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 walk you step-by-step through how to turn affirmations from something that feels cheesy or pointless into a practical, daily tool that actually supports PTSD and trauma recovery. Instead of using random “blog post affirmations,” they show you how to build statements that are personal, emotionally meaningful, and powerful for your specific healing journey. You’ll hear the simple affirmation formula they use with clients: belief + reference + feeling. Brad and Kayleen break down what each part means, why it matters for a trauma-impacted brain, and how to use it to reshape core beliefs like “I’m not capable,” “I don’t deserve love,” or “I’m too broken.” They also talk about the difference between discomfort and pain, and why feeling “foreign” or awkward as you practice is actually a sign of progress. Brad then shares how he and Kayleen built affirmations into their own routines, including a 90-day challenge, morning and evening journaling, and how those practices helped shift their self-talk long term. They also explore what to do when guilt, shame, or fear show up as you start feeling better about yourself, and how to connect this work with deeper processing tools like introspective healing and protectors. By the end, you’ll have a clear, simple plan to start—whether that’s one affirmation a day or a full 90-day practice—and a realistic picture of how consistent affirmations can support nervous system regulation, belief change, and long-term recovery from PTSD and trauma. 💡 What You’ll Learn How affirmations actually work in the brain and why they can support PTSD recovery The exact formula for crafting powerful affirmations: belief + reference + feeling Why generic “blog post affirmations” often feel empty and how to make them personal How to attach real emotion and vivid visualization to your affirmations A simple 90-day affirmation challenge you can plug into your morning and evening routine How to turn a single phrase into a core belief you reinforce every day The difference between discomfort and pain while doing this work (and what to do with each) How to handle guilt or uneasiness when you start feeling good about yourself after trauma How affirmations connect with processing tools like introspective healing and protectors 🧠 Key Takeaway Affirmations only become powerful when they’re personal, backed by real experiences, and felt emotionally—belief + reference + feeling is what rewires trauma-driven thoughts. 🔗 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 Daily Recovery Coaching Call 00:53 Recap and Building on Previous Sessions 01:54 The Power of Affirmations 03:48 Crafting Effective Affirmations 05:21 Personal Experiences with Affirmations 08:12 Building Affirmations into Your Routine 16:48 90-Day Affirmation Challenge 26:44 The Affirmation Formula 31:20 Reflecting on Personal Achievements 31:55 Connecting Emotions to Achievements 32:34 Reinforcing Affirmations with References 34:46 Daily Affirmation Practice 36:46 Embracing Mistakes and Growth 37:26 Using References for Self-Love 41:21 Upcoming Sessions and Q&A 55:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Topics Covered: PTSD recovery • trauma healing • PTSD affirmations • trauma affirmations that work • changing core trauma beliefs • emotional regulation after trauma • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • self-talk for PTSD • daily recovery habits • morning routine for PTSD healing • evening routine for trauma recovery • introspec