Episode 7: Navigating the Holidays with Childhood Trauma- Triggers, Tools and Boundaries

✨ Show Notes — Episode 6: Surviving the Season: Navigating the Holidays with Childhood Trauma

Host: Caitlin Weese, LCSW-C

Practice: Intuitive Healing & Wellness

Website: www.intuitivehealingandwellness.net

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Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore why the holidays can feel overwhelming, heavy, or downright triggering for adults who grew up with childhood trauma. We talk about the nervous system, attachment wounds, emotional flashbacks, boundary-setting, people-pleasing patterns, and how to take care of yourself when “being home” doesn’t feel safe. You’ll also learn trauma-informed coping strategies and tools to help you navigate family dynamics with more clarity, confidence, and regulation.

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What You’ll Learn

• Why the holidays activate old trauma responses

• How emotional flashbacks show up during family gatherings

• Signs your nervous system is in survival mode

• How to set boundaries that actually stick

• What to do when guilt or pressure from family shows up

• Ways to support yourself before, during, and after holiday events

• Mindbody strategies from EMDR, Polyvagal Theory, and IFS

• How to create your own “holiday plan” rooted in safety + self-compassion

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Key Takeaways

• You don’t have to earn your rest or peace—especially during the holidays.

• It’s normal to feel triggered around people who were part of your trauma.

• Your inner child needs reassurance, not judgment.

• Boundaries are acts of self-protection, not punishment.

• Regulation before conversation—always.

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Tools Mentioned

• Grounding tools for holiday gatherings

• Polyvagal-informed regulation tips

• IFS parts work prompts

• A quick “exit strategy” plan for tough family dynamics

• Holiday boundary scripts to reduce anxiety

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Links & Resources

Learn more about trauma therapy, EMDR, or working together:

👉 www.intuitivehealingandwellness.net

Follow on Instagram:

👉 @millennnialcyclebreaker

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Work With Caitlin

I specialize in trauma therapy for millennial women, EMDR, and trauma-informed yoga. If you’re ready to heal your nervous system and break cycles, you can connect with me and explore services at:

www.intuitivehealingandwellness.net

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If You Enjoyed This Episode

Please rate, review, and share the show—it helps other cycle breakers find this work.