What Safety Might Feel Like in Recovery (It’s Not What You Think)

What if the biggest signs of healing aren’t big at all?
In this episode, Sarah is joined by Laura (sarahherstichlcsw.com/laura-gordon-therapist-p…) for a conversation about the micro-moments that might mark recovery from trauma and disordered eating. Together, they unpack five powerful cues that your nervous system is shifting toward safety: like noticing your body, making a small choice, or feeling a flicker of joy without shutting it down.
You’ll hear:
• Why awareness is a milestone, not a “first step”
• How setting the tiniest limit can signal huge change
• Why pleasure often feels threatening before it feels good
• What reconnection really looks like after bingeing, freezing, or shutting down
This is your permission to stop waiting for the “aha” moment—and start honoring the quiet ones.
🎧 Plus: Grab our free Micro-Moments Tracker to help you notice what’s already healing. subscribepage.com/tiny-moments-tracker
✍🏼 Check Out This Week's Blog: Signs of Safety to Look for in Trauma Recovery: sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/signs-of-safety-to-…
Thanks for listening to The Complex Trauma Podcast!
Be sure to follow, share and give us a review on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow on Instagram: @sarahherstichlcsw (instagram.com/sarahherstichlcsw)
Follow on TikTok: tiktok.com/@sarahherstichlcsw
Learn more about EMDR & trauma therapy in Pennsylvania with Reclaim Therapy (sarahherstichlcsw.com)
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Remember, I'm a therapist, but I'm not your therapist. Nothing in this podcast is meant to replace actual therapy or treatment. If you're in crisis or things feel really unsafe right now, please reach out to someone. You can call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text them, or head to your nearest ER.
The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the opinions of any organizations or institutions. Reliance on any information provided by this podcast is solely at your own risk.