147 From Trauma to Trust: Britt Piper on Somatic Healing, Survival, and Finding Love Again

147 From Trauma to Trust: Britt Piper on Somatic Healing, Survival, and Finding Love Again

 

What happens when the pain you’ve been running from becomes the very thing that sets you free? In this moving episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with somatic therapist and author Britt Piper to explore the transformative journey from trauma to healing. Britt shares her deeply personal story—of childhood abandonment, sexual assault, addiction, and eventual redemption—and how somatic therapy became the missing piece in her healing puzzle. Together, they dismantle the silence around pain, trauma, and recovery, while offering tangible tools to begin reconnecting with your body, your story, and your truth.

If you've ever felt like healing was out of reach or wondered if you'd ever be able to trust again—this conversation is your permission slip to begin.

Can We Ever Fully Heal From Trauma We Don’t Remember?

Britt answers this by redefining what healing actually looks like—and how the body always remembers, even when the mind does not.

00:01:13) Who Am I Without My Title? Britt’s Story Begins

     Britt shares how she’s choosing to define herself by her humanity, not her job.

     She opens up about being a survivor of complex trauma—and why authenticity matters now more than ever.

     Introduces somatic therapy and how it differs from traditional talk therapy.

     Describes the moment she realized trauma was stored in her body, not just her mind.

(00:05:50) Early Trauma, Numbing, and Rock Bottom in a Jail Cell

     Britt reflects on growing up in a household that ignored pain and buried emotion.

     She recounts the series of self-destructive behaviors that led to hospitalization and arrest.

     Shares how a judge’s unexpected words became a turning point: “You need to learn how to live with your pain.”
Describes the raw, detox-like physical process of emotional release while in jail.

(00:13:55) The Healing Power of Somatics: Britt’s Transformation

     Britt explains how somatic experiencing changed her life—and how she got off meds as a result.

     She began training with pioneers like Dr. Peter Levine and launched her own trauma recovery program.

     Her book, Body First Healing, offers a blend of science and memoir to make trauma healing accessible.
Emphasizes the body’s ability to heal when we stop bypassing it.

(00:17:30) Trust, Attachment & Finding Love After Trauma

     How Britt learned to trust again and build a relationship after abuse.

     She explores attachment styles and how her marriage helped her rewire old trauma.

     Her husband’s wisdom: “You need to learn to love yourself more than you love me.”
Somatic tools for navigating relationships with grace, even when triggers arise.

(00:24:55) Inner Child Work, Co-Regulation & Somatic Love Language

     Britt breaks down “parts work” and how our younger selves show up in adult relationships.

     The science behind co-regulation and why calm nervous systems heal together.

     How to track body cues (like tightening or softening) to determine if something is a “yes.”
The role of touch, consent, and boundary mapping in relational healing.

(00:26:48) Healing From Sexual Assault: Where to Start

     Why healing ≠ justice—and why survivors should never be pressured to report.

     Tools for reclaiming agency: from choosing how to share your story to developing a “support plan.”

     The Now What Workbook: Britt’s free guide to navigating life after sexual trauma.

     Key reminder: “You don’t need to relive it to heal it.”

(00:33:52) Motherhood, Panic Attacks & Intergenerational Healing

     How becoming a mom triggered Britt’s own unresolved early childhood trauma.

     The emotional and physical signals that led her to understand her anxiety differently.

     A profound airport moment helped her connect the dots—and opened the door to deeper healing with her own mother.
Insight into “body memory” and why what you don’t consciously recall can still affect you.

00:41:23) The Body Keeps the Score—Even If You Don’t Remember

     Britt explains how trauma gets stored in muscle memory and procedural patterns.

     Symptoms like TMJ, migraines, fatigue, and gut issues may all stem from unresolved trauma.

     Relearning the body’s language is the first step toward reclaiming power.

     The difference between implicit memory and narrative memory in trauma recovery.

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

Timeline Longevity | Timeline is offering 10% off your first order of Mitopure. Go to timeline.com/TBS

 

Guest Info:

     Website: bodyfirsthealing.com

     Instagram: @britt.piper


Resources:

     Order: The Big Silence Memoir audiobook

     Book: Body First Healing

     Program: The Body First Healing Program (6-month guided somatic healing)

Workbook: The Now What Workbook (free resource for survivors)

Leave a comment

This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

ABOUT THE SHOW

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS PODCASTS BY ENTREPRENEUR

The Big Silence Podcast with host Karena Dawn is a top-rated self-development and mental health podcast, named in “8 Best Mental Health and Wellness Podcasts to Learn the Latest Science in Nutrition, Fitness and Mental Wellness,” and with episodes ranking in the top 10 in the USA for mental health, and top 40 in the USA for health and wellness.

The Big Silence is a motivational podcast that aims to normalize conversations around mental health and empower people to turn their challenges into triumphs. Hosted by Karena Dawn – mental health advocate, wellness entrepreneur, founder of Tone It Up, and New York Times bestselling author.

LISTEN NOW

SHOP MERCH

Start a cConversation in your The Big Silence apparel! All proceeds benefit our work to destigmatize mental health. Join the movement!

READ THE MEMOIR

Founder Karena Dawn shares her personal story in The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing, shining a light on the eternal struggle we all share—how to move past the pain and suffering of our personal battles to experience life’s joys. 

CREATE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE

From spending the day with Karena and Bobby to 1:1 virtual meditations, we’re offering unique, fun experiences for your generous donation!