Thriving not Surviving

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.

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.

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.

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.

Content Warning:
This episode includes open discussion of intimacy, sex, consent, sexual behaviour, body image, and the portrayal of intimate scenes in the film industry. It also contains references to sexual misconduct and abuse.
Listener discretion is advised. Please take care while listening and feel free to pause or step away if anything feels triggering or activating. Seek support if needed.
From Hollywood sets to real life, pioneering Intimacy Coordinator Ita O’Brien explores a new way to approach intimacy, healing our relationship with our bodies, pleasure and boundaries.
Keywords
intimacy, consent, boundaries, relationships, sexuality, embodiment, pleasure, self-worth, communication, thriving
Summary
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Helen sits down with intimacy coordinator, movement director, and author Ita O’Brien to explore the truth about intimacy—both on screen and in our personal lives.
From the lack of guidance actors once faced during intimate scenes to the revolutionary “intimacy on set guidelines” Ita helped create, this conversation dives deep into consent, communication, and the importance of understanding our own bodies.
Together, they unpack how societal conditioning, shame, and outdated beliefs have shaped our relationship with intimacy—and how we can begin to reclaim it. This episode is honest, thought-provoking, and at times deeply personal, offering listeners a new lens on connection, pleasure, and self-awareness.
Takeaways
Intimacy begins with your relationship to yourself, not your partner
Consent is ongoing, evolving, and essential in all relationships
Many of us were never taught what healthy intimacy actually looks like
Open communication and boundaries create deeper connection, not less
Body awareness and self-acceptance are key to fulfilling intimacy
What we see in media and pornography often distorts reality
Shame around sexuality is learned—and can be unlearned
Choreography, communication, and consent are transforming the film industry
You deserve pleasure, respect, and agency in your intimate life
Resources:
Cup of Tea video about consent
Book –The Mists of Avalon was written by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
Book – Rose McGowan: Brave
Book – Unfu#k your Intimacy by Faith G Harper
Book – Unfu#k your boundaries by Faith G Harper
Book – Intimacy Ita O’Brien
Audible – Intimacy Ita O’Brien
Soma Temple – Melisa Lumina (Self Pleasure ritual & more…) IG: somatemplegreece
Web: www.somatemple.com
Connect with Ita
Intimacy On Set Instagram
Intimacy On Set Facebook
Ita O'Brien Instagram
Ita O'Brien Facebook
Intimacy On Set Website News Page
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.