Overcoming PTSD with Brad Schipke

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching session, Brad and Kayleen walk you through a full, in-depth processing tool called “Challenging Beliefs.” Instead of starting with heavy emotions, this tool begins from a logical place so you can gently examine the beliefs that trauma created about yourself, your healing, and the world around you.
You’ll learn the “belief cycle” and how it silently runs your life: beliefs drive actions, actions create experiences, experiences shape your thoughts, and those thoughts reinforce your beliefs. Brad and Kayleen show how this loop can either keep PTSD symptoms stuck in place or become the engine that moves you toward full recovery.
Using simple metaphors like the “belief table,” they guide you step-by-step through breaking old trauma beliefs (like “healing isn’t possible” or “I’m broken”) and constructing new, empowering beliefs with strong “legs” underneath them. You’ll also get a practical worksheet so you can sit down, write it out, and actually rewire the way your brain interprets past experiences.
Throughout the episode, they emphasize that belief work is both logical and emotional. As you challenge old references, emotions may rise—and that’s not a problem, that’s progress. When you pair this belief tool with emotional release tools like the Butterfly Hug and consistent healing routines, you’re no longer just hoping healing is possible… you’re actively building the mindset that makes it inevitable.
 
💡 What You’ll Learn
How the belief cycle works and why your core trauma beliefs quietly control your daily actions
The “table and legs” metaphor for understanding how PTSD beliefs are built and maintained
How to identify negative trauma beliefs like “healing is impossible” or “I’m not good enough”
A structured process to put your old beliefs “on trial” and poke logical holes in them
How to transform a negative belief into a powerful new one using the Disconfirm & Swap method
How to build strong references (legs) that support your new belief that healing from PTSD is possible
How to use the belief worksheet and affirmations to reinforce new neural pathways in your brain
Why emotions can surface during belief work and how to safely process them with tools like the Butterfly Hug
How to weave this challenging-beliefs tool into a daily healing routine for long-term PTSD recovery
 
🧠 Key Takeaway
If you can change the way you interpret your past, you can change the beliefs that shape your future—and that’s how PTSD recovery becomes possible, step by step.
 
🔗 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 Welcome to the Live Session
00:49 Today's Focus: Processing Tool
01:08 Engagement and Interaction
01:41 Diving into the Processing Tool
06:31 The Importance of Beliefs
08:23 The Belief Cycle Explained
15:36 Challenging Negative Beliefs
39:57 Weakening Negative Beliefs
40:03 Personal Experiences with PTSD
40:49 Challenging Long-Held Beliefs
43:29 Constructing Positive Beliefs
49:57 Worksheet Walkthrough
59:26 Q&A and Final Thoughts
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • challenging beliefs • PTSD beliefs • limiting beliefs after trauma • belief cycle and PTSD • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • cognitive restructuring for trauma • changing negative self-talk • “healing is impossible” belief • complex PTSD recovery • anxiety relief tools • Butterfly Hug technique • EMDR and CBT alternatives • trauma-informed coaching • recovery mindset • daily healing routine • affirmations for PTSD healing • overcoming hopelessness after trauma • reprogramming subconscious beliefs • self-worth after trauma • logical and emotional processing tools

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad breaks down why most trauma survivors struggle to stick with routines, even when they’re highly motivated and “know what to do.” Instead of forcing massive life overhauls, he walks you through a calm, practical way to create habits that actually last in the middle of PTSD, stress, and real life.
You’ll learn how willpower really works, why it feels so limited during trauma recovery, and how to protect it from getting drained by stress, decisions, and unhealthy patterns. Brad explains the “habit equation” in simple terms so you can see exactly how negative patterns were formed in your brain—and how to begin rewiring them on purpose.
He also shares how to stack habits slowly and strategically, so you’re no longer trying to change everything at once and then crashing back into old behaviors. Along the way, Brad reframes triggers and “bad days” as powerful opportunities to heal deeper instead of evidence that you’re failing.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how to design your environment, your decisions, and your routines so that your default habits start moving you toward peace, stability, and long-term PTSD recovery.
 
💡 What You’ll Learn
How to stop “all or nothing” routines that burn you out in PTSD recovery
Why small 1% changes over time beat massive life overhauls for trauma survivors
How willpower actually works and why it feels so limited when you’re healing trauma
The simple habit equation Brad uses to explain how negative patterns get wired in
How to weaken old trauma-based habits and strengthen new healing ones in your brain
How to stack habits one at a time so they become automatic instead of exhausting
Practical ways to design your environment so the “right” choice becomes the easy choice
How to handle bad days, anxiety, and triggers without losing your progress
Why triggers can be seen as opportunities to process and release buried trauma
 
🧠 Key Takeaway
Lasting change in PTSD recovery doesn’t come from massive willpower bursts—it comes from small, focused habits that you repeat until they become automatic.
 
🔗 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
00:59 Today's Topic: The Power of Habits
02:23 Common Mistakes in Building Habits
04:26 The Importance of Small Incremental Changes
07:07 Understanding Willpower and Its Limits
12:09 The Habit Equation: How Habits Are Formed
15:38 Strengthening Positive Pathways
24:18 Designing Your Environment for Success
27:07 Summary and Q&A
31:03 Welcome and Introductions
31:18 Visual Learning and Retaining Concepts
31:44 Addressing Negative Thoughts
32:25 Building Positive Habits
35:13 The 21-Day Habit Myth
37:12 Understanding and Overcoming Resistance
40:41 The Power of Protectors
43:15 Adapting to Different Environments
47:40 The Importance of Willpower
48:49 Setting and Achieving Personal Goals
55:01 Upcoming Sessions and Bootcamp
57:03 Closing Remarks and Future Topics
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery habits • trauma healing routines • habit stacking for PTSD • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • willpower and PTSD • rewiring trauma patterns • emotional regulation skills • healing after childhood trauma • overcoming negative thought loops • PTSD morning routine • trauma recovery mindset • building sustainable healing habits • processing triggers and flashbacks • environment design for recovery • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kaylene break down why so many trauma survivors feel overwhelmed, stuck, and confused about what to do next in recovery — and how simplicity can completely change that. Instead of trying to fix everything at once, Brad shares how focusing on just one key action each day became a turning point in his healing from rock bottom.
You’ll hear how to get clear on what you actually want from life and recovery, so decisions become simpler and less exhausting. Brad and Kaylene explore how to separate what truly matters from all the noise, expectations, and “shoulds” coming from other people, social media, and the world around you.
They also walk through the “three pillars of recovery” — mindset, routines, and processing — and show you how to use them as a simple roadmap when you feel anxious, triggered, or lost. By the end, you’ll have a practical way to cut out what isn’t working, focus on what actually moves the needle, and begin building a calmer, more intentional life as you heal.
 
💡 What You’ll Learn
How simplicity reduces overwhelm and helps you take consistent action in PTSD recovery
Why doing less of the wrong things and more of the right few creates faster trauma healing
How to clarify what you truly want so decisions become simpler and more aligned
A powerful future-self exercise (age 84) to minimize regrets and prioritize what matters
How to use the three pillars of recovery: mindset, routines, and processing
A simple question to identify whether you have a mindset, routines, or processing problem
Why eliminating certain habits, environments, or inputs can instantly create more peace
How to spot the “biggest levers” that give you the most progress for the least effort
Practical examples of simplifying your daily life, environment, and relationships
 
🧠 Key Takeaway
True recovery happens when you simplify your life down to the few actions that truly move the needle and commit to doing them consistently.
 
🔗 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 Starting the Live Coaching Session
01:26 The Power of Simplicity
03:38 Brad's Personal Story of Recovery
06:38 Identifying Key Actions for Recovery
11:27 Gaining Clarity on Life Goals
13:25 The Importance of Knowing What You Want
21:10 Simplifying Recovery Choices
23:31 Technical Difficulties and Recap
25:00 Defining What Truly Matters
25:34 Creating Impactful Moments
26:41 Analyzing Efficiency in Actions
27:50 The Importance of Relationships
28:46 Guiding Principles for Recovery
29:42 The Power of Simplicity
31:21 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Topics
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • simplicity in recovery • overcoming overwhelm with PTSD • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • emotional regulation for trauma survivors • PTSD mindset shifts • trauma recovery routines • PTSD processing tools • 3 pillars of recovery PTSD • future self exercise trauma healing • eliminating triggers and stressors • simplifying life after trauma • recovery hero identity • beliefs as a trauma processing tool • boundaries and PTSD • practical PTSD recovery strategies

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kaylene unpack why it’s so hard to finish what you start when you’re living with PTSD or trauma—and what to do about it. From dirty dishes piling up in the sink to unopened bills and unfinished healing work, they show how “negative momentum” quietly builds until everything feels overwhelming.
Brad shares a raw story from early in his recovery when his house, routines, and emotions were all out of control—and the simple “hard reset” that helped him turn things around. You’ll hear how one decision point, fueled by pain and a little bit of hope, can completely change the trajectory of your future.
Together they break down the most common reasons trauma survivors lose momentum: emotional overwhelm, open loops, lack of routine, complexity, forgetfulness, and unhelpful beliefs about who you are. Then they walk you through practical tools—like brain dumps, chunking tasks, and using the Unbreakable Planner—to rebuild trust with yourself one small win at a time.
This is a calm but direct reminder that your life changes in tiny moments. One dish, one phone call, one vacuumed room, one day sober, one routine followed through. You’ll leave with a clear next step: choose one thing that would make today a great day—and go do it.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Why PTSD and trauma make it so hard to maintain motivation and finish what you start
How “negative momentum” builds from one unfinished task or avoided emotion
The simple “hard reset” process Brad uses to clean up open loops and regain control
How to do a brain dump so your mind can rest and your next steps are clear
Why routines fail when they’re too complex—and how to simplify them so they stick
How to chunk overwhelming tasks into tiny wins you can actually complete
A new way to think about discipline so it feels supportive instead of harsh
How to use the Unbreakable Planner to set up tomorrow’s success today
The power of choosing just one thing that would make today a great day
🧠 Key Takeaway
Your future changes the moment you decide to stop letting unfinished tasks and avoided emotions run your life—and start closing one small loop at a time.
🔗 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 to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching01:10 – Member-chosen topic: finishing what you start and maintaining momentum04:10 – Professor Calamitous and the “never finishes anything” pattern06:40 – Brad’s rock-bottom story: dishes, avoidance, and overwhelm10:45 – The “hard reset” system: brain dump, clean up, recommit to routines14:20 – One question: what’s one thing that would make today a great day?18:00 – Decision points: seeing your future and choosing a different path23:30 – Overwhelm, triggers, and emotional clutter after trauma29:10 – Solutions: organization, self-talk, chunking, and long-term thinking37:00 – Rethinking discipline: stickiness, consistency, and tiny daily wins44:15 – Using the Unbreakable Planner to create tomorrow’s success47:30 – Labels, ADHD/BPD, and how trauma can shape your sense of self51:30 – Weekend action steps, platform resources, and closing encouragement
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • finishing what you start • maintaining momentum in recovery • overcoming overwhelm after trauma • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • open loops and brain dump • hard reset after PTSD setbacks • routines for PTSD • self-talk and motivation • chunking tasks in trauma recovery • sobriety and trauma healing • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kayleen unpack a side of PTSD recovery that often gets ignored: having fun again. They explore why trauma can make life and relationships feel tense, serious, and heavy—and why you don’t have to be “fully healed” before you’re allowed to laugh, joke, and enjoy the people you love.
You’ll hear how PTSD turns simple moments (like lettuce in the sink) into full-blown conflicts, and how to shift from blame and defensiveness to ownership and curiosity. Brad and Kayleen walk through the “relationship equation” and show how changing your part of the equation can transform the whole relationship—without trying to control or fix anyone else.
They also talk about codependency, taking 100% responsibility without taking 100% of the blame, and how to stop dragging past pain into present moments. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to bring more lightness, humor, and play back into your life so relationships feel safer, warmer, and more fun again.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Why PTSD and trauma make relationships feel so serious and heavy
How to start having fun again even if you’re not fully healed
The “relationship equation” and how changing yourself changes the whole relationship
The difference between taking responsibility and taking all the blame
How to stop making everything personal and start assuming the best in others
Why you don’t really have “relationship problems,” you have individual problems you bring into the relationship
Practical ways to bring more laughter, play, and lightness into daily life
How to notice small moments of joy and let them build your new normal
First steps to shift out of codependency and back into your own “box”
🧠 Key Takeaway
You don’t have relationship problems—you have personal problems you’re bringing into the relationship, and when you change your part of the equation, the whole relationship changes.
🔗 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 Starting the Live Session
01:14 Today's Topic: Lightening Up in Relationships
01:54 Personal Stories and Examples
05:46 Mindset and Curiosity in Relationships
16:42 The Relationship Equation
30:49 Taking Responsibility and Contribution
40:08 Final Thoughts and Q&A
42:19 Upcoming Topics and Plans
42:52 Heartwarming Story from Bonnie
43:23 Cherishing the Little Moments
46:23 Q&A Session Begins
46:59 Isabella's Emotional Sharing
48:07 Taking Ownership and Healing
52:39 Understanding PTSD and Healing
56:57 The Power of Laughter and Belief
01:08:33 Codependency and Self-Focus
01:17:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • lightening up after trauma • PTSD and relationships • nervous system regulation • emotional regulation • trauma coping tools • healing from relationship conflict • codependency and trauma • PTSD communication tools • relationship mindset shifts • taking responsibility not blame • overcoming hypervigilance • rebuilding trust and safety • bringing back fun after PTSD • trauma and emotional triggers • laughter and healing • overcoming people pleasing after trauma • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching • Overcoming PTSD Podcast

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad breaks down a simple but powerful way to measure your PTSD or trauma recovery so it doesn’t feel so vague, random, or confusing. Instead of guessing whether you’re healing, you’ll learn how to track real numbers that show your progress over time.
Brad and Kayleen walk you through the difference between your overall “global” distress level and the more specific distress you feel around a particular trauma, memory, or belief. You’ll hear how Brad uses data in his own life and coaching to bring clarity, focus, and direction to the healing process.
They also introduce the idea of “believability” — how strongly you believe a new, healthier belief after processing — and why that matters just as much as reducing distress. Together, they show you how to pair distress and believability tracking so you know when a trauma is truly complete and when it’s time to move on.
By the end, you’ll have a simple tracking system you can start using today, even if you don’t know any processing tools yet. You’ll walk away with more focus, more motivation, and a clearer sense of what’s working in your recovery — and what needs more attention.
💡 What You’ll Learn
How to measure your overall PTSD or trauma distress on a simple 0–10 scale
The difference between global distress and distress around a specific trauma or belief
How to track the distress level of one specific trauma until it reaches near zero
What “believability” means in trauma healing and how to measure it from 0–10
Why focusing on one trauma or belief at a time speeds up your recovery
How to know when a trauma is fully processed and ready to be “checked off”
A simple way to track your numbers using a notebook, notes app, or Google Sheet
How consistent processing time directly impacts your rate of PTSD healing
How to use data to stay motivated, celebrate wins, and make smarter recovery decisions
🧠 Key Takeaway
If you want faster PTSD recovery, stop guessing — track one trauma at a time until its distress is near zero and your new belief feels like a 10-out-of-10 truth.
🔗 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 to Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching and series context01:00 – Why Brad loves data and how tracking transformed his own healing03:00 – The problem with vague goals like “be happy” or “be at peace”04:30 – Introducing the global distress level: your overall 0–10 scale09:00 – How to track your global distress over time (and what to expect)15:00 – Macro vs micro: global distress vs specific trauma distress19:00 – The two key metrics for a single trauma: distress and believability22:00 – Example: turning “I don’t deserve love” into a believable new truth27:00 – Why you must focus on one trauma or belief at a time29:00 – How processing one trauma lowers your global distress level32:00 – Future sessions: beliefs as a processing tool and bootcamps38:00 – Using simple tools: notes, spreadsheets, and quick daily check-ins44:00 – Time in equals results out: why processing hours matter49:00 – Coaching, accountability, and building momentum in recovery52:00 – Final encouragement and next episode preview
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • PTSD distress scale • trauma symptom tracking • emotional regulation • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • PTSD processing tools • belief change in trauma recovery • measuring trauma healing progress • PTSD coaching • data-driven PTSD recovery • CPTSD healing journey • overcoming trauma triggers • mental health routines for trauma survivors • recovery metrics and goal setting

Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
 
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kayleen walk you step-by-step through how to turn affirmations from something that feels cheesy or pointless into a practical, daily tool that actually supports PTSD and trauma recovery. Instead of using random “blog post affirmations,” they show you how to build statements that are personal, emotionally meaningful, and powerful for your specific healing journey.
You’ll hear the simple affirmation formula they use with clients: belief + reference + feeling. Brad and Kayleen break down what each part means, why it matters for a trauma-impacted brain, and how to use it to reshape core beliefs like “I’m not capable,” “I don’t deserve love,” or “I’m too broken.” They also talk about the difference between discomfort and pain, and why feeling “foreign” or awkward as you practice is actually a sign of progress.
Brad then shares how he and Kayleen built affirmations into their own routines, including a 90-day challenge, morning and evening journaling, and how those practices helped shift their self-talk long term. They also explore what to do when guilt, shame, or fear show up as you start feeling better about yourself, and how to connect this work with deeper processing tools like introspective healing and protectors.
By the end, you’ll have a clear, simple plan to start—whether that’s one affirmation a day or a full 90-day practice—and a realistic picture of how consistent affirmations can support nervous system regulation, belief change, and long-term recovery from PTSD and trauma.
💡 What You’ll Learn
How affirmations actually work in the brain and why they can support PTSD recovery
The exact formula for crafting powerful affirmations: belief + reference + feeling
Why generic “blog post affirmations” often feel empty and how to make them personal
How to attach real emotion and vivid visualization to your affirmations
A simple 90-day affirmation challenge you can plug into your morning and evening routine
How to turn a single phrase into a core belief you reinforce every day
The difference between discomfort and pain while doing this work (and what to do with each)
How to handle guilt or uneasiness when you start feeling good about yourself after trauma
How affirmations connect with processing tools like introspective healing and protectors
🧠 Key Takeaway
Affirmations only become powerful when they’re personal, backed by real experiences, and felt emotionally—belief + reference + feeling is what rewires trauma-driven thoughts.
🔗 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 Starting the Daily Recovery Coaching Call
00:53 Recap and Building on Previous Sessions
01:54 The Power of Affirmations
03:48 Crafting Effective Affirmations
05:21 Personal Experiences with Affirmations
08:12 Building Affirmations into Your Routine
16:48 90-Day Affirmation Challenge
26:44 The Affirmation Formula
31:20 Reflecting on Personal Achievements
31:55 Connecting Emotions to Achievements
32:34 Reinforcing Affirmations with References
34:46 Daily Affirmation Practice
36:46 Embracing Mistakes and Growth
37:26 Using References for Self-Love
41:21 Upcoming Sessions and Q&A
55:17 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • PTSD affirmations • trauma affirmations that work • changing core trauma beliefs • emotional regulation after trauma • nervous system regulation • trauma coping tools • self-talk for PTSD • daily recovery habits • morning routine for PTSD healing • evening routine for trauma recovery • introspective healing • protector parts work • processing guilt after trauma • self-worth after abuse • overcoming shame in PTSD • belief change and neuroplasticity • 90-day healing challenge • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching

Want to coach with me? Book a free no pressure consultation call here: https://overcomingptsd.com/consultation
Learn the proven system that’s helped 2,000+ trauma survivors reduce symptoms by 77.9% in just 4.5 months without therapy or medication 👉 https://overcomingptsd.com/
Control Your Thoughts Before PTSD Controls Your LifeHow To Stop PTSD Thoughts From Running Your DayRewiring Trauma Thoughts: Take Back Control Of Your MindFrom Trigger Spirals To Peace: Mastering PTSD Self-TalkBreak The PTSD Thought Loop And Become Your Recovery HeroHow To Reprogram Trauma Thinking And Create A New FutureThe #1 Mindset Shift To Stop PTSD From Calling The ShotsTurn Down Trauma Noise: Everyday Tools To Control Your ThoughtsYour Brain Is Not The Boss: Simple Practices To Retrain PTSD ThinkingFrom Addiction To Freedom: Using Thought Control To Heal Trauma
Host: Brad Schipke • Overcoming PTSD Podcast • Recovery Secrets Daily Coaching
In this episode, Brad and Kayleen break down one of the most important foundations of PTSD and trauma recovery: controlling your thoughts before they control you. They explain how your mind is constantly running in the background, often wired by trauma to default toward negativity, fear, and self-sabotage.
You’ll learn how your “automatic programming” gets created by past experiences, and why that programming doesn’t have to be your future. Brad shares a simple robot-and-controller analogy to help you see that you are not your thoughts — you’re the one holding the controller, even if you haven’t been using it.
Kayleen opens up about how thought control was essential in her sobriety and healing from trauma. She walks through exactly how she talked herself out of urges, triggers, and negative spirals using one simple phrase and “future casting” her decisions.
By the end, you’ll have a clear, practical way to start reprogramming your mind with positive self-talk, affirmations, and tiny daily cues (like red lights or doorways) so your thoughts begin working for your recovery hero — not against it.
💡 What You’ll Learn
Why unmanaged thoughts quietly shape your PTSD symptoms, behaviors, and results
How trauma “programs” your brain to default to negative, fearful thinking
A simple robot-and-controller analogy to separate your true self from your thoughts
How to choose one powerful phrase (“You’ve got this” or “I love you”) to interrupt spirals
Practical examples of talking yourself out of urges, addiction patterns, and triggers
How to use future casting to make choices your future self will be proud of
Ways to use environmental cues (like red lights or mirrors) to practice positive self-talk
Why changing your thoughts first eventually makes positive behavior feel automatic
How daily mindset work supports long-term PTSD and trauma recovery goals
 
🧠 Key Takeaway
If you don’t intentionally direct your thoughts, your old trauma programming will — but you always hold the controller, and you can choose a new path starting today.
 
🔗 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 Starting the Live Coaching Session
01:19 Mindset Mondays: Controlling Your Thoughts
03:19 The Power of Positive Self-Talk
04:43 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans
07:57 Strategies for Controlling Your Thoughts
15:36 Future Casting and Visualization Techniques
19:12 Building Positive Habits and Self-Talk
33:02 Understanding Your Programming
34:10 Taking Control of Your Thoughts
35:16 Visualizing Control with a Controller
37:15 The Power of Positive Phrases
39:19 Q&A and Weekly Plan
40:53 Community Feedback and Future Topics
43:18 Implementing Positive Self-Talk
54:40 Conclusion and Encouragement
 
Topics Covered:
PTSD recovery • trauma healing • controlling your thoughts • negative self-talk and PTSD • trauma mindset shifts • positive self-talk for trauma survivors • PTSD coping tools • nervous system regulation • neuroplasticity and trauma recovery • affirmations for PTSD • addiction and sobriety after trauma • recovery hero identity • emotional regulation skills • self-love after trauma • practical PTSD daily routines • trauma-informed mindset coaching