Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/   Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching   In this episode, Brad and Kayleen unpack why compassion is not “soft” work, but a core pillar of PTSD recovery. They show how shifting from judgment to understanding—first toward yourself, then toward others—creates the internal safety your brain needs to heal from trauma. You’ll hear real stories about family dynamics, difficult parents, and moments of feeling like a “bad mom” or “bad partner,” and how compassion helped reframe those beliefs. Instead of seeing yourself as broken or beyond repair, you’ll learn to see your reactions as a natural response to pain and trauma, not evidence that something is wrong with you. Brad and Kayleen also explore the difference between compassion and condoning harmful behavior. They talk about boundaries, ongoing abuse, forgiveness, and why the work always starts with you—not the other person changing. By the end, you’ll have a practical, grounded way to bring warmth, understanding, and self-respect into your healing journey.   💡 What You’ll Learn Why compassion is a turning point in PTSD recovery and not a weakness How seeing yourself from a different perspective reduces shame and self-hate The difference between understanding someone’s behavior and excusing abuse How compassion supports forgiveness without abandoning your own needs Why PTSD is a normal, protective response to trauma—not proof that you’re broken How to talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a loved one or even your dog Why healing must start with self-compassion before extending it to others How compassion makes it easier to set and hold healthy boundaries Simple ways to let emotions move through the body because “feeling is healing” 🧠 Key Takeaway You are not broken—PTSD is a natural response to trauma, and when you meet yourself with compassion instead of judgment, real healing finally becomes possible.   🔗 Next Steps Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive. To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.   CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching 00:36 Starting the Week with Excitement 00:59 The Importance of Compassion 02:43 Personal Anecdotes on Compassion 04:05 Understanding Others' Perspectives 07:13 The Wave: A Lesson in Human Behavior 16:42 Self-Compassion and Healing 23:00 Normalizing PTSD Responses 32:13 Embracing Emotions for Healing 32:33 Q&A Session Begins 32:46 Upcoming Topics and Schedule 33:56 The Power of Self-Talk and Apologies 36:19 Forgiving Yourself and Healing Relationships 44:33 Setting Boundaries and Self-Compassion 59:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • self compassion for trauma survivors • PTSD and self forgiveness • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • PTSD triggers and reactions • healing family trauma • boundaries and PTSD • gaslighting and emotional abuse recovery • sobriety and PTSD • grief processing after trauma • inner child healing • protectors and parts work • letting go of shame • recovery mindset • feeling is healing • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching