Connecting to Cope: A Woman’s Journey of Healing Behind Bars and Passion for Justice Reform with Ranae Van Roekel (Episode #141)

Dr. Lynn Hellerstein of Vision Beyond Sight speaks with Ranae Van Roekel, founder of Connecting to Cope, trauma informed coach, justice reform advocate, and caregiver coach, to talk about her journey of healing from being a felon behind bars that led to her passion for justice reform. She shares her story with the hope of helping others heal from their trauma, utilize self-care and coping strategies, and avoid the consequences and impact of unresolved trauma. Turning herself in is just the start of her recovery. Ranae shares how to find safety in healing behind bars through peer advocates, and the different programs and therapies like CBT and EMDR that helped her discover who she was and how to be herself. By building the program Connecting to Cope (named after her dog!), Ranae now advocates for reforms in the justice system that prioritizes restoration, not destruction, and lowering the rate of recidivism. She helps people cope with post-incarceration syndrome, and emphasizes the need for programs in schools with high-risk demographics. Ranae is here to make you realize that, “You are not the worst thing you ever did and not the best thing you ever did. You are a culmination of everything you’ve done in your life.” Dr. Lynn Hellerstein, Developmental Optometrist, co-owner of Hellerstein & Brenner Vision Center, P.C., award-winning author and international speaker, holds powerful and inspiring conversations with her guests in the areas of health, wellness, education, sports and psychology. They share their inspirational stories of healing and transformation through their vision expansion. Vision Beyond Sight Podcast will help you see with clarity, gain courage and confidence. Welcome to Vision Beyond Sight! Also available on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Audible and Stitcher.