The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma podcast, we’re exploring how to break free from the inner critic childhood trauma may have created - that voice telling you you’re not good enough, you’ve messed up, or that everyone else is doing better than you.

For many people, a harsh inner critic has its roots in childhood. Criticism, rejection, shame, emotional neglect or other difficult experiences can shape the way we learn to speak to ourselves - and sometimes, that critical voice may even have developed as an attempt to protect us.

You'll...

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma podcast, we explore what core emotional wounds are, how they can continue to affect us in adulthood, and why understanding the wound beneath a protective pattern can be an important part of the healing process.

We’ll look at the different types of wounds, unmet needs, emotional triggers and the protective strategies we can develop to avoid experiencing old pain again. You’ll also learn three ways to begin identifying your own childhood wounds today.

If you’re interested in childhood trauma healing, inner child work, trauma respon...

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma podcast, we’re exploring a question that comes up again and again in the healing process: do you really need to dig up your childhood in order to heal?

If something from your past is still affecting you today, it can seem obvious that understanding what happened might help. But is revisiting painful childhood experiences always beneficial? Could talking about trauma before you’re ready sometimes make things worse? And is it possible to heal without going back into your past at all?

We explore both sides of t...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, you’ll be given a roadmap for how you can most effectively heal childhood trauma in 2026 - understanding where it may still be showing up in your adult life and where your healing might need to go next.

We explore six key areas of healing: your nervous system and body, core beliefs, relationship with yourself, identity, core wounds and unmet needs, and relationships and attachment.

If you’ve already tried therapy, nervous system regulation, inner child work or other approaches but still feel that something hasn’t quit...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore whether it’s possible to develop secure attachment as an adult, particularly if childhood trauma meant that safety, consistency, and trust weren’t always present in your earliest relationships.

Childhood experiences can shape the expectations we carry into adult relationships. You might fear abandonment, struggle to trust other people, become anxious when someone pulls away, or find yourself creating distance when closeness begins to feel uncomfortable. But does having an anxious, avoidant, or otherwise insecure attachment style mean relationships will always feel this way?

By t...

Can you heal childhood trauma without forgiving the people who hurt you?

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore whether forgiveness is actually necessary for childhood trauma healing.

We look at why forgiveness can feel deeply freeing for some people, why allowing anger and resentment may sometimes play an important role in trauma healing, and whether it’s possible to recover from childhood wounds without ever forgiving the person responsible.

We’ll explore the difference between forgiveness, acceptance and reconciliation, why letting go doesn’t necessarily mean saying what happen...

What if healing from childhood trauma isn’t about becoming a new and improved version of yourself, but finding your way back to who you were all along?

Childhood trauma can shape the way we think, feel and behave. Over time, protective responses such as people-pleasing, perfectionism or hiding our needs can become so familiar that we may begin to lose touch with parts of our natural selves.

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore how early trauma can affect our identity, why authentic parts of ourselves can get pushed into th...

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore why grief is such an important part of the healing process.

You'll learn how childhood trauma in adulthood can show up as sadness, anger, resentment, anxiety, or emotional triggers, why these feelings often reappear at different stages of life, and how acknowledging your losses can become a powerful step towards healing childhood wounds.

Drawing on attachment theory, developmental trauma, and trauma therapy, we discuss why grieving doesn't mean you're stuck in the past. Instead, it can help you move from survival mode towards healing...

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore one of the most overlooked forms of childhood trauma: neglect.

We'll unpack the research that has transformed our understanding of childhood trauma, including a landmark review that challenged the idea that neglect is somehow "less serious" than other forms of childhood maltreatment.

You'll discover how childhood neglect can affect the developing brain, nervous system, attachment, relationships, and sense of self, and why so many adults struggle with anxiety, low self-worth, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, and other trauma symptoms despite believing they had a "good"...

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore how developmental trauma and childhood wounds shape the way we see ourselves, and why self-blame can persist long into adulthood.

You'll learn how these unconscious beliefs influence your emotional triggers, relationships, confidence, and inner critic, as well as practical ways to begin questioning and healing them.

We'll explore:

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, psychotherapist and childhood trauma specialist Alec Williams explores how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others throughout adult life.

You'll learn:

Topics covered...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, trauma therapist Alec Williams explores how childhood trauma, emotional neglect and early criticism shape the inner critic that follows many people into adulthood.

You'll discover why self-criticism often develops as a survival response, how childhood experiences become the way we speak to ourselves, and practical first steps towards healing.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why childhood trauma creates a harsh inner critic

• How emotional neglect and criticism affect adult mental health

• Why your inner critic believes it's protecting you

• Th...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore one of the most confusing aspects of avoidant attachment:

How do you know whether being single is genuinely what you want…

Or whether old childhood wounds and relationship trauma are pulling you away from the very thing you long for?

Many people with avoidant attachment desperately want love and connection, yet find themselves repeatedly pulling away when relationships become more serious.

They may struggle with hyper-independence, emotional triggers, relationship difficulties, fear of vulnerability, or the feeling that they're simply "better of...

Why do so many people struggle with the painful feeling of "I'm not enough"?

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore how childhood trauma, neglect, rejection, and attachment wounds can shape our self-worth and influence the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.

Together, we'll explore:

• Why feelings of shame and inadequacy often begin in childhood

• How childhood trauma affects self-esteem and out sense of being 'not enough'

• Why these beliefs often feel like facts rather than stories

• What trauma healing, self-compassion, and heal...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we dive deep into why achievements alone may not heal deep childhood wounds.

Exploring childhood trauma, attachment wounds, and the complex relationship between success and emotional healing, we draw on Self-Determination Theory and stories from elite performers like Andre Agassi and Michael Phelps.

Learn why success can improve wellbeing yet still leave deeper wounds unhealed, impacting trauma recovery and emotional wellness.

If you've felt stuck chasing milestones or accomplishments hoping they will make you feel enough, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, we explore one of the most common questions I hear from clients:

How do you rebuild your sense of self after childhood trauma?

Childhood wounds can leave you either feeling disconnected from who you are, or not really liking the person that you are.

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, learn 3 powerful ways to rebuild your sense of self after childhood trauma.

Explore healing through loving acceptance, building new healthy patterns, and reconnecting with your authentic self.

This episode focuses on trauma recovery...

🌐 Visit my website to learn more about working with me one-to-one or in groups:

www.alecwilliamstherapy.co.uk

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Contact - Alec Williams Therapy

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Why do you feel constantly on edge… even when nothing dangerous is happening?

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore the exhausting reality of living in chronic hypervigilance after childhood trauma.

From overthinking text messages and scanning...

Holly's website: www.talkingrelationships.co.uk

How do attachment wounds from childhood quietly sabotage your adult relationships?

In this episode, relationship psychotherapist Holly Roberts explores how unmet emotional needs, childhood trauma, and nervous system dysregulation affect trust, communication, and emotional intimacy.

Discover the specific patterns that emerge and practical pathways to healing attachment wounds before they derail your relationships.

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If today's episode resonated with you, start here:

💌 Join the mailing list, where each week we dig deep into a topic not covered here and you’ll have first...

What does healing from childhood trauma actually look like in real life?

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore the often messy, non-linear and deeply human reality of the healing journey after childhood trauma.

From the painful truth that healing can take time, to why things can sometimes feel worse before they feel better, we unpack some of the most common - and least talked about - experiences people encounter as they begin healing.

We also explore the profound shifts that can happen in relationships, identity and self-worth as...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we break down trauma responses and why your nervous system can react so quickly - and intensely - to everyday situations.

If you’ve ever wondered why you get triggered in arguments, shut down under pressure, or fall into people-pleasing patterns, this episode explains the psychology behind it.

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma affects trust, why trusting others can feel unsafe, and how this shows up in adult relationships - whether that’s fear of being hurt, overthinking, hyper-independence, or trusting too quickly.

You’ll learn how trust is shaped by your nervous system, why trust issues are often trauma responses, and how early experiences can lead to patterns like anxious attachment, emotional withdrawal, or difficulty feeling safe with others.

We also cover practical steps to start rebuilding trust after trauma, including how to feel safer in relationships, and take smal...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore one of the deepest and most painful early wounds: abandonment.

Whether it’s physical absence or emotional unavailability from caregivers, abandonment trauma can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system - shaping how you see yourself, how you relate to others, and how safe you feel in relationships.

You’ll learn:

Shame is one of the most painful emotions many people carry after childhood trauma, yet it’s also one of the least talked about.

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore the powerful role shame can play in shaping how we see ourselves and why it can become so deeply embedded after difficult early experiences.

In this episode we explore:

• What shame is and why all humans experience it

• The difference between healthy shame and toxic shame

• Why childhood trauma can cause shame to become part of...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore how early experiences form deep core beliefs and narratives around self-worth, identity, and relationships - often without us even realising it.

This episode will help you understand where those narratives came from - and more importantly, how to begin changing them.

You’ll learn how to:

In this episode of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore 4 common misunderstandings and myths about childhood trauma that can quietly block healing.

By the end of this episode you'll have a deeper understanding of why:

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “it wasn’t that bad”, 'I don't remember it so it can't really have impacted me' or “I should be over it by now”...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore how childhood trauma shapes your self-image, self-worth, and identity.

If you’ve ever felt not good enough, too much, or unsure of who you really are, this episode will help you understand why.

We break down three common ways childhood trauma affects how you see yourself and you’ll learn why these patterns form in early life, how they continue to influence your thoughts, relationships, and sense of worth in adulthood - and, importantly, how to start changing them.

By the end of t...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore the neuroscience of childhood trauma, and explain how early life experiences can impact key areas of the brain, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

Research from neuroscience and trauma psychology shows that the brain is not permanently damaged by trauma. Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain can reorganize, heal, and build new pathways throughout life.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of:

• What the nervous system actually does

• How childhood trauma can shape brain development

• Why trauma can keep the...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we delve deep into inner child work and how it facilitates healing childhood trauma and wounds.

Discover what inner child healing truly means from trauma-informed and psychological perspectives. We discuss how childhood trauma and attachment wounds influence adult emotional patterns and behaviours, and share effective techniques for reparenting your inner child.

By the end of the episode, you'll understand signs that your inner child is triggered, learn practical strategies for inner child healing and emotional regulation, and begin fostering self-compassion and healthier relationships with yourself.

In this episode, of the Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast we explore childhood neglect - one of the most overlooked yet impactful forms of developmental trauma - and how unmet relational needs can shape emotional wellbeing, attachment patterns, and adult relationships.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

In this episode, of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore why trauma doesn’t live in just one place - and why healing often requires a more holistic, integrative approach.

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

If y...

In this episode of The Healing Childhood Trauma Podcast, we explore five subtle but powerful signs that unresolved childhood trauma may still be affecting your emotional wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self today.

You’ll learn how early experiences influence adult self-worth, emotional reactions, and recurring life patterns - often in ways that are easy to miss.

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

In this episode, we explore why slow and steady pacing in psychotherapy often leads to deeper, safer, and more lasting healing, and how moving too quickly can sometimes make things harder rather than easier.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma affects adult relationships, and why the patterns you struggle with in intimacy, friendship, and connection often didn’t start in the present.

From attachment styles and nervous system responses to people-pleasing, avoidance, and fear of abandonment, we unpack how early relational wounds quietly shape the way you love, attach, and respond to others today.

By the end of this episode, you’ll:

Understand how childhood trauma shows up in adult relationships

Learn how early attachment experiences shape your attachment style today

Iden...

In this episode, we explore how childhood trauma creates deeply ingrained cycles of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that can follow us into adulthood.

By the end of this episode you'll be able to:

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If today's episode resonated with you:

In this episode, we explore how the core beliefs we carry about ourselves in adulthood can often be formed in response to childhood trauma - not because they were true, but because they helped us survive.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

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If today's episode...

In this episode, we explore emotional numbness - the quiet, often unseen trauma response that can shape how we think, feel, and show up in the world.

We break down how numbness forms, why it once protected you, and the ways it can quietly shape your adult life today.

By the end of this episode, you’ll learn:

In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood trauma responses: freeze.

If you’ve ever gone blank in conflict, shut down in conversations, or felt disconnected from your own life, this episode will help you understand why.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

In this episode, we walk through the five key steps that help you finally understand how trauma has shaped you.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

If you’ve ever wondered “Why am I like this?” - this episode will help you connect...

In this episode, we explore anger as a trauma-based fight response, helping you understand why it can feel so intense and how to begin working with it rather than against it.

By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to:

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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of the human nervous system and why our bodies sometimes overreact, get stuck in survival mode, and how trauma can shape our nervous system responses.

By the end of this episode you'll be able to:

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