Trauma, Tea, and Tangents

Healing Touch: Sex, Trauma, and the Journey Back

This week on Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, we’re pouring a strong cup and diving headfirst into one of the most avoided yet deeply important conversations: sex and sexual trauma. Sex is often cloaked in silence—especially when trauma is involved—but we’re here to unpack the many faces of sexual trauma, how it shows up in our lives, and most importantly, how we can begin to heal from it.
Joining us for this raw and real convo is Esme Valette, licensed sex therapist and fierce advocate for trauma-informed sex education. Esme opens up about her experience working with survivors, the practical tactics she uses with clients, and how to reclaim intimacy at your own pace. Expect wisdom, vulnerability, and a few healing tangents along the way.
✨ Want more of Esme? Follow her on IG & TikTok: @therapy_with_esme
💛 Looking for trauma therapy in Pennsylvania? Hannah and her team at Revive Therapy Services are here to support you. Learn more at revivetherapyservices.com or follow along on IG & TikTok: @revivetherapyservices

Let’s Get Honest about Adoption... The Good, Bad, and Everything in-between

This week on Trauma, Tea, and Tangents, we’re diving into the often-ignored reality of adoption trauma—because being “chosen” doesn’t cancel out birth trauma, identity confusion, or attachment wounds. Tisheila Justice, LCSW, joins us to unpack how early childhood development, attachment theory, and the loss of cultural identity deeply impact our ability to feel safe, connected, and emotionally regulated as adults.
We’re calling out the “resilient kid” myth, breaking down what real healing looks like, and getting honest about what adoptees actually need to thrive. If you've ever felt like something was missing but couldn’t name it—this one's for you.
Episode’s out now! Grab your tea and hit play.
Learn more about Tisheila and her work at growthandwellnessmhc.comFollow her on IG and TikTok: @tisheilajustice
Wanna work with Hannah and her trauma therapy team? You gotta be a PA resident—check us out at revivetherapyservices.com or follow along on TikTok & IG @revivetherapyservices.

Change Isn’t Magic — It’s Mindset (and a Little Bit of Chaos)

In this episode, I'm joined by the badass confidence creator herself, Sam Pillsbury, and let’s just say — we go all in on what it actually takes to create real change (spoiler: it’s not just manifesting and good vibes).
We dive deep into the messy, uncomfortable, and very real journey of shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance one. We talk about why change feels so damn hard, how sneaky self-sabotage shows up when you're leveling up, and why building your "trust muscle" (yep, that’s a thing) is the secret weapon you didn't know you needed.
Sam and I also get real about moving cities, career pivots, embracing the unknown, and trusting your intuition — even when you have no f*cking clue what’s next. Because sometimes not having a plan is exactly the plan.
If you’re craving permission to be messy, to start small, and to believe that change is happening even when it feels like nothing is working — this one's for you.
Wanna get that discount for To Be Magnetic? Use Sam's Promo code: SAMANTHA
CONNECT WITH SAM:✨ Find Sam on IG and TikTok @sampills.co
✨ Check out her work at Sampills.co
✨ Sign up for Sam's Newsletter using this link: http://sampills.com/tangents
CONNECT WITH Hannah✨ Find Hannah on IG and TikTok @revivetherapyservices✨ Check out her therapy practice's info at revivetherapyservices.com
WANT TO WORK WITH HANNAH?💬 If you’re in Pennsylvania and ready to work through trauma, anxiety, or big life transitions with someone who gets it, book a free consult in seconds here: https://www.revivetherapyservices.com/book-a-consult
 

Intrusive as Hell: The OCD Experience

OCD isn’t just about being “neat” or “a little anxious.” It can feel like your brain is holding you hostage with relentless, intrusive thoughts no one talks about out loud.
In this episode, I sit down with Brittany Webb from Better Minds Counseling (@bettermindscounseling on IG) bettermindscounseling-services.com to dive into the unfiltered truth about OCD. We explore how it can parallel trauma in the nervous system—and the ways it’s totally its own beast.
This is the episode for anyone who’s felt misunderstood, exhausted, or ashamed of what their mind throws at them.
If you’re in PA and looking for a therapist who actually gets trauma, check out revivetherapyservices.com or connect with me on IG/TikTok @revivetherapyservices.Don’t keep this convo in the dark—listen, share, and start unlearning the shame.

Should Your Therapist Be in Therapy? (Spoiler: Yes.)

Let’s be honest—if your therapist hasn’t been to therapy, that’s a red flag the size of a weighted blanket. In this episode, Hannah talks with Erin Kelly, LCSW, who’s done actual research on why therapists need to do their own inner work (and what can go sideways if they don’t).
They get into the nitty gritty of what happens when unprocessed junk seeps into the therapy room, why “just breathing through it” isn’t enough, and how you can tell if your therapist is walking the walk—or just handing out mindfulness worksheets like candy.
This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever wondered, “Umm… who’s your therapist?” 
🔗 Need a therapist who actually does the work? Book a free consult (PA residents only):www.revivetherapyservices.com/book-a-consult
🌿 Stalk Erin (respectfully) and learn more about her work at:www.elementalselfinstitute.com
 

CPTSD or ADHD? Or Both? (You're Not Crazy)

 
CPTSD or ADHD? Or Both? (You're Not Crazy)Is it trauma? Is it neurodivergence? Or is it just your brain throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks? In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into the messy overlap between CPTSD and ADHD—why they can look freakishly similar, how to tell the difference (hint: it's not your Google search history), and why either way, you’re not broken or lazy or "too much." You’re human. You’re brilliant. And no, you’re not crazy.
Get ready for spicy validation, zero shame, and some light dragging of the mental health system. Let’s sort through the chaos together—and if this hits home, share it with someone else who needs to hear it, or leave a review to help more people feel less alone.
And hey—if you’re in Pennsylvania and want to go deeper, you can work directly with me or one of the incredible trauma therapists on my team. Book a free consult at revivetherapyservices.com/book-a-consult. You don’t have to untangle all of this alone.

Dating Without Losing Your Mind: A Therapist & Dating Coach Tell All

Let’s be real—dating can feel like a rollercoaster designed by someone who definitely skipped their own therapy sessions. In this kickoff episode, Hannah teams up with seasoned dating coach Brin to get honest about the messy, beautiful chaos of modern dating.
We’re unpacking:
The truth about loneliness (and why it doesn’t mean there’s something “wrong” with you)
How being single is completely normal (and not some problem to fix)
Reframing past relationship experiences without spiraling
Finding expanders—those people who show you what’s actually possible
Somatic tips to keep your nervous system chill on first dates (no more sweaty panic!)
Whether you’re single, dating, or deep in situationship limbo, this episode serves up compassionate, no-nonsense insights to help you stay grounded—and maybe even enjoy the ride.
Want support while you’re navigating dating, relationships, or trauma?If you live in Pennsylvania, Hannah and her team would love to work with you. Schedule a free consult call in seconds: https://www.revivetherapyservices.com/book-a-consult
Wanna learn more about the work Hannah does?Follow her on TikTok & Instagram @revivetherapyservices and check out her website: https://www.revivetherapyservices.com
Want to work with Brin?Follow her on IG & TikTok @mudderbrin or connect with her on her website: https://www.mudderbrin.com