
Unburdened with Zoe
Healing childhood trauma and breaking the cycle of abuse.
Unburdened with Zoe
Grace's Story: The #1 Betrayal That Cuts the Deepest (And How to Heal)
What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones who cause you the most pain? In this episode, Grace shares her story of growing up in an unstable home—navigating her parents’ divorce, her father’s deep depression, and years of bullying from her mother’s partner. Feeling trapped in a toxic environment, Grace left home at just 16, spending years sleeping on a friend’s floor, trying to escape the weight of it all.
The effects of that betrayal followed her into early adulthood, manifesting as extreme OCD and a struggle for control over a life that had once felt so chaotic. But through years of self-work and healing, Grace has reclaimed her sense of self. Now, at 26, she’s in a stronger place than ever, learning how to redefine her relationships with the parents who hurt her and shape a future on her own terms.
✨ The lasting impact of childhood instability and toxic family dynamics
✨ How OCD and control can develop as a response to trauma
✨ Rebuilding your identity outside of your past
✨ Navigating relationships with parents who made mistakes
✨ What healing really looks like and how to start
If you’ve ever struggled with the weight of toxic parenting, felt lost in your healing journey, or wondered if you can rebuild a relationship with a parent who let you down—this episode is for you.