Description

💛 Welcome to the Room to Bloom Podcast, a space dedicated to compassionate conversations about trauma, healing through faith, and tools that support the nervous system.

In this episode, host Julie Rebboah sits down with Rachel Powell of Hope Speaker (https://www.hopespeaker.com), a survivor of childhood trauma, a widow, an advocate for suicide prevention, and a passionate voice for widowed parents seeking hope and stability for their children. Rachel shares her powerful story of navigating grief, rebuilding life after loss, and embracing whole-self healing through both biblical wisdom and practical support.

Together we explore the effects of trauma, how the body keeps score, and why somatic therapies such as breathwork, mindfulness, and other body-based practices (ones aligned with the Christian worldview) can play a crucial role in emotional healing. Rachel explains how understanding her own nervous system responses helped her shift from fear to peace, and why the Christian community must speak more openly about mental health, therapy, and the importance of safe relationships.

We also discuss misconceptions in the church surrounding these healing tools, emphasizing that science and faith are not opposites — they complement one another beautifully when we consider how God designed the whole person. Rachel offers heartfelt insight into supporting children through trauma, creating safety at home, and recognizing when a therapy-based approach can help a child heal with resilience and compassion.

🌼 Free Resource for Anxiety & Overwhelm:

🎧 Biblical Breathwork Track — “When Anxiety Strikes”

https://from-bud-to-bloom-ministry.kit.com/914a7abc7c

🌱 Key Takeaways

1. Healing is most effective when we combine both top-down approaches like CBT with bottom-up practices that support the nervous system.
2. Somatic therapies can be deeply compatible with Christian faith and help restore safety, connection, and emotional grounding.
3. Children facing major life stressors, including grief or trauma, often benefit from therapy and supportive relationships that validate their experiences.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Rachel Powell's Journey

01:42 — Understanding Trauma and Healing

02:22 — The Importance of Nervous System Regulation

03:42 — Exploring Somatic Therapies

04:46 — The Role of Breath Work in Healing

05:25 — Navigating Hypervigilance and Anxiety

06:43 — The Intersection of Faith and Healing

08:07 — Healing Through Relationships

09:50 — Creating Safe Spaces for Healing

11:37 — Supporting Children Through Trauma

13:46 — The Role of Therapy in Childhood Trauma

15:01 — Encouragement and Resources for Widows

🌐 Connect with Rachel

Website: https://www.hopespeaker.com

🛑 Important Support Information

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress and needs immediate support, call the 988 Lifeline (United States). You are not alone. 💛

⚠️ Disclaimer

This podcast is for educational and spiritual encouragement only and is not intended as a substitute for medical or mental health care. Please seek professional support as needed.

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