Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In today’s Mindset Bootcamp session, Brad and Kayleen break down “positive vs negative inputs” and how shifting perspective changes your lived experience with PTSD. You’ll learn why our brains default to negativity, how to retrain that bias, and how to build an “automatic positive mind” without ignoring real pain.
They share practical stories—from running in the rain like a Rocky montage to turning a heated argument into a breakthrough using The Power of Positive Thinking. You’ll see how awareness plus tiny daily shifts compound into neuroplastic change within weeks.
This is not toxic positivity. It’s truthful optimism: acknowledging hard realities while deliberately choosing a helpful angle that fuels action, healing, and connection. By the end, you’ll have simple tools to catch negative self-talk, counterweight it with positives, and curate inputs that support recovery.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Identify and interrupt automatic negative thoughts in the momentUse the seven-to-one counterweight to rebalance negative thinkingBuild an “automatic positive mind” through daily micro-shiftsDifferentiate toxic positivity from truthful optimism rooted in realityLeverage awareness of self-talk as the master skill for changeReframe tough symptoms like nightmares into signals and opportunitiesCurate external inputs (media, people, environments) to support healingPractice relaxed action to reduce perfectionism and overwhelmApply perspective shifts that make hard tasks feel motivating and doable
🧠 Key Takeaway
You don’t ignore the pain—you choose the perspective that helps you heal.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.
To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
00:36 Mindset Bootcamp Week: Positive and Negative Thinking
01:46 Transforming Short-Term Discomfort into Long-Term Pleasure
04:06 The Power of Perspective in Overcoming Challenges
05:40 Developing an Automatic Positive Mind
08:34 The Importance of Positive Self-Talk
12:13 Building a Positive Mindset Through Awareness
16:14 Practical Exercises for Positive Thinking
19:41 The Weight of Negativity vs. Positivity
23:47 Action Steps for a Positive Life
28:44 Understanding Different Perspectives
29:12 True Positivity vs. Fake Positivity
30:32 Toxic Positivity Defined
31:35 Balancing Positivity and Acceptance
33:19 Maintaining Sobriety Through Recovery
35:01 Overcoming Resistance in Transformation
37:58 Empowering Self-Reflection and Problem Solving
41:30 The Power of Believing in Yourself
44:30 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
46:35 The Importance of Asking the Right Questions
49:19 Human Potential and Achievements
51:02 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • positive thinking for PTSD • cognitive reframing • self-talk habits • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • neuroplasticity • truthful optimism vs toxic positivity • mindset bootcamp • recovery routines • gratitude practice • thought awareness • external inputs audit • relaxed action • overcoming perfectionism • coping with nightmares • trauma coping tools • resilience building • sobriety support in recovery

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In today’s Mindset Bootcamp Session 3, Brad and Kayleen teach one of the most overlooked yet foundational pillars of PTSD recovery — awareness. Without awareness, change is impossible. With it, every transformation becomes achievable.
You’ll learn how to separate yourself from your thoughts, emotions, and actions — to become the observer rather than the one consumed by them. Through this lens, awareness becomes power: power to understand, to influence, and to change.
They’ll walk you through the four areas of awareness — mind, body, actions, and triggers — showing you how to identify unconscious patterns and reactions that keep trauma survivors stuck. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize what’s controlling you and reclaim that control through simple, daily mindfulness practices.
Whether you’re new to trauma work or rebuilding deeper layers of self-understanding, this session gives you tools to become conscious, calm, and in charge of your healing.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Understand why awareness is the foundation of PTSD recovery
Learn to separate yourself from your thoughts, emotions, and actions
Identify the four key areas of awareness: mind, body, actions, and triggers
Use mindfulness to observe and calm your nervous system
Discover how physical tension mirrors mental and emotional stress
Recognize unconscious behaviors and build self-control
Map your internal and external triggers — and create a plan for them
Replace automatic reactions with intentional responses
Build awareness routines that strengthen your self-regulation daily
🧠 Key Takeaway
You can’t change what you’re not aware of — awareness is the moment you take back control.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.
To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome and Mindset Bootcamp Day 303:22 Why Awareness Is the Foundation of Change08:45 You Are Not Your Thoughts, Emotions, or Actions16:10 The Role of the Observer in Healing21:35 Four Areas of Awareness Explained27:40 Awareness of Mind: Watching Your Thoughts35:18 Meditation and Journaling for Self-Observation41:55 Awareness of Body: The Doorway to Emotion50:02 Releasing Physical Tension and Building Mind-Body Connection58:40 Awareness of Actions: Choosing Growth Over Avoidance1:08:30 Awareness of Triggers and How to Respond, Not React1:18:10 Building General Awareness Through Daily Mindfulness1:25:40 The “What Am I Thinking, Feeling, Doing?” Practice1:34:00 Q&A: Triggers, Guilt, and Short-Term Discomfort1:45:20 Tomorrow’s Topic: Positive vs Negative Thinking
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • awareness training • mindfulness for PTSD • trauma coping tools • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma triggers • conscious living • behavioral awareness • self-observation • body awareness • mind-body connection • recovery mindset • overcoming trauma responses • self-regulation skills • trauma-informed self-growth

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In today’s Mindset Bootcamp session, Brad and Kayleen tackle the misunderstood but essential foundation of recovery: self-love and self-worth. If the phrase “self-love” makes you cringe, you’ll get a practical, no-fluff framework that reframes it as self-respect, responsibility, and becoming your own best friend.
You’ll learn the “Hurt Me vs True Me” perspective that stops spiral-thinking and explains why trauma-driven reactions had a positive intent to protect you—even when they caused damage. That clarity opens the door to compassion without letting you off the hook for repair and growth.
Finally, you’ll get simple exercises to identify innate, untouchable reasons you’re worthy, upgrade your self-talk, and set healthy boundaries. Expect grounded tools, not platitudes, so you can feel better about yourself and actually act differently.
💡 What You’ll Learn
See the difference between your Hurt Self and your True Self
Identify intrinsic qualities that prove your worth cannot be taken away
Balance “not my fault” with “my responsibility” to repair and grow
Use compassionate self-talk that reduces shame and calms triggers
Practice a quick perspective shift to stop self-attack in the moment
Define self-care as what serves you long term, not short-term numbing
Set boundaries around projection while checking your side of the street
Create daily micro-wins that build self-respect and momentum
Start a simple list-and-feel exercise to emotionally anchor self-worth
🧠 Key Takeaway
You didn’t choose the pain, but you can choose the perspective—compassion for the hurt parts, responsibility for the change, and friendship with your True Self.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.
To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome and Mindset Bootcamp Day 202:11 Why “self-love” feels cringey—and a better definition06:38 Hurt Me vs True Me framework14:20 Positive intent behind trauma reactions19:05 Not your fault vs your responsibility25:44 Self-care that serves long-term you30:12 Becoming your own best friend (self-talk examples)36:18 The “innate worth” exercise42:10 Boundaries and dealing with projection48:55 Q&A: sleep setbacks, guilt when feeling good, processing memories56:30 Action item and what’s next: Awareness, Thinking, Beliefs
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • self-love • self-worth • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • mindset bootcamp • self-talk • cognitive restructuring • boundaries and projection • responsibility vs fault • repairing relationships after triggers • trauma-informed self-care • intrinsic self-worth • EMDR-style bilateral processing • daily routines for PTSD • overcoming shame • becoming your own best friend

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In today’s Mindset Bootcamp kickoff, Brad and Kayleen dive deep into the first and most important pillar of PTSD recovery—commitment. This isn’t about half-hearted effort or “trying” to heal; it’s about deciding that you’ll do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, until full recovery is your reality.
You’ll learn how to build the foundation of a recovery mindset that doesn’t rely on motivation or perfect conditions. Through the concepts of pain and pleasure, you’ll uncover why you may not have fully committed in the past—and how to rewire your brain to make healing both emotionally compelling and non-negotiable.
By the end, you’ll have a concrete action step: writing and signing your own Commitment Contract—a personal declaration that holds you accountable to your recovery, your growth, and your future self.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Why commitment is the foundation of PTSD recovery
How to define commitment as action, not just intention
The “pain and pleasure” model that drives (or blocks) healing
How to find your true why for recovery that keeps you going
The difference between saying you’ll heal and actually doing it
How to stay accountable when no one else is watching
Why you must commit to yourself—not anyone else
A simple structure to write your own commitment contract
How to love “the lag” between your effort and results
🧠 Key TakeawayCommitment means doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes—no matter what—to fully recover.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.
To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome and Mindset Bootcamp Week Kickoff04:45 Why Mindset is the Foundation of PTSD Recovery10:22 The True Meaning of Commitment18:40 Why “Doing” Matters More Than “Saying”25:18 Pain vs Pleasure: The Hidden Psychology Behind Action32:40 The Commitment Contract Exercise Explained41:00 How to Make Your Commitment Personal and Real49:15 Facing Self-Doubt and Hesitation in Recovery55:10 How to Love the Lag Between Action and Results1:03:40 Q&A: Nightmares, Setbacks, and Belief Building1:13:50 Action Step: Write, Sign, and Post Your Commitment Contract
Topics Covered:PTSD recovery • trauma healing • mindset for PTSD • commitment psychology • self-discipline after trauma • nervous system regulation • trauma mindset training • recovery motivation • accountability and healing • emotional regulation • cognitive restructuring • overcoming limiting beliefs • trauma coping tools • self-responsibility • pain and pleasure psychology • healing habits

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
Overview:In this episode, Brad and Kayleen teach two of the most effective tools from The Art of Trauma Relief for calming your nervous system, stopping flashbacks, and gaining control fast — the Butterfly Hug and the Bogart Visualization.
You’ll learn how to use the Butterfly Hug to stimulate both hemispheres of your brain, balance your emotions in real time, and quickly lower anxiety or panic. Then, Brad and Kayleen explain how the Bogart Visualization — inspired by the Harry Potter series — helps you turn frightening memories or recurring visual flashbacks into something laughable and powerless. These two tools form the foundation of trauma relief: they help you stay grounded, process emotions safely, and regain control when triggers strike.
What You’ll Learn:Brad shares how bilateral stimulation mimics REM sleep to help the brain naturally process memories, while Kayleen demonstrates multiple variations of the Butterfly Hug you can use anywhere — including discreet tapping, foot flexing, or even eye movement. You’ll also discover how pairing the Butterfly Hug with deep breathing or visualization amplifies its power, and how to use the Bogart exercise to break repetitive mental loops through humor and creativity.
These techniques work together to help your brain reprocess emotional memories safely, build confidence under stress, and restore a sense of calm control.
Key Takeaway:Releasing emotion isn’t losing control — it’s regaining it. When you can safely feel and reframe your emotional responses, your brain can finally process trauma instead of suppressing it.
Next Steps:Subscribe to the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive to get new sessions every weekday. To work directly with Brad, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation.
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching00:36 Starting the Session: Recovery Toolbox Tools01:25 The Butterfly Hug Technique02:29 Scientific Basis and Variations of the Butterfly Hug06:51 Practical Applications and Pairing with Other Tools14:36 Introduction to the Bogart Visualization Exercise17:47 Defeating the Bogar with Laughter18:09 Making Memories Ridiculous18:47 Changing Details for Control19:32 Creative Visualization Techniques21:03 Building the Muscle of Control24:00 The Power of Laughter28:59 Mindset Bootcamp Announcement32:15 Final Thoughts and Action Items
 
Topics Covered:PTSD recovery • trauma healing • Butterfly Hug technique • bilateral stimulation • Bogart visualization • trauma relief tools • emotional regulation • anxiety and flashbacks • calming the nervous system • mind–body connection • safe emotional release • trauma processing • deep breathing and grounding • nervous system regulation • reprocessing memories • humor and healing • trauma coping skills • Brad Schipke coaching • Overcoming PTSD podcast • Recovery Secrets Series

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
#12 Relationship Damage Control: How to Stop PTSD Fights Before They Start | Recovery Secrets Series
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kayleen dive deep into one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of trauma recovery — how to stop relationship damage before it happens.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in repeated fights, emotional spirals, or painful disconnection in your relationship… this episode will change how you see conflict forever.
Brad and Kayleen share their personal story of transforming a reactive, trauma-driven relationship into one built on calm, communication, and emotional awareness — including the “lettuce in the sink” moment that revealed how triggers from the past hijack the present.
You’ll learn the three steps to stop fights before they start, how to handle triggers (yours and theirs), and why true healing in relationships begins with taking responsibility for your own emotions.
💡 What You’ll Learn
The truth about PTSD and relationship dynamics
Why 80–90% of relationship work is individual, not mutual
How to recognize emotional escalation before it happens
Why triggers are “the past made present” — and how to stop reacting
The “pause and step back” method for instant damage control
What to say when emotions are high (and what NOT to say)
How to hold boundaries when your partner is triggered
Why healing your trauma changes the entire relationship dynamic
What to do when the other person won’t calm down
How journaling and reflection can replace reactive communication
🧠 Key Takeaway
You can’t fix your relationship by fixing your partner.You fix it by healing yourself — and showing up as your whole, regulated self.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation 
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching00:36 Starting the First Session on Relationships01:06 Understanding Relationship Damage Control01:59 Individual Work in Relationships06:21 Triggers and Emotional Responses09:59 Steps to Prevent Relationship Damage19:10 Managing Emotions and Communication29:02 Q&A and Practical Advice31:24 The Power of Walking Away32:09 Maintaining Relationships Without Escalation33:03 Focusing on Self-Improvement33:16 Handling Family Dynamics33:54 Strategies for Relationship Improvement34:51 Dealing with Emotional Triggers35:22 Journaling as a Tool for Emotional Release36:11 The Importance of Self-Responsibility39:18 Using Humor to Deescalate Situations40:01 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care51:23 Leading by Example with Teenagers56:03 The Role of Interdependence in Relationships58:52 Overcoming Self-Sabotage01:01:12 Upcoming Tools and Exercises01:01:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
Topics Covered
PTSD relationships • trauma recovery • emotional triggers • conflict resolution • emotional regulation • trauma communication skills • self-awareness in relationships • relationship damage control • stopping fights before they start • nervous system regulation • healing as a couple • trauma and codependency • setting healthy boundaries • emotional intelligence • relationship healing after trauma • Overcoming PTSD • Brad Schipke • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • trauma-informed relationships • emotional safety and calm communication

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
#11 Releasing Inner Emotion: How to Let Go Safely and Regain Control | Recovery Secrets Series
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kayleen reveal one of the most foundational skills for trauma recovery — learning how to safely release the emotional pressure that’s been trapped inside for years.
If you’ve ever felt like your emotions are bottled up, heavy, or “too much to handle,” this session will show you how to let them out safely, intentionally, and under control — not in chaos or reactivity.
Using the now-famous “shaken soda bottle” analogy, Brad and Kayleen explain how emotions build up pressure internally, why simply “venting” or “exploding” doesn’t help, and how to gradually release emotions without losing control.
This is one of the core tools that makes deeper trauma processing possible — and it’s the step most people miss when they get stuck.
💡 What You’ll Learn
The soda bottle analogy for understanding emotional buildup
How to release emotions without being overwhelmed or reactive
The connection between body tension and emotional pressure
Why awareness of where emotions live in your body is the first step
How to safely “crack the cap” and release emotion little by little
The importance of self-talk and safety tools during emotional release
What beliefs and judgments stop people from expressing emotion
Why releasing is a skill you build over time, not a one-time event
🧠 Key Takeaway
Releasing emotion isn’t losing control — it’s regaining it.When you can feel safely, your body and brain can finally process trauma instead of suppressing it.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes from the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.To go deeper or work with Brad directly, visit go.overcomingptsd.com/consultation.
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching00:36 Foundational Topic: Releasing Inner Emotion02:20 The Soda Bottle Analogy for Emotions07:47 Practical Steps to Release Emotions Safely10:23 Understanding the Mind-Body Connection15:27 Building the Skill of Emotional Release27:29 Q&A: Addressing Specific Trauma Events31:11 Processing Past Emotions31:34 Dealing with New Emotions31:52 Understanding Trauma Processing32:44 Struggling with Anger and Frustration34:01 The Impact of Substance Use on Emotions35:07 Managing Triggers and Emotional Outbursts36:29 Releasing Emotions and Relationship Damage Control37:15 Tools for Emotional Awareness and Processing41:13 The Importance of Awareness in Healing50:53 Energy Management and Overcoming Resistance59:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • releasing emotion safely • emotional regulation • trauma processing foundations • mind–body connection • body tension and emotion • emotional awareness • safe expression of feelings • self-talk for healing • recovery toolbox tools • nervous system regulation • emotional control and confidence • trauma release techniques • repressed emotion • PTSD triggers • trauma recovery skills • Brad Schipke coaching • Overcoming PTSD podcast • Recovery Secrets Series
 

Struggling with PTSD and ready to FULLY recover? Join my recovery program here (costs less than a single therapy session): https://www.skool.com/brokentounbreakable
 
In this episode, Brad and Kayleen break down how to optimize your daily routines for recovery success. You’ll learn how to identify what’s working, what’s not, and how to make small, smart tweaks that help you reach your goals faster. Whether it’s your morning, evening, or healing routine, this session shows how to align your habits with your desired emotional state — calm, focused, and ready for life.
You’ll also discover the importance of defining your routine’s core goal, how to avoid “cowboy optimization” (changing too much too fast), and the mindset shifts that make optimization sustainable. Brad and Kayleen share real-life examples from their own routines, including how to remove resistance, manage internal dialogue, and design environments that make consistency easy.
💡 What You’ll Learn
The three questions that make routine optimization simple
How to define the goal of your routine so it’s measurable
“Cowboy Optimization”: when to change everything vs. one variable at a time
Internal vs. external variables — actions, environment, and mindset
How to optimize your routines for calm, energy, and sustainability
What to do when life changes (contingency routines)
The self-talk habits that support consistency and progress
🧠 Key Takeaway
Optimization isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress.When you design your routines around clear goals and simple improvements, you create sustainable habits that make healing automatic.
🔗 Next Steps
Subscribe for new weekday episodes in the Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching archive.To go deeper or coach directly with Brad, visit go.overcomingptsd.com/consultation 
 
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching00:36 Welcome and Routine Optimization Overview01:13 Defining and Setting Goals for Routines01:53 Steps to Optimize Your Routine03:33 Personalizing Your Morning Routine07:41 Sustainability and Contingency Planning10:53 Internal and External Factors in Routines23:37 Building Up Your Routine Gradually24:22 The Power of Positive Self-Talk25:26 Influence of External Environment27:09 Taking Control of Your Environment27:47 Reflecting and Optimizing Routines29:26 Decluttering and Organizing Tips33:02 Overcoming Overwhelm and Self-Doubt39:00 Embracing the Journey and Challenges42:18 Empowerment and Final Thoughts
 
Topics Covered
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • routine optimization • morning routines • evening routines • healing routines • sustainable habits • habit stacking • goal setting for recovery • environment design • emotional regulation • self-talk and mindset • cognitive restructuring • cowboy optimization • independent healing • calm and focus • nervous system regulation • trauma recovery tools • Brad Schipke coaching • Overcoming PTSD podcast • Recovery Secrets Series