Trauma, Soul, and Second Chances: What Healing Really Requires in Midlife

What if the path to healing trauma isn’t just psychological—but soulful, relational, and deeply human?

In this profound episode of Midlife Strategies for Badass Women, Sue Willoughby sits down with trauma psychologist, author, and Soulwise Solutions founder Dr. Kirsten Viola-Harrison for a conversation that bridges science, spirituality, trauma, and compassion in a way few are brave enough to explore.

With over 35 years of experience working with complex PTSD, dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiencers, Dr. Harrison shares how her personal life—including profound loss, caregiving, and an unexpected relationship with an unhoused, intersex woman named Sean/a—reshaped everything she thought she knew about healing, resilience, and consciousness.

Together, Sue and Dr. Harrison explore how trauma fragments the human experience, why healing must involve dignity and relationship, and what happens when we take a chance on people society has written off. From near-death experiences to equine-assisted healing, from homelessness to authorship, this episode is a masterclass in compassion-led transformation

This conversation is for women in midlife who sense there is more—more meaning, more nuance, more possibility—and are ready to expand how they understand trauma, identity, and the human spirit.

Connect with Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison
Website: https://soulwisesolutions.com/
Book: I, Sean/a: The Story of A Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired A Community https://a.co/d/fy0nH9g

Chapters
[00:00:00] January pod-curious Q&A; launch 2026
[00:00:48] Midlife Strategies intro; Sue’s mission
[00:01:27] Guest bio: trauma meets spirituality
[00:03:01] Why trauma? Personal path and losses
[00:09:04] Energy, horses, and Soulwise approach
[00:14:01] Meeting Shauna; identity, community, care
[00:21:32] Travel, book idea, intersex advocacy
[00:30:09] Belonging, etiquette, and perspective-taking
[00:35:05] Current focus, spirituality, research, resources

FOLLOW and CONNECT with Sue
Website - https://www.willoughbycoaching.com/
Facebook -   / willoughbycoaching  
Instagram -   / sue_willoughby  
Linkedin -   / suewilloughby  

Thanks to my amazing Producer and Editor Jess Grace Garcia (they/them) of Springwood Productions. https://www.springwoodproductions.com/

If you want to start your own podcast feel free to reach out to us. Jess and I would love to help you on your journey to sharing your story and passion.

#LifeWorthBeing #Transformation #LifeCoach #Women #Empowerment #PersonalGrowth #InnerStrength #PurposefulLiving #MidlifeTransformation #Mindfulness #Mindset #SelfDiscovery #WomenEmpowerment #midlifestrategies

🔥 Welcome to Midlife Strategies for Badass Women 🔥

I’m Sue Willoughby—Badass Midlife Strategist, life coach, and your partner in breaking rules, rewriting the script, and thriving unapologetically after 40.

This channel is for women who are DONE playing small. If you’re ready to ditch the “shoulds,” reclaim your power, and live a bold, joyful, purpose-driven life—you’re in the right place.

Each week, you’ll get real talk, raw stories, and badass strategies to help you:
✨ Smash through self-doubt and limitations
✨ Reclaim your confidence and clarity
✨ Build resilience and embrace reinvention
✨ Create a midlife that feels authentic, aligned, and f*cking powerful

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. A community of women who are tired of waiting and ready to step into their next-level life, unapologetically.

👉 Hit subscribe and turn on the bell so you never miss an episode. Let’s rise, rebel, and reinvent midlife—together.