It's Why I Do What I Do

Reflecting on My Interview: How It Felt to Make an Impact

I recently had the opportunity to talk about my work and my book, Resilient Wives: A Guide for Women Supporting Their Husbands Through Childhood Trauma Recovery, in a TV interview with Judi Moreo, and honestly, it was such a meaningful experience for me. I’ve done quite a few interviews, but this one felt special from the start. Judi opened up right away about how they had experienced relationship struggles due to trauma, and that really set the tone for an honest, heart-to-heart conversation.

As soon as we got going, I could feel we were going to dive deep. I chuckled a bit when the host stumbled over the title of my book—Resilient Wives is a bit of a mouthful! But that’s when I knew we were in for a real, human conversation, not just the typical Q&A. For me, that’s where the magic happens.

Talking Trauma: The Unseen Impact on Relationships

One of the biggest points I always want to make in conversations like these is how unresolved childhood trauma can show up in adult relationships. It's not something most people talk about or are even aware of. During the interview, I explained how the coping mechanisms people develop as kids—like keeping emotional distance or needing to control their environment—often carry over into their adult relationships. These patterns can create real challenges, but so many couples don’t realize what’s driving their struggles.

As I was sharing my story, I could see Judi really connecting with what I was saying. They asked how couples can recognize if trauma is playing a role in their relationship, and that’s where I brought up my own experience. I shared how, after 14 years of marriage, it took me ages to realize that my husband’s behavior—like pushing me away or reacting defensively over small things—wasn’t about me. It was about his unresolved trauma. It felt like the Judi really understood where I was coming from, and that made the conversation feel even more impactful.

Finding Hope in Healing

When the Judi asked if there was hope for couples dealing with trauma, I was so grateful to be able to say, "Yes, absolutely." Healing isn’t easy, but with the right tools and patience, couples can make real progress. I think that message resonated because the host shared that they had tried everything in their past relationship—counseling, communication tools—but nothing seemed to work. I know exactly what that feels like, and being able to tell them that there is a path forward felt incredibly important.

We talked a lot about recognizing triggers and learning to communicate differently. I explained how identifying the specific triggers that set off a trauma response can help couples stop the endless cycle of conflict. The host seemed to really get it, and I think we both knew that this conversation was going to resonate with a lot of people who’ve felt stuck in similar patterns.

Breaking Through the Silence

One of the biggest questions I get from women is, "How do I get my husband to open up about his trauma?" And the truth is, you can’t force anyone to open up—but you can create a safe space. I shared how important it is to understand that many times, the anger or defensiveness from their partner isn’t about the current situation. It’s about something much deeper. The host reflected on their own experiences, sharing how they, too, had felt the confusion of being on the receiving end of those reactions without understanding why. I think that was a powerful moment for both of us, because we were really getting to the heart of why this work matters so much.

The Importance of Self-Care for the Spouse

Something I’m always passionate about is making sure that the women supporting their partners through trauma are taking care of themselves, too. It’s so easy to lose yourself when you’re constantly trying to help someone else heal. I was able to share how, in my program, a huge part of the process is getting women to reconnect with their own joy and passions. I always tell them, “You deserve to have fun again. You don’t have to be in survival mode all the time.” I could see Judi really responding to that, which made me feel like I was making an impact in real-time.

Wrapping Up with Gratitude

As the interview came to a close, I felt such a deep sense of gratitude. Judi had opened up about their own past relationship and how they wished they’d had these tools years ago. I could feel how personal the conversation had become, and that’s what I love most about what I do—connecting on a real, human level. I left the interview feeling so thankful that I get to share this message with people who need it, and I was reminded once again why I’m so passionate about this work.

For anyone out there struggling in a relationship where trauma is part of the equation, I want them to know they’re not alone. There’s hope, there’s healing, and it’s absolutely possible to reclaim both your relationship and your own happiness.

Check out the full interview "What's My Story" with Judi Moreo. CLICK HERE.