Episode 13: Reclaiming Yourself After Trauma: Kristin Duncombe on Boundaries, Healing, and Empowered Living
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual abuse. Please prioritize your emotional safety while listening.
In this deeply moving episode, we welcome Kristin Duncombe, a psychotherapist, author, and survivor who has transformed her pain into purpose. Kristin bravely shares her journey through a relationship marked by emotional neglect, imbalanced partnership, and psychological strain, and how she ultimately reclaimed her identity, voice, and power.
We dive into what it means to be the main character in your life after years of waiting on someone else’s timeline. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of constantly waiting on a partner (for attention, for love, for change) and how that waiting became symbolic of losing herself.
But this isn’t just a story about surviving—it’s about thriving.
In this episode, we explore:
The silent pain of emotional labor in relationships
How poor communication and imbalance erode self-worth
The role of boundaries in mental health and recovery
Learning to live by your own expectations and not others’
How to rediscover your passions and align with your why
What it really means to put yourself first, without guilt
Kristin’s journey from emotional burnout to empowered living is a guiding light for any woman ready to reclaim her narrative. This episode is a call to every listener: you deserve to be the subject of your own story.
Take action today:
List 5 things that nourish your soul
Identify 5 activities you're passionate about
Define 5 beliefs that align with your purpose
These are your anchors. Use them to make decisions, build boundaries, and stay true to your voice.
If you or someone you love is experiencing sexual abuse or trauma, please seek support:
RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673) Text HOPE to 66743 www.rainn.org
Ways to Engage: Let’s go back to the basics. Name 5 activities that nourish you, 5 things you are passionate about, and/or 5 things that align with your why. Keep coming back to these things as you make decisions and remember to check in with yourself every so often to make sure they still align with you.
Learn more about The F.E.E.L Podcast and our network: www.embracinglayers.com
Want to be a guest on The F.E.E.L. Podcast - Finding Empowerment Embracing Layers? Send Melissa Crook a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/feel2021 or complete our contact form here: https://www.embracinglayers.com/contact
Timestamps:
Prioritizing Self Care - ( 2:15 )
Confidently Setting Boundaries - ( 14:59 )
Taking Care of Your Emotional Health as much as Your Physical Health - ( 21:29 )
Support self & other women unapologetically - ( 27:57 )
Coming Back to Your WHY and Your VALUES - ( 32:19 )
Living Out of Your Own Expectations - ( 42:01 )
Accepting the Layered Aspects of Yourself - ( 48:38 )
Living out FEEL, how does it affect your relationships - ( 1:01:07 )
5 Activities That Nourish You - ( 1:04:47 )
5 Words for How You Want to Feel in the Next Six Months - ( 1:06:27 )
Original FEEL Podcast Theme Music by Rio & Valencia Saint-Louis
✨ Free Download: Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life Sample Freebie ✨
In this empowering bonus resource, we’re giving you a free sneak peek into the Embracing a F.E.E.L Fueled Life course! This downloadable PDF guides you through reconnecting with who you truly are—beyond your roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
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