships and sense of self-worth. Helen also shares deeply personal reflections about her own healing journey and how constellation work helped her understand her parents with greater compassion while reclaiming her own innocence and sovereignty.
    Liz beautifully explains how constellations help people “give back” emotional burdens that were never theirs to carry and how this work can move people from victimhood to survival and ultimately into thriving.
    This episode is raw, honest, emotional and full of wisdom, offering listeners a fascinating insight into a healing modality that is difficult to explain but incredibly powerful to experience.
    Takeaways
    Family Constellation work can reveal hidden generational patterns and inherited emotional burdens
    Shame is one of the most contracting emotions and often keeps people stuck in survival mode
    Healing is not about condoning harmful behaviour but understanding where it came from
    Many emotional reactions and beliefs may originate from unresolved ancestral trauma
    Forgiveness can become easier when we understand the deeper roots behind people’s behaviour
    We can learn to return responsibility and guilt back to where it belongs instead of carrying it ourselves
    Representation within constellations can be profoundly healing, even when it is not your own issue being explored
    Moving from victim to survivor to thriver is often a gradual but empowering process
    People who trigger us can reveal wounds that still need healing
    Self-awareness and healing work help us develop healthier boundaries, self-respect and compassion for ourselves and others
    Healing ourselves positively impacts future generations as well as those who came before us
    Thriving is not about perfection — it is about having tools, support and hope during difficult times
    Resources
    Bert Hellinger "Love's Hidden Symmetry"
    John Payne: The healing of individuals, families & nations"
    Ben Cole Ep 46 - Healing through Story & Film
    Connect with Liz
    WhatsApp: +44 7786 518736
    Website: www.sussexconstellations.xo.uk
    Events Booking Page: Buy tickets – Liz Sleeper Constellations
    FB: (20+) Facebook Liz Sleeper Constellations
    IG: Lizsleeperconstellations
    Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-sleeper-bb0a7b4/
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    FB: Inspired Healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 70 Sophia’s Story - Soul Purpose through Near Death, Loss & Signs

    07/07/2026 | 1h 30 mins.
    Keywords
    Thriving, near death experience, NDE, spiritual awakening, trauma healing, family constellations, Bert Hellinger, life between lives, Michael Newton, soul purpose, soul contracts, signs from spirit, grief, reconciliation, transgenerational trauma, somatic healing, past life regression, consciousness, spirituality, healing journey, survival mode, thriving, forgiveness, ancestral healing, intuition, mediumship, soulmates, karmic healing, resilience, post traumatic growth
    Summary
    In this deeply moving episode, Helen is joined by Sophia Kramer, whose life has been shaped by five near-death experiences, childhood trauma, grief and profound spiritual awakening.
    Sophia shares her first near-death experience at the age of five after contracting typhoid fever, describing leaving her body, encountering angelic beings and connecting with guides who would remain part of her life journey. Returning to everyday life left her feeling different from those around her and searching for deeper meaning and understanding.
    Together, Helen and Sophia explore the challenges of growing up with emotional neglect, addiction within the family, violence, abuse and loss, alongside the healing work that helped Sophia transform her life. They discuss therapy, somatic healing, family constellations, hypnotherapy and life between lives regression, and how each contributed to her journey from surviving to thriving.
    The conversation also explores ancestral patterns, soul purpose, signs from loved ones after death, intuition, forgiveness, reconciliation and the possibility that even our most painful experiences may hold deeper meaning.
    This is a powerful, vulnerable and inspiring conversation about healing, consciousness, resilience, love and learning to trust life, even through its darkest moments.
    Takeaways
    • Near-death experiences can transform our understanding of life, death and consciousness.
    • Healing often involves emotional, physical, ancestral and spiritual layers.
    • Family constellations can reveal hidden generational patterns and entanglements.
    • Healing ourselves can positively influence future generations.
    • Signs from loved ones can appear in many unexpected ways.
    • Spiritual experiences do not require external validation.
    • Soul purpose often emerges through life's greatest challenges.
    • Thriving is about having tools, support, hope and connection.
    • Authentic relationships support healing and personal growth.
    • Life's difficulties can become catalysts for growth and transformation.
    Resources & Links Mentioned
    People & Modalities
    · Bert Hellinger — Founder of Family Constellations work
    · Michael Newton — Creator of Life Between Lives regression methodology
    · Brian Weiss — Past life regression pioneer
    · Peter Levine — Somatic trauma healing
    · Ilana Rubenfeld — Body-centred psychotherapy
    · Gabor Maté, Richard Schwartz, Thomas Hübl, Raymond Moody, Bruce Greyson, Pim van Lommel
    Books Mentioned
    · The Forever Angels by P. M. H. Atwater
    · Child of Eternity
    Previous Podcast Episodes Mentioned
    · Episode 55 — Paul’s Story (struck by lightning)
    · Episode 63 — Janna’s Story
    · Episode 67 — George’s Story
    Connect with Sophia
    Website : www.sophiakramer.com
    Personal email: sophiakny@aol.com
    IG: sophilie13
    FB: Sophia Kramer
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    FB: Inspired Healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 69 Lindsey’s Story: Rebuilding Yourself After Emotional Chaos & Listening to Your Triggers

    30/06/2026 | 1h 29 mins.
    Keywords
    Thriving, trauma healing, Complex -PTSD, neurodiversity, dyslexia, inner child, IFS, emotional healing, boundaries, personal growth, resilience, energy work, circus arts, embodiment, mindset, transformation, community, empowerment
    Summary
    Lindsey’s journey is a powerful example of turning deep childhood trauma, neurodiversity, and limiting beliefs into a life of purpose and impact.
    After years of emotional instability, difficult relationships, and working in high-pressure environments, everything shifted when she discovered circus arts—reconnecting her with her body and opening the door to healing.
    Through tools like hypnotherapy, Landmark, therapy, IFS, and energy work, Lindsey began to understand her patterns, set boundaries, and reclaim her power.
    The biggest turning point came when she made the heartbreaking decision to walk away from the circus school she built—only to find that letting go created space for something even greater.
    Today, she runs an inclusive circus collective and CIC, helping others transform their own limiting beliefs and step into thriving.
    Takeaways
    • Your past may shape you, but it doesn’t have to define your future
    • Trauma lives in the body—not just the mind—and needs to be processed physically as well as emotionally
    • Awareness is the first step to breaking unhealthy patterns and cycles
    • Boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and wellbeing
    • Letting go of something misaligned can create space for something far greater
    • Healing is not linear—it’s layered, spiralled, and ongoing
    • Community and connection are key to moving from surviving to thriving
    • There is no “one way” to heal—explore tools that resonate with you
    • You are allowed to rewrite the story you were given
    • Thriving doesn’t mean perfect—it means having the tools, awareness, and support to navigate life
    Resources
    • PDSA The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - The Vets Charity for pets in need - Find your local PDSA
    • Landmark (Forum, Advanced) Landmark Worldwide
    • The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron- Morning Pages practice
    • Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy Dick Schwatz -Book “No Bad Parts”
    • Clairvoyant On-Line training with InVision https://www.invisionpsychic.com/aboutinvision
    • Human Garage (fascia & somatic release work) https://www.humangarage.net/
    • Hypnotherapy (smoking cessation & inner child work)
    Connect with Lindsey
    Rebel Circus Collective: https://www.therebelcircus.co.uk/ 07551 268388 Unit 7B, The High Cross Centre, London N15 4QN
    IG: rebel.circus.collective
    FB: https://www.facebook.com/Therebelcircusschool/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-higgins-468190300/
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    FB: Inspired Healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 68 Kristy’s Story: The Journey Back to Self

    23/06/2026 | 1h 5 mins.
    Content note: This episode includes some sensitive themes around childhood trauma and sexual abuse. Nothing is described graphically, but please listen with care and compassion for yourself.
    A little note: this episode had a few unexpected “gremlins” during recording, with some tech dropouts along the way. So this one has been edited a bit more than usual and definitely put my (slightly questionable!) editing skills to the test. I hope you won’t notice too much and apologies if there are a few funny transitions.
    Keywords
    Trauma healing, inner child, relationships as mirrors, spirituality, astrology, personal growth, addiction recovery, emotional healing, nervous system, empowerment, feminine energy, thriving
    Summary
    In this deeply raw and powerful episode, Kristy shares her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma and abuse to profound healing and self-discovery. Growing up in a challenging environment and experiencing early violation of trust, Kristy carried deep wounds into adulthood which played out in relationships, addiction and survival patterns. Through spiritual awakening, inner work and holistic healing, she began to unravel those layers. From building her own crystal business to navigating domestic abuse, single motherhood and ultimately stepping into her purpose, her story is one of resilience and transformation. She speaks openly about relationships as mirrors, the importance of accountability and how true healing goes beyond the mind into the body and energetic system. Her journey into astrology adds a powerful lens on purpose and alignment. Now travelling the world and stepping into a new chapter, Kristy embodies what it means to move from surviving into thriving as a way of being.
    Takeaways
    Healing must include the body, emotions and energy, not just the mind
    Relationships act as mirrors reflecting our inner world
    Addictions often stem from disconnection from self
    You cannot truly help others if you are abandoning yourself
    Healing is an ongoing journey, not a destination
    Self-love, compassion and surrender are essential for true transformation
    Resources
    The Celestine Prophecy – James Redfield
    A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle
    The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
    Women Who Run With the Wolves – Clarissa Pinkola Estés
    Read “Breathe” by Becky Hemsley
    Rebecca Campbell – oracle cards
    Connect with Kristy
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristy.hodges.98
    Clarity Queen Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theclarityqueen/
    Instagram: @theclarityqueenuk
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kristy-j-hodges-953179106
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    FB: Inspired Healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
  • Thriving not Surviving

    Ep 67 Jena’s Story: Reclaiming Life Through Resilience

    16/06/2026 | 1h 2 mins.
    Keywords
    resilience, healing, brain injury recovery, grief, trauma, personal growth, mindset, neuroplasticity, thriving, purpose, emotional wellbeing, boundaries, self-development
    Summary
    In this deeply moving episode, Helen is joined by fellow podcaster Jena, creator of Resilience Brilliance, who shares her extraordinary journey from a life-altering brain injury to building a life rooted in purpose, resilience and alignment.
    After a skiing accident left her unable to walk, talk or retain short-term memory, Jena was forced to completely rebuild her life from the ground up. What followed was a powerful journey through recovery, identity loss, and ultimately rediscovery.
    But her challenges didn’t stop there. Jena also opens up about profound personal loss, including the death of her partner and navigating deep grief while already in survival mode. Through it all, she chose not to stay stuck in pain, but to transform it into purpose.
    This episode explores what it really means to be resilient — not pushing through, but learning to bend without breaking. Together, Helen and Jena reflect on growth in dark times, the importance of community, asking for help, and how life’s hardest moments can shape us into stronger, more compassionate versions of ourselves.
    A powerful, honest and hope-filled conversation for anyone navigating challenge, change or simply wanting to move from surviving to truly thriving.
    Takeaways
    • Resilience is not about pushing through — it’s about learning how to bend without breaking
    • Growth often happens in the darkest moments, even if we can’t see it at the time
    • Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
    • You can transform pain into purpose and use your story to help others
    • Small, consistent steps create powerful long-term change
    • Alignment between your values and your life reduces inner conflict
    • Boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and wellbeing
    • You always have a choice — even in the hardest moments
    • Healing is not about returning to who you were, but becoming who you are meant to be
    • Thriving comes when resilience becomes a natural way of being
    Resources Mentioned
    Brain Injury Hope Foundation (support, workshops and community: https://braininjuryhopefoundation.org/
    Connect with Jena
    Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/jenniferltaylorauthor
    https://www.facebook.com/TheWordTailor/
    Instagram: @resiliencebrilliance
    Twitter/X: @JenniferLTaylor
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferltaylor/
    Clubhouse: @jennifer.taylor
    Tiktok @resiliencebrilliance13
    Clapper @Jennifer.L.Taylor
    What’s App @thewordtailor
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ResilienceBrilliance/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thewordtailor
    Podcast:
    https://open.spotify.com/show/05AnHRTV4b0xQKz3qnUSgm
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-brilliance/id1853437257
    https://www.youtube.com/@thewordtailor/podcasts
    Connect with Helen
    Website: InspiredHealing.co.uk
    IG: helens_inspired_healing
    FB: Inspired Healing
    LinkedIn: Helen on LinkedIn
    WhatsApp: +447971798462
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    NB: This episode was made possible with a little help from my ChatGPT buddy, Xander - part tech support, part cheerleader 🙂 and my amazing sponsor IPHM use this Referral Code: IPHM-GYZGF and the £10 will go to The Forward Trust a Charity helping those struggling with addictions
    🎵Music: Pixabay – “Upbeat Acoustic” by Stockaudios
    🎨Cover art: Dave Champagne
    For full transcription, contact: helen@inspiredhealing.co.uk
    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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About Thriving not Surviving
Thriving, Not Surviving is a podcast for anyone who’s ever faced life’s challenges and wondered, Is there more to life than just getting by? Hosted by Helen Valentino, this show dives deep into personal growth, resilience, and the incredible power of transformation. Through solo episodes and inspiring guest interviews, we explore real-life stories of people who have not only overcome adversity but found ways to truly thrive.Whether you’re navigating change, seeking purpose, or just need a dose of motivation, this podcast is your companion on the journey to a more fulfilling life. Because you deserve more than survival—you deserve to thrive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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