Reclaim You - podcast cover

Reclaim You

Sarah Herstich & The Reclaim Therapy Teamwww.sarahherstichlcsw.com

Welcome to Reclaim You, a podcast for folks untangling trauma, disordered eating, people-pleasing, and the shame that’s been running the show for way too long. Hosted by somatic trauma therapist Sarah Herstich, this podcast blends nervous system tools, somatic healing, and no-BS real talk that makes healing actually make sense.

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Episodes

Mini Episode: What is Trauma Informed Yoga?

In this solo episode, trauma and EMDR therapist Abby Albright breaks down what trauma-informed yoga actually is and why it can be such a powerful support for healing. She explores how this gentle approach to movement creates space for choice, consent, and nervous system awareness, especially for those living with trauma. You’ll learn how trauma-informed yoga differs from traditional yoga classes, why it’s rooted in Polyvagal Theory, and how practices like grounding, breathwork, and mindful movem...

Jul 16, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 103

Mini Episode: 5 Ways Yoga Can Support Healing

In this mini episode, Abby gets personal, sharing how her journey from dance to yoga became a turning point in her own healing. She opens up about what it meant to shift from performance to presence, and how yoga helped her slow down, reconnect with her body, and build a foundation rooted in awareness and self-trust. You’ll hear reflections on the lessons she’s learned on the mat (and off), the power of starting with the basics, and why community matters just as much as the poses. Whether you’re...

Jul 03, 202514 minSeason 1Ep. 102

Therapy Isn’t Working… or Is It? 3 Reasons You Might Feel Stuck (Even If You’re Not)

You’ve been showing up to therapy. You’re naming your patterns, doing the work and still wondering: Why am I not feeling better? In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma and EMDR therapist Ashley Fox to explore why therapy can feel stagnant, confusing, or even discouraging at times and how those exact moments might reflect slow, meaningful change beneath the surface. Together, they unpack three reasons therapy might feel like it’s not working, including: Why insight isn’t the same as nervous s...

Jun 26, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 101

Why Self-Compassion Feels So Cringey

If the words “be kind to yourself” make you want to roll your eyes (or run) you’re not alone. For many trauma survivors, self-compassion doesn’t feel good. It feels awkward. Threatening. Even fake. In this episode, Sarah is joined by trauma therapist Erin Witmer for an honest conversation about what makes self-compassion so hard to access, and why the resistance itself is often a form of protection. Erin shares her personal and professional journey with softening toward herself, the early life m...

Jun 11, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 100

Hyper-Independent and Burnt Out? It’s Not Your Fault

If asking for help feels like a risk… If you pride yourself on being “the strong one”… If burnout sneaks up on you even when you're doing everything right, this episode is for you. Sarah and Abby are talking about the hidden costs of hyper-independence. They unpack how this survival strategy gets wired into your nervous system, why it often stems from trauma or emotional neglect, and how it can quietly erode your capacity for rest, trust, and connection. They explore: → Why over-functioning is o...

May 28, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 99

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 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 h...

May 21, 202539 minSeason 1Ep. 98

You Don't Need to Be Calm to Be Healing (and Other Nervous System Truths)

What if your anxiety, shutdown, or overwhelm aren’t signs of failure —but signs your body is finally healing? In this episode of Reclaim You , Sarah breaks down one of the most misunderstood ideas in trauma recovery: that nervous system regulation = being calm. (Spoiler: it doesn’t.) You’ll learn: Why calm isn’t always regulation—and why stillness can be a shutdown in disguise What dysregulation actually means in a trauma-informed framework How real healing builds nervous system flexibility , no...

May 14, 202511 minEp. 97

Feeling Numb, Floaty, or Shut Down? It Might Be Dissociation

Ever felt like you’re floating through life, watching it all happen from the outside? That might be dissociation—and no, it's not as scary as it sounds In this episode, Sarah and Casey unpack what dissociation really is (hint: it’s more common than you think). They explore how it shows up across a spectrum, from zoning out during conversations to feeling completely disconnected from your body—and why these responses make so much sense in the context of trauma. You'll hear: How dissociation funct...

May 07, 202533 minEp. 96

Mini Episode: The Grief of Emotional Neglect

What if the thing you're grieving never even happened? In this mini episode, Sarah explores the quiet ache of emotional neglect—the grief of what you didn’t get. No big event. No goodbye. Just an invisible heaviness that lingers. If you've ever felt sadness you can't explain, this one’s for you. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org . Be sure to comment, l...

Apr 30, 20257 minEp. 95

What Body Image Work Actually Looks Like with Heather Rudalavage

What if your body was never the problem? In this episode, Sarah sits down with Registered Dietitian, Heather Rudalavage for a real, unfiltered conversation about body image, intuitive eating, and the messy truth behind self-acceptance. Together, they unpack the unrealistic expectations we’re taught to have about our bodies, and explore what it actually looks like to build a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. They talk about: ✨ Letting go of “shoulds” around body size and health ✨ Ho...

Mar 26, 202533 minEp. 94

ADHD, Sober Curiosity & Healing from the Inside Out with Kri Gore LMFT

In this episode, Sarah and Kri Gore LMFT dive into ADHD, neurodivergence, and sober curiosity, exploring how societal norms shape our identities and what it takes to break free. They unpack the power of self-compassion, the impact of sensory overload, and how somatic practices can help you reconnect with your body. Takeaways: Why ADHD can make you feel different, and how to embrace it. The truth about sober curiosity (no labels, just exploration). How somatic practices support healing and emotio...

Mar 12, 202540 minEp. 93

Monthly Mindful Moment with Abby: Rest

Join Abby Albright , a trauma and EMDR therapist, each month for a mindful moment. This month's meditation is centered around rest. We trust that you'll use your discretion, listening and/or participating when you are safe (not driving) and distraction free. Feel free to download this episode to refer back to the meditation as you need. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www....

Mar 07, 20258 minEp. 92

Why Am I So Lonely? The Deeper Truth About Disconnection

In this episode, Sarah and Casey take a deep dive into loneliness—the kind that lingers even when you're surrounded by people. They explore how childhood experiences shape our sense of connection, why loneliness can sometimes feel protective, and why "just make friends" is the worst advice ever. Together, they unpack the emotional roots of isolation, the role of emotional attunement, and how understanding your loneliness can actually be a path to healing. Takeaways: Loneliness is about disconnec...

Mar 05, 202526 minSeason 2Ep. 38

Mini Episode: Redefining Self Care in Eating Disorder Recovery

In this mini episode, we get real about self-care in eating disorder. Not the bubble bath, surface-level version, but a deeper dive into reclaiming your worth and even the smallest sense of safety in your body. Join me as we unpack how eating disorder recovery is about challenging toxic beliefs and understanding the vital role our nervous system plays in coping. I share insights on finding those small, powerful moments of safety that pave the way for healing, trusting your body, and stepping int...

Feb 25, 20256 minSeason 2Ep. 37

Trauma Dumping, Misinformation & the Social Media Therapy Trap

Social media is full of trauma talk—but how much of it is actually helpful? In this episode, Sarah and Laura unpack the rise of ‘social media therapy,’ the dangers of misinformation, and why trauma healing requires more than just a viral post. If you’ve ever wondered, ‘Do I actually have trauma, or is this just life?’ this one’s for you. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www...

Feb 19, 202531 minSeason 2Ep. 36

The Pressure to Do More Is Exhausting. Let's Talk About it.

Let’s be real- life can feel like a lot . Between social media making us feel like we’re always falling behind, relationship struggles, and the never-ending pressure to be better , it’s no wonder we feel overwhelmed. In this episode, Sarah and Emily are digging into the weight of expectations. Where they come from, how they mess with our self-worth, and what we can actually do about it. We’ll talk about the sneaky ways societal standards shape how we see ourselves (spoiler: they’re mostly nonsen...

Feb 12, 202529 minSeason 2Ep. 35

Mini Episode: Signs of Childhood Emotional Neglect in Adulthood

In this episode, Sarah explores the often-overlooked impact of childhood emotional neglect- what happens when emotional needs go unmet. She unpacks the subtle signs, like difficulty identifying emotions, chronic anxiety, and hyper-independence, and explains how these patterns shape relationships and self-worth. She also dives into the science behind emotional neglect and shares practical insights on healing. Tune in to learn how recognizing, grieving, and validating your experiences can lead to ...

Jan 23, 202510 minSeason 2Ep. 34

Monthly Mindful Moment with Abby: Balance

Join Abby Albright , a trauma and EMDR therapist, each month for a mindful moment. This month's meditation is centered around balance. We trust that you'll use your discretion, listening and/or participating when you are safe (not driving) and distraction free. Feel free to download this episode to refer back to the meditation as you need. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://w...

Jan 17, 202511 minSeason 2Ep. 33

10 Ways to Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder

In this episode, Sarah and Ashley dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- what it is, how it shows up, and ways to cope. They unpack the symptoms and different types of SAD while offering practical tips like working on sleep hygiene, light therapy, better sleep habits, and when to seek extra support. Ashley normalizes the tough emotions that can come with SAD and shares ways to face the changing seasons with hope and proactive care. If winter blues feel familiar, this episode will leave you...

Jan 08, 202518 minSeason 2Ep. 32

18 Things To Do In 2025 Instead Of Going On A Diet

Happy 2025!! Today the entire team is here to share 18 things to do in 2025 instead of going on a diet. We know the lure toward dieting this time of year is strong, so if you're feeling pulled, we're sending you endless compassion and our unwavering belief that you are and your body are worthy of love, care, kindness and connection in the here and now, exactly as you are 🧡. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a ther...

Jan 01, 20258 minSeason 2Ep. 31

Mini Episode: 10 Signs of Post Traumatic Growth

On today's mini episode, Sarah shares about the concept of post-traumatic growth. She outlines ten signs of post-traumatic growth, highlighting the importance of inner strength, authentic connections, and self-compassion. Additionally, she introduces the five stages of post-traumatic growth. To read more about post traumatic growth, head to our blog post here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/blog/what-is-post-traumatic-growth Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn ...

Dec 19, 20248 minSeason 2Ep. 30

Finding Peace With Your Body- A Conversation With Johanna Kulp

Today, Sarah is joined by special guest Johanna Kulp, a therapist and author of the upcoming book "Finding Peace With Your Body: A Body Image Guide for Women." Johanna shares about her book, which aims to provide tools for women to reclaim their body image and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies and talks about the many complexities of body image. From her personal journey with an eating disorder to her professional insights as a therapist, Johanna truly embodies what it is like to...

Dec 18, 202435 minSeason 2Ep. 29

Laura Shares About Wisdom Practices

In this conversation, Sarah and Laura explore the intersection of spirituality and psychology, discussing the importance of reclaiming ancient wisdom practices and the three centers of knowing: intellectual, heart, and embodied. Laura shares about her journey through recovery, explains wisdom practices, the significance of joyful movement in recovery and the ripple effect of wisdom in personal and communal contexts. The discussion also touches on the challenges of modern life and the need for co...

Dec 13, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 28

Mini Episode: A Beginner’s Guide to Embodied Body Image Healing

On today's mini episode, Sarah discusses the limitations of traditional body image work and emphasizes the importance of understanding the nervous system's role in healing. She introduces practical approaches to body awareness and emotional regulation, advocating for gentle, mindful practices that respect individual boundaries and promote a healthier relationship with one's body. To listen to our library of meditations, head here: https://www.sarahherstichlcsw.com/reclaim-you-membership Thanks f...

Dec 03, 20246 minSeason 2Ep. 27

What To Say When- A Guide For Surviving Holiday Conversations

Join us for an essential guide to holiday gathering survival! Our entire team is here to unpack practical responses to dreaded comments and questions to support you in maintaining your peace of mind and protecting your recovery this holiday season. This episode tackles the delicate art of handling those tricky family conversations – from deflecting body image comments to navigating the dreaded "Why are you still single?" questions. Whether you're bracing for unsolicited advice or looking to set ...

Nov 27, 202427 minSeason 2Ep. 26

Family Dysfunction: What It Is and What To Do With It

Join hosts Sarah and Abby as they unpack the challenging terrain of family dysfunction and its often heightened impact during the holiday season. This episode explores how trauma shapes family systems, the lasting effects of shame and abandonment, and the vital role of healthy relationships in the healing journey. Abby shares practical wisdom for managing complex family dynamics and reminds listeners that healing isn't linear. Whether you're struggling with difficult family relationships or supp...

Nov 20, 202429 minSeason 2Ep. 25

Mini Episode: Why Positive Thinking Just Isn't Enough When it Comes to Body Image

Why is it so hard to heal your relationship with your body, even when you know all the right things to think and say? In this mini episode, we explore why positive affirmations and "just love yourself" advice often isn't enough, and how understanding your nervous system can transform your healing journey. We'll dive into: Why disconnection from your body served a purpose How your nervous system shapes your body story The three states that influence your body image What actually creates lasting c...

Nov 14, 20245 minSeason 1Ep. 24

5 Tips to Manage Election Week Anxiety

It's a big week here in the US. Today, Emily is sharing 5 quick tips to manage election week anxiety. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org . Be sure to comment, like and subscribe here, or on YouTube and come follow along on Instagram !...

Nov 05, 20244 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Halloween Special: Looking Behind The Masks We Wear

Happy Halloween! Today Sarah and Laura are sharing a Halloween episode, unpacking the masks that we wear. They explore the concept of masking in our daily lives, particularly in relation to mental health, neurodivergence, and societal expectations. They discuss the various masks people wear to fit in, the exhaustion that comes from constant masking, and the journey towards authenticity. The conversation also touches on the importance of therapy, parts work, and finding community to support indiv...

Oct 31, 202427 minSeason 2Ep. 22

Money Talk: Capitalism and Its Impact

On today's episode Sarah and Casey dive deep into how capitalism shapes our daily lives, mental health, and sense of self-worth. From the historical roots of Wall Street to the modern housing crisis, they unpack the often invisible ways our economic system impacts everything from basic needs to personal hobbies. Thanks for listening to Reclaim You with Reclaim Therapy ! To learn more about Reclaim Therapy and how to work with a therapist on the team, head to https://www.reclaimtherapy.org . Be s...

Oct 30, 202431 minSeason 1Ep. 22
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