How High-Conflict Divorce Hurts Children — And How to Help Them Heal & Feel Safe Again | David Marcus

Reclaiming Yourself After Divorce, Emotional Abuse & Burnout

What if you are not actually lost after divorce, burnout, or emotional pain — but simply disconnected from yourself after years of surviving, people-pleasing, and putting everyone else first? In this Bent Not Broken bonus coaching episode, Deborah expands on the powerful conversation with Laura Hoorweg and shares practical steps to help you heal, rebuild your confidence, reclaim your identity, and reconnect with your authentic self. When life falls apart — whether through divorce, emotional abuse, burnout, heartbreak, or major life transitions — many women begin to feel emotionally lost, disconnected, and unsure how to start over. But healing and recovery begin the moment you stop abandoning yourself and start listening inward again. This episode is designed for women navigating divorce recovery, emotional healing, burnout recovery, and the process of rebuilding life with greater clarity, purpose, and self-worth. What You’ll Learn * Why feeling “lost” is often a sign of emotional disconnection — not personal failure * How burnout, emotional stress, and constant busyness disconnect you from your intuition * Why slowing down is essential for healing, recovery, and emotional clarity * How to begin trusting yourself again after divorce, heartbreak, or emotional abuse * Why self-worth impacts every relationship, decision, and life transition * Practical ways to reconnect with your identity, inner guidance, and authentic voice * How to rebuild confidence and create a stronger emotional foundation while starting over Deborah also reminds listeners that rebuilding your life after divorce or emotional pain does not happen overnight. Healing is a daily practice of learning to trust yourself, honor your needs, and reclaim the parts of yourself that may have been lost along the way. If you are feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or uncertain about your next chapter, this episode will encourage you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and begin rebuilding your life with intention, healing, and purpose. Key Takeaway You are not broken. You are not lost. You are simply being called back to yourself. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for women who: * Feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected * Are rebuilding after divorce or major life changes * Struggle with self-worth or trusting themselves * Are ready to step into a more aligned and empowered life Call to Action Take one small step today—create space, listen in, and choose yourself. If you’re ready to go deeper in your healing journey, book a discovery call: 👉 https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint [https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186] and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] * LinkedIn: Broken to Boldness [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/] Take the Living Bold Assessment [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69b6905ce172cfceb5516] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Lost, Burned Out & Starting Over: How to Reconnect With Your True Self After Divorce | Laura Hoorweg

What if the answers you have been searching for were never outside of you — but buried beneath years of emotional pain, burnout, fear, trauma, and the pressure to become someone else? In this powerful episode of Bent Not Broken, Deborah sits down with Laura Hoorweg for a deeply healing conversation about reconnecting with your authentic self, reclaiming your inner voice, and rebuilding your life after it feels like everything has fallen apart. So many women feel lost after divorce, emotionally disconnected in marriage, trapped in unhealthy patterns, or unsure how to start over after years of putting everyone else first. Laura shares how unresolved emotional wounds, burnout, self-doubt, and fear can quietly pull women away from their identity, purpose, and intuition — leaving them emotionally exhausted and disconnected from who they truly are. This episode explores how to heal, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with yourself during major life transitions, including divorce recovery, emotional abuse recovery, and starting over after painful experiences. Laura shares powerful insights on: * Why so many women feel lost, emotionally drained, and disconnected from themselves * How emotional trauma, burnout, and people-pleasing impact your identity and purpose * The difference between fear-based thinking and true inner guidance * How to trust your intuition while rebuilding your life after divorce or heartbreak * Why slowing down creates space for healing, clarity, and emotional recovery * How to reclaim your voice, confidence, and authentic self after years of self-abandonment * The importance of self-trust when starting over and rebuilding your life with purpose If you are navigating divorce, healing from emotional abuse, struggling with burnout, or feeling emotionally lost in this season of life, this episode will encourage you to stop abandoning yourself, reconnect with your truth, and begin reclaiming the life you were meant to live. Sometimes healing begins the moment you stop searching outside yourself — and finally listen to the voice within. Powerful Quotes * “We’ve become human doings instead of human beings.” * “There’s no such thing as wasted time—everything is part of your evolution.” * “The more you act on your intuition, the more you trust it.” * “The greatest wound women carry is feeling not good enough.” Who This Episode Is For This episode is for women who: * Feel stuck, lost, or disconnected from themselves * Are navigating divorce, burnout, or major life transitions * Struggle with self-worth or people-pleasing * Want to trust their intuition and step into their next chapter Connect & Learn More Learn more about Laura: www.spiritspeaks2.me [http://www.spiritspeaks2.me] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186]and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce.   Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions.   Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] * LinkedIn: Broken to Boldness [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/] Take the Living Bold Assessment [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69b6905ce172cfceb5516]   Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now.   Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Starting Over After Trauma: Breaking the Silence & Rebuilding Your True Self

What if the silence you have been carrying is the very thing keeping you lost, emotionally stuck, and unable to fully heal, rebuild, and reclaim your life? In this powerful bonus coaching episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah takes a deeper dive into one of the most emotional themes from her conversation with Barb Rebon — breaking the silence, healing emotional wounds, and learning how to step into your truth after years of hiding pain. So many women spend years silently carrying trauma, shame, emotional abuse, identity struggles, fear, and heartbreak. What once felt like protection can slowly become the very thing that causes life to fall apart internally — leaving you disconnected from yourself, your purpose, and the freedom to live authentically. This episode offers encouragement and practical guidance for women who are starting over, navigating emotional healing, recovering from trauma, or trying to rebuild their lives after years of silence and self-protection. Coach Deborah also reminds listeners that healing does not happen all at once. Rebuilding your life after trauma, emotional abuse, divorce, or years of silence happens one honest step at a time. If you have ever felt emotionally lost, afraid to tell your story, or uncertain how to start over after pain, this episode will encourage you to stop hiding, reclaim your voice, and begin healing with courage and purpose. Key Takeaways * Silence is not empty—it’s often filled with unprocessed pain * You are not weak for staying silent—you were surviving * Healing begins when you feel safe enough to be seen and heard * Your story is not something to hide—it’s something to honor * You don’t have to share everything with everyone—start with one safe space This Episode Is For You If: * You feel like you’re living a double life * You’ve been holding onto trauma, shame, or fear * You struggle to express your true identity * You’re ready to start healing—but don’t know where to begin * You want to feel more aligned, authentic, and free Call to Action If this episode resonated with you: Share it with someone who needs encouragement Subscribe, rate, and review Bent Not Broken Ready to break your silence and step into your next chapter? Book a Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint [https://calendly.com/brokentoboldness7/boldnessblueprint] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186] and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] * LinkedIn: Broken to Boldness [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/] Take the Living Bold Assessment [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69b6905ce172cfceb5516] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Lost in Silence: Healing From Trauma, Shame & the Fear of Living Authentically | Barb Rebon

What happens when the life you built no longer aligns with your truth — when years of silence, emotional pain, trauma, and hiding who you are leave you feeling lost, broken, and disconnected from yourself? In this deeply emotional episode of Bent Not Broken, Coach Deborah sits down with Barb Rebon to share a powerful story of healing, recovery, reclaiming identity, and starting over after a lifetime of silence. For more than 26 years, Barb dedicated her life to education, helping thousands of students and families. But behind her successful career was a painful private struggle shaped by childhood sexual abuse, shame, fear, emotional trauma, faith conflict, and identity suppression. In her upcoming book, The Heartbeat of My Silence, Barb opens up about what happens when your inner world slowly falls apart while trying to survive in silence. This episode explores: * Surviving childhood sexual abuse and emotional trauma * Living for decades feeling lost, ashamed, and emotionally disconnected * How silence and suppression can deeply impact relationships, identity, and purpose * Wrestling with faith, sexuality, and self-acceptance * The emotional process of reclaiming your voice and identity later in life * How therapy, safe relationships, and storytelling help people heal and rebuild * Why starting over can become the beginning of freedom, healing, and authentic living Barb also shares the life-changing moment that sparked her transformation after watching country artist Chely Wright publicly come out and tell her story — a moment that helped Barb realize she no longer wanted to live hidden by fear and silence. This conversation is raw, honest, and inspiring for anyone navigating trauma recovery, emotional abuse, identity struggles, life transitions, or the painful journey of rebuilding after years of silence. KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED * The emotional weight of living in silence * Trauma recovery and long-term emotional healing * How shame and fear keep people emotionally trapped * Faith, identity, and reclaiming self-worth * The power of storytelling in healing and recovery * Learning to rebuild your life with authenticity and purpose * Why healing often begins the moment you stop hiding About Barb Rebon Barb Rebon is a lifelong educator with over 26 years of experience impacting students and families. In her debut memoir, The Heartbeat of My Silence, she courageously shares her journey through trauma, faith, identity, and self-acceptance—offering hope and healing to others walking a similar path. Resources & Links * The Heartbeat of My Silence (Coming Soon – Target Launch: May, ahead of Pride Month) * Available soon on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Barb’s upcoming website * Barb's website: http://www.barbararebonauthor.com/ [http://www.barbararebonauthor.com/] Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bent-not-broken-starting-over-after-divorce/id1840019186] and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] * LinkedIn: Broken to Boldness [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-griffiths/] Take the Living Bold Assessment [https://www.tryinteract.com/share/quiz/69f69b6905ce172cfceb5516] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.

Starting Over After Divorce: Helping Your Child Recover From Emotional Stress & Conflict

Divorce can leave families feeling lost, emotionally overwhelmed, and unsure how to rebuild when life falls apart. While parents are navigating the pain of starting over after divorce, children are often quietly carrying the emotional weight of conflict, stress, and emotional instability. In this bonus coaching session of Bent Not Broken, Deborah expands on the powerful conversation with Dr. David Marcus about how high-conflict divorce, emotional abuse, and unhealthy co-parenting dynamics impact children long after the marriage ends. This episode focuses on one of the most important tools for helping children heal and recover after divorce: becoming a “soothing presence” for your child. When children are surrounded by arguments, tension, or emotional chaos, they often internalize the conflict. Some emotionally withdraw, some act out, and others feel responsible for fixing the family around them. Deborah explains why emotionally safe parenting becomes critical when a family is trying to rebuild and reclaim stability after divorce. In this episode, you’ll learn: * What it means to become a calming, emotionally safe parent during divorce recovery * Why emotional safety matters more than overexplaining the divorce * How children absorb stress, emotional abuse, and parental conflict * Why regulating your emotions helps your child feel secure and supported * How consistency, healthy boundaries, and calm communication help children heal * Encouragement for parents navigating parental alienation, co-parenting struggles, and starting over after divorce Deborah also reminds listeners that while you cannot control the other parent’s behavior, you can control the emotional environment your child experiences with you. Even when a marriage falls apart, one emotionally grounded parent can help a child rebuild trust, resilience, and emotional security. If you are navigating divorce, co-parenting challenges, emotional abuse recovery, or the pain of starting over after divorce, this coaching session offers practical guidance, hope, and encouragement to help both you and your child heal with purpose. Enjoyed this episode of Bent Not Broken: Life After Divorce with Deborah Griffiths? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify [https://spotify.com/] so more people searching for life after divorce, divorce recovery, co-parenting, dating after divorce, and healing from gaslighting can discover this empowering podcast. Every review helps others find hope, inspiration, and practical tools for thriving after divorce. Explore more resources: Visit BrokenToBoldness.com [https://brokentoboldness.com/] for coaching, workshops, and guidance on divorce recovery and life transitions. Follow Deborah Griffiths for daily empowerment and support: * Instagram: @BrokenToBoldness [https://instagram.com/brokentoboldness] * Facebook: Broken to Boldness [https://facebook.com/brokentoboldness] Remember: divorce may bend you, but it does not break you. You are stronger than you think, and your bold new chapter starts now. Disclaimer: The commentary and opinions available on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or psychological advice. You should contact an attorney, coach, or therapist in your state to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.