You Can't Self-Help Your Way Out of Trauma: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci

Full Episode Page: You Can’t Self-Help Your Way Out of Trauma

Host Kelly Berry invites Dr. Gabrielle Pelicci to demystify healing from trauma. They explore how the nervous system stores pain, why authenticity supercharges recovery, and how writing turns shame into purpose. Dr. Gabby shares her plant-medicine insights, seasonal “emotional detox” rituals, and the creative practices that finally ended her panic attacks. If you’ve wondered whether podcasts, books, or breathwork move the needle, this candid chat delivers the aha moment your body has been asking for.

Find Out

• How trauma healing begins in the body, not the mind
• What makes “I’m fine” the worst mantra for recovery
• Why authenticity accelerates nervous-system repair
• How creativity transforms pain into purpose
• When seasonal emotional detox keeps stress from piling up

Links

• GabriellePelicci.com
• All This Healing Is Killing Me
• The Last Ceremony
• Dr. Gabby on Instagram
• Dr. Gabby on LinkedIn

Chapters
02:27 The illusion of perfection and its cost to emotional health
05:14 Healing from trauma vs. hiding behind “I’m fine”
08:01 Authentic living as the foundation for trauma recovery
10:53 Understanding trauma through the holistic health lens
13:26 How the body stores trauma and supports healing
16:01 Why trauma is cumulative and often unconscious
19:04 Big T vs. Little T trauma and their effect on the nervous system
21:36 Processing emotions—the missing link in mental health
25:52 The gap in trauma-informed holistic care
39:20 Creativity as medicine: writing and nature
48:29 Why creative thinking leads to authentic living

Life Intended is a podcast and coaching platform for women who are ready to stop waiting and start leading. Co-hosted by Kelly Berry and Sadie Wackett, each episode explores self-leadership, identity, emotional wellness, and living with intention.

About Kelly Berry
Kelly Berry is a strategic business leader, coach, and founder of Life Intended. She helps women build clarity, confidence, and alignment in life and work. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband American entrepreneur Nick Berry and daughter Vivienne. Her life is a testament to the power of resilience and intention.
🔗 kellyberry.info | @lifeintendedpodcast

About Sadie Wackett
Sadie Wackett is a C-suite HR executive, certified coach, and co-founder of Life Intended. She supports women through leadership transitions, self-trust, and personal transformation. Sadie is originally from the UK and now lives in South Florida with her husband, daughter and dog, Pickles.
🔗 sadiewackett.com | LinkedIn

Life Intended is published in partnership with FCG...