Episode #80
How Trauma Changes Your Brain and How You Can Heal | Wilma Kinsman | Ep 80
Trauma healing, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity, and faith come together in this conversation with Wilma Kinsman, an RN and Christ-centered trauma coach who grew up Amish and ultimately had to learn how to understand—and work with—the effects trauma had on her brain and body. Wilma shares the pivotal childhood moment that made her decide she would eventually leave the Amish community, the impact of being repeatedly told she was “too sensitive,” and how spiritual approaches that didn't account for trauma initially left her feeling even more broken. Everything began to shift when she learned more about the brain, nervous system, and neuroplasticity. Wilma explains how the amygdala can continue sounding an alarm even when we intellectually know we're safe, why empathetic relationships can be an important part of healing, and what it means to build new pathways back to regulation and joy. We also talk about faith, forgiveness, shame, learning to listen to your body's responses instead of judging them, and the possibility of moving from a life driven by fear and survival toward one shaped by identity, desire, love, and choice. One of Wilma's most important reminders: you can change. Your past may have shaped your nervous system, but it doesn't mean you're destined to stay there. Wilma's Free Grounding Exercise: a free video grounding exercise incorporating prayer, singing, and being present with yourself. Visit https://WilmaKinsman.com and scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up and access the video. Wilma is also the author of Dancing on the Dumpster, published under the pen name Willie J. Subscribe to Powerful on Purpose for more conversations with people turning their experiences, expertise, and stories into meaningful work in the world. Chapters 00:00 Meet Wilma Kinsman 01:32 Growing up Amish 03:30 The moment everything changed 05:02 Questioning what she'd been told 07:00 How trauma changes the brain 09:47 Finding a pathway back to joy 12:05 Creating safety after trauma 13:51 Rebuilding your sense of self 15:53 The power of empathetic connection 19:44 Working with your nervous system 21:44 Wilma's grounding exercise 22:29 Why change is possible #powerfulonpurposepodcast #traumahealing #nervoussystemregulation #neuroplasticity #christianhealing
