sexual abuse – The Healing Place Podcast

Michael Skinner on Healing Childhood Trauma, Music & The Lunchbox Theory

By thehealingplacepodcast | July 31, 2026

Feeling blessed to welcome back Michael Skinner, author, musician, and advocate. Please join us as we discuss:

how music connects and heals us
his personal journey with childhood trauma and abuse
his book The Lunchbox Theory: Lessons Learned from Trauma and Abuse
writing as a cathartic release
EMDR and somatic therapies
dissociation as a coping skill
nature and music as tools to heal
and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Deezer, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

**Michael Skinner**

Michael Skinner is an award-winning advocate, educator, writer, and critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and guitarist, who addresses trauma, abuse, and mental health concerns through public speaking, writing, and his music. He has worked with organizations nationwide to address the stigma of mental health and to end the silence around child abuse and suicide. Michael is the founder and director of the Surviving Spirit, a monthly newsletter and website sharing resources to help those affected by trauma, abuse, and mental health challenges.

Website: https://www.mskinnermusic.com/

Teri’s Amazon Storefront can be found here .

Teri’s #1 best-selling books and #1 new-release book can be found here.

Teri’s inspirational audiobook productions can be found here.

Teri’s monthly newsletter can be found here.

Teri’s book launch team can be found here.

Teri Wellbrock and Unicorn Shadows are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In other words, I make commission off of purchases made using any affiliate links on my site.

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Cindy Benezra – Bringing Awareness to the Impact of Sexual Trauma

By thehealingplacepodcast | October 24, 2025

Blessed to have had the opportunity to engage in this empowering conversation on the dark subject of childhood sexual abuse with advocate, author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and speaker, Cindy Benezra. Please join us as we discuss:

her personal story of childhood sexual abuse with her father as the perpetrator
her insights on how to heal and persevere
her philosophies on healing ourselves
the Cindy Talks blog
her memoir Under the Orange Blossoms
and so much more!

Bio:

**Cindy Benezra**

*Behind the accomplished author, speaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate is* *a sexual abuse victim that is passionate about bringing awareness to the impact of* *sexual trauma through meaningful conversations and system-changing discussions.* *Known for her strength and compassion, Cindy Benezra bravely faces the sensitive topic* *with courage and resilience, having a deep and personal understanding of how sexual* *abuse affects every aspect of a person’s life and a genuine care for those who have* *walked a similar path. She is well versed on and speaks to the many different avenues* *for healing from trauma since she put in years of therapy and uncovered countless self-help techniques.*

*Her charge is to break the chains of trauma while also breaking the cycle it can create.* *Her hope is to reveal the truth as well as the path to forgiveness, healing and freedom.*

*Website: https://cindytalks.com/*

*Social media links:*

https://www.instagram.com/cindybenezra/

https://x.com/CindyBenezra111

https://www.tiktok.com/@cindybenezra1?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/@CindyBenezra

Teri’s #1 best-selling books and #1 new-release book can be found here.

Teri’s inspirational audiobook productions can be found here.

Teri’s monthly newsletter can be found here.

Teri’s book launch team can be found here.

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Babs Walters – Supporting and Empowering Family Secret Keepers

By thehealingplacepodcast | November 8, 2024

Let’s chat about your financial health here: https://teriwellbrock.com/request-a-quote/

Happy to have had to opportunity to finally sit down with Babs Walters, author and motivational speaker. Please join us as we discuss:

Babs’ insights on childhood sexual abuse, particularly incest
her personal story of triumph
her work to empower family secret keepers
her book Facing the Jaguar: A Memoir of Courage and Confrontation
and so much more!

Welcome to The Healing Place Podcast! I am your host, Teri Wellbrock. You can listen in on Pandora, iTunes, Blubrry, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Deezer, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more, or directly on my website at www.teriwellbrock.com/podcasts/. You can also catch our insightful interview on YouTube.

Bio:

**Babs Walters**

As an author and motivational speaker, I work to raise the voices of the family secret keepers. As a survivor of child sexual abuse and domestic violence, I know firsthand how critical it is to break the silence. I am on a mission to help other survivors shine a light into the dark places where secrets grow into deep shame. By turning up the volume and turning off the shame, we can return to our true selves. We are not what happened to us—we are the meaning and purpose we give to what happened to us. My story is not for everyone, but for those who need it, I hear you. I see you. It happened to me too.

*Website: https://babswalters.com/*

Teri’s #1 book as a new-release in the Aging Parents category:

https://a.co/d/5m1j2Kr

Teri’s audiobooks:

https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Teri+Wellbrock&ref=a_pd_The-Be_c1_narrator_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=B7A6GV5QNZFF621RXWP4&pageLoadId=lXhpwTs0D4YwhCM8&creativeId=16015ba4-2e2d-4ae3-93c5-e937781a25cd

Teri’s monthly newsletter:

https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Donna Jenson – Telling Is Healing

By thehealingplacepodcast | June 28, 2024

I am back!!!

Here is the link I promised to share: https://teriwellbrock.com/request-a-quote/

I always enjoy laughing and diving deep with today’s guest, Donna Jenson, founder of Time to Tell, author, and so much more. Please join us as we discuss:

Donna’s writing workshops
her Telling is Healing documentary film
her empowering book Healing My Life – From Incest to Joy
Writing circles, leadership retreats, and collage exhibits
and so much more!

Bio:

Donna began her healing journey from the trauma of childhood incest in 1980 in her early thirties. Along that journey, she has embraced many healing therapies and artistic expressions as well as built a family of choice to make her life worth living. She came of age within the women’s liberation movement in the 1970s helping to build three grassroots women’s centers. Jenson is keenly aware of the healing aspect of activism – the empowerment of standing up for the social change of one’s own issue. By 1998 she understood that breaking the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse was key in eradicating the epidemic. Her mission is to do all she can to spark stories from lives affected by incest and sexual abuse to be told and heard. Along with leading writing circles for survivors, she wrote a book, Healing My Life from Incest to Joy, a play, What She Knows, and produced a documentary Telling Is Healing. She also coaches survivors to reach their goals and realize their visions.

Website: https://www.timetotell.org/

Teri’s #1 book as a new-release in the Aging Parents category:

https://a.co/d/5m1j2Kr

Teri’s audiobooks:

Teri’s monthly newsletter:

https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Teri’s book launch team:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Amanda Blackwood – Human Trafficking: The Kidnapping Scenario is a Myth

By thehealingplacepodcast | January 19, 2024

After a two-month hiatus for a grief journey, I’m back!! Here is the link I promised to share in the mid-episode conversation with Scott Summers: https://teriwellbrock.com/request-a-quote/

I appeared flabbergasted throughout this powerful conversation with Amanda Blackwood, survivor of human trafficking, accomplished artist and author, public speaker, podcast host, and trauma recovery mentor, because I was! Please join us as we discuss:

the inspiration behind her work as a trauma recovery mentor
her powerful story of survival through THREE human trafficking journeys
her insights on the media and myths
empowerment processes
and so much more!

Bio:

*From Mess to Messenger: Overcoming human trafficking was no small miracle.*

Amanda Blackwood is a survivor of human trafficking who is now an accomplished artist and author, public speaker, podcast host, and trauma recovery mentor. Despite the numerous challenges she faced, she was able to emerge stronger with the help of her faith. Amanda has shared her story on various platforms such as international summits and radio programs, and has published over a dozen books. Her two main podcast seek to provide insights into healing from trauma. Always looking for a way to help, a portion of every book Amanda sells will go to help fight human trafficking. Amanda lives in Denver, Colorado with her rescue cats and supportive husband who keep her sane.

Website: https://growthfromdarkness.com/

Peace,

Teri

Teri’s #1 best-selling book:

https://a.co/d/5m1j2Kr

Teri’s audiobooks:

Teri’s monthly newsletter:

https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Teri’s book launch team:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Claire O’Leary – Empowered Voice Traveling Exhibit & Voices Heard E-Zine

By thehealingplacepodcast | April 21, 2023

I’m excited to share with you this empowering interview with Claire O’Leary, speaker, mentor, and advocate. Please join us as we discuss:

Claire’s e-zine Voices Heard
her insights on childhood sexual abuse
her personal journey from trauma to triumph
how Empowered Voices Traveling Exhibit came to be and the mission of her healing work
and so much more!

Bio:

“Founder of The Empowered Voice and Voices Heard, Claire O’Leary is a survivor of incest. She created Voices Heard as a safe space for survivors of sexual abuse to share their story so they can shatter the silence of their sexual abuse. Sharing their story empowers survivors to become more confident, feel comfortable in their skin, and be seen and heard. She is shattering the silence of sexual abuse one voice at a time.

Sharing their story empowers survivors to become more confident, feel comfortable in their skin, and be seen and heard. She is the founder of the Empowered Voice Traveling Exhibit, which showcases the stories of sexual abuse survivors, as well as the Voices Heard interactive e-Zine that empowers sexual abuse survivors to shatter their silence thereby healing not only themselves but also others.

Through her Creativity Unleashed program she encourages survivors to unearth/nourish/engage their creativity through expressive arts including visual art, poetry, movement.

Claire’s mission is to lower the average age a CSA (child sexual abuse) suvirvor discloses their abuse from age 18.

Claire shares her own story as a Speaker, Mentor, and Advocate. She is also a Reiki Master and artist, She lives in Colorado with her husband and enjoys being a mother and grandmother to her adorable grandson. She’s an avid reader, meditates and dances her heart out any time she can.”

Find Claire on Facebook, and Instagram.

Website: https://www.empoweredvoicetravelingexhibit.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Anna Ditchburn – World’s Best Trauma Recovery & Life Optimization Coach

By thehealingplacepodcast | October 21, 2022

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful conversation with Anna Ditchburn, World’s Best Life Optimization Coach and host of the World’s Best Trauma Recovery Podcast! Please join us as we discuss:

Anna’s personal story of triumph over trauma
her insights on recovery from sexual abuse
her philosophies regarding the power contained within sharing our stories
the motivation behind her “world’s best” motto
and so much more!

Bio:

“At the age of 15, my stepfather started what ended up being six years of systemic sexual abuse, threatening me and my family’s lives if I ever revealed my torturous secret to anyone.

I fell pregnant twice because of his abuse and then was forced into two illegal abortions to hide his heinous crimes.

After escaping his evil clutches when I was 21, his legacy continued to haunt me after experiencing 16 consecutive miscarriages, including two ectopic pregnancies – one that nearly killed me in 2019, as one of the abortions was botched and had damaged my reproductive system.

I spent 20 years of my life living in anger, guilt, shame and fear because I didn’t have the confidence, courage, and self-belief to say what had happened to me as a young girl.

I was a workaholic, a people-pleaser, trying to keep the peace, seeking approval from others, saying YES when I wanted to say NO, afraid to make a mistake, procrastinating and worrying about what others think of me.

On the surface, I looked like I have it all together, but inside I was relentlessly beating myself up for every single mistake and frustrated that life wasn’t going my way.

I wasted a lot of energy and time on narcissistic and toxic relationships, in which I put their needs above, and then resent them for it. I would blame myself for their moods and bad behaviour. I was trying hard to prove myself, to dress better, behave better, and love them more, so I can make them happy.

One of the most powerful things I ever learned was that we can’t control anyone or anything else around us. The only thing in our power to change is ourselves.

I now reclaimed my power, freed myself from the tether of tyranny, shame and anger, and made it my life’s purpose to help others to live the life of their dreams.

Imagine what your life will look like a year from now if you take back control of the power that was stripped away?”

Website: https://annaditchburn.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Latarsha Haughton – Are You Ready to Transform Your Pain into Purpose by Breaking Your Silence?

By thehealingplacepodcast | September 16, 2022

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to learn from Latarsha Haughton, author, transformational life coach, and founder of Breaking the Silence Healing the Pain. Please join us as we discuss:

Latarsha’s insights on breaking your silence in order to transform your pain
her book, Breaking the Silence
her personal story of triumph over trauma
her philosophies on faith as a healing catalyst
and so much more!

Bio:

“HI, I’M LATARSHA HAUGHTON

Founder of Breaking the Silence Healing the Pain, I endured decades of trauma – including sexual and emotional abuse. With the help of God, prayer, and trauma-informed therapy after 30 years, I broke my silence. Today, I’ve transformed that pain into purpose, and now I create community for other survivors.

My entrepreneurial work includes this transformational life coaching practice, guiding people as they release wounds and embrace their power. I also serve as CEO of an assisted living community in Baltimore, We Care First Assisted Living, LLC.

I currently sit on the board of directors at Women and Warriors on Route to Higher Heights Ministries (W.O.R.T.H.H.) and Journey to Joy Ministries, where I’ve received training in prayer ministry and abuse recovery. I hold an award for “Choosing to Live” from The Standing Still Alliance, an organization focused on domestic violence advocacy and awareness.

I believe that remaining committed to studying biblical principles and rooting my ministries in the compassionate love of Christ is the key to my success as a transformational life coach. I currently reside in Tampa, Florida with my husband and my son.“

https://www.latarshahaughton.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Luis Mojica – Holistic Life Navigation: Self-Inquiry, Somatic Experiencing, and Nutrition for Healing

By thehealingplacepodcast | August 19, 2022

One of my favorite conversations to date, not only because Luis Mojica, Somatic therapist, nutritionist, and founder of Holistic Life Navigation, radiates beautiful calming energy, but his brilliant insights had me enthralled. Please join us as we discuss:

Luis’ insights on the four trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn
his creation of Holistic Life Navigation as a healing resource
an explanation of how our bodies communicate with us in order to guide us to healing
his philosophies on somatic healing strategies
and so much more!

Bio:

“Luis Mojica was suffering from severe PTSD & several chronic medical illnesses when he discovered a connection to his body through music when he was 16. His journey into listening and connecting to his body began there and, after years of studying and training, has become a unique trauma therapy that combines Somatic Experiencing, nutrition, and self-inquiry. He calls it Holistic Life Navigation.“

https://www.holisticlifenavigation.com/

Peace,

Teri

Hope for Healing Newsletter: https://us18.campaign-archive.com/?u=8265f971343b0f411b871aba1&id=1352bd63df

Book Launch Team: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unicornshadows

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Karen Hinton – Empowering Women in the Penis Politics Arena and Beyond

By thehealingplacepodcast | July 8, 2022

I was thrilled with the opportunity to engage in this thought-provoking and powerful conversation with Karen Hinton, formal journalist, political operative, seasoned media professional, and author. Please join us as we discuss:

Karen’s insights on empowering women and honoring one another’s truths
her personal journey through a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, and recovery
her work in the political arena and personal experience with “penis politics: women, men & power”
her philosophies on writing as a tool for recovery
and so much more!

Bio:

“Mississippi native Karen Hinton is a nationally-recognized media professional in Washington and New York. Best known for her role as press secretary to both former Housing Secretary Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Hinton played what Politico dubbed the “Helen of Troy role” in the clash between Cuomo, now the former Governor of New York, and Mayor de Blasio. The New York Times called the clash “one of America’s ugliest political feuds.” The Wall Street Journal lauded “the wisdom she dispensed in a Southern twang” in dealing with the strutting and chest pounding of New York’s two most powerful leaders.

Hinton cut her teeth as the press secretary for the first Black Congressman from Mississippi since Reconstruction in 1986. The Democratic National Committee hired her in 1989, serving a similar role for Ron Brown, who was the first Black Chairman of the DNC and a key political strategist to elect Bill Clinton as President. In 1995, Hinton joined the Clinton Administration as press secretary for Cuomo at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. During that time, President Clinton began to face charges of womanizing (and worse). When Clinton’s defenders tried to dismiss the women as “trailer park trash” and “bimbos,” Hinton went public with her own story about Clinton asking for a night of sex when he was Governor of Arkansas and she was a young Democratic campaign aide in Mississippi. The revelation resulted in Hinton being eased out of her senior administration position, one of the events which sparked her interest in giving a name to “penis politics”. Hinton later relocated to New York and became Mayor de Blasio’s press secretary. She found herself at the center of the crossfire between longtime frenemies Cuomo and de Blasio, often becoming the subject of news coverage herself.

Known for never ducking a fight, Hinton was at the peak of her career when a catastrophic brain injury from a freak accident confronted her with the battle of her life. Emerging from a coma, learning to walk and talk again, Hinton was determined to “speak up, not shut up” on issues involving women, men and power in politics.

Hinton regularly contributes guest columns to the New York Daily News and other publications, focusing on the topics of #MeToo, sexual harassment in politics and skewering big oil, big banks and other bullies whenever possible.

Earlier in her career, Hinton was a journalist in Mississippi and Colorado, a cocktail waitress in Aspen and a high school teacher in Mississippi. Forty-five years after she left her small town in Mississippi (population 434?), Karen was ranked as one of the 50 most powerful people in New York public relations. She ascribes her success to ignoring the advice a boy in high school inscribed in her yearbook: “Karen, we love you, but would you please shut up!”

Connect with Karen:

penis-politics.com