Tag: self-worth

When Love Hurts: Recognizing Unhealthy Relationship Patterns

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

In a world where love is often portrayed as the ultimate healer, what happens when it becomes the source of our deepest wounds? Join Naty and Veda in this eye-opening episode of “Thrive by the Rising Muse” as they delve into the complexities of unhealthy relationship patterns, offering insights that are both personal and universally relatable.

Naty shares her personal journey through friendships and relationships that left her questioning her worth and identity. From constant criticism to emotional manipulation, she highlights the subtle signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. “Love is supposed to heal, not hurt,” she reminds us, urging listeners to recognize the red flags in their own lives.

Through candid anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, they emphasize the importance of vulnerability in healing. She recounts moments of self-doubt and the courage it took to break free from toxic dynamics. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true love builds up, rather than tears down.

This episode is not just about identifying problems but also about finding solutions. The hosts provide practical resources and support for those seeking to escape unhealthy relationships. She encourages listeners to reach out, share their stories, and embrace the healing journey.

Whether you’re navigating romantic relationships, friendships, or family dynamics, this episode offers a beacon of hope and a path to healthier connections. Tune in to “Thrive by the Rising Muse” and discover how you can step into a love that truly reflects God’s heart.

Don’t miss out on this transformative episode. Subscribe to “Thrive by the Rising Muse” and join a community dedicated to healing, growth, and thriving in love.

Finding Hope and Healing: Navigating the Journey from Sexual Trauma

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Healing from sexual trauma is a deeply personal journey that requires courage, support, and understanding. In our recent conversation on Thrive by The Rising Muse, with Tabitha Westbrook, a licensed trauma therapist and author, we explored the pathways to restoration and hope. Her insights offer a beacon of light for those seeking healing.

Understanding the Urgency:
Tabitha emphasizes the critical need to address sexuality after trauma. “People are realizing and reckoning with the harm they’ve experienced,” she notes, highlighting the importance of movements like Me Too in creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories.

The Role of Faith and Community:
Faith and community play pivotal roles in the healing process. Tabitha shares, “God is also a God of how and practicality,” underscoring the importance of practical steps and community support in the journey towards healing.


Building Healthy Relationships:
A key aspect of healing is learning to build healthy relationships. Tabitha advises, “Prioritize friendship first, and good things will come from that.” Understanding and respecting boundaries are essential in fostering connections that support healing.

Healing from sexual trauma is not a linear path, but with faith, community, and a commitment to personal growth, it is possible to find hope and restoration. As Tabitha reminds us, “The same God that brought me out, He can bring you out.”
Tabitha Westbrook, LMFT-S, LCMHC-QS, LPC-S, is a licensed therapist who helps people who have messy, funky pasts (and sometimes messy, funky presents) live amazing, empowered lives today. In addition to being a licensed counselor and supervisor, Tabitha is an EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider. 

She’s the Founder & CEO of The Journey and The Process, a private practice with offices in North Carolina and Texas, specializing in complex trauma, with a focus on domestic abuse and coercive control. Tabitha’s a nationally known expert and speaker on domestic abuse & coercive control, providing training to churches, therapists, and agencies. She also helps train domestic abuse advocates through Called to Peace Ministries’ faith-based advocacy training, as well as co-facilitates the G5 Men’s Batterer Intervention Group. Tabitha is the author of the forthcoming book Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control.


Join us on this journey of healing and hope. Subscribe to Thrive by The Rising Muse for more insightful conversations and support.

Love Beyond Valentine’s Day: Exploring the Depths of Love

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

Valentine’s Day is often reduced to chocolates, flowers, and romantic gestures, but what if love is so much more? In our latest Thrive by The Rising Muse episode, we peel back the layers of love and explore its true essence.

From the unwavering love of God to the deep connections we share with family and friends—and even the challenge of loving those who don’t love us back—this conversation will challenge your perspective on love.

Join us as we discuss how to navigate relationships through faith, what it means to love beyond conditions, and why true love is an action, not just a feeling. We will also dive into self-love and setting boundaries, ensuring that love isn’t just something we give but something we nurture within ourselves.

This episode is more than a discussion—it’s an invitation to live out love every day. Are you ready to redefine what love means in your life? Tune in now and let’s thrive together!

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

#FaithBasedLove #GodsLove #SelfLove #FamilyLove #FriendshipGoals #MentalHealth #ValentinesDay #LoveBeyondRomance #UnconditionalLove #FaithJourney

Breaking the Stigma: Finding Hope and Healing in the Midst of Negative Emotions

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

We’ve all been there—caught in a whirlwind of emotions like stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. But what if you could transform those negative feelings into something empowering? In this deeply moving episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, hosts Naty and Veda sit down with Sue Bowles, a master certified life coach and award-winning author, who has turned her personal struggles into a message of hope and healing.

Sue’s journey from trauma to thriving is both inspiring and eye-opening. She’s not only learned to navigate her own emotional ups and downs but has become a powerful advocate for mental health. If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from the grip of anxiety or tackle those negative thoughts head-on, this episode is for you.

Why You Should Listen:

In this candid conversation, Sue shares:

  • The power of vulnerability and how it’s key to healing.
  • The practice of gratitude and how it can immediately interrupt anxiety.
  • Why seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness—especially in faith communities.
  • How to help others who are struggling without judgment, and the role of service in healing.

Sue also opens up about her personal battles with childhood trauma, an eating disorder, and even suicidal thoughts, offering real, raw insights into how she found healing—and how you can too. It’s not a quick fix, but Sue’s philosophy of taking “one step ahead” is the key to navigating your own journey.

Don’t Miss Out:

This episode is filled with wisdom, hope, and practical tools you can start using today. Whether you’re looking for ways to manage negative emotions or simply want to feel inspired by someone who has walked through the fire and emerged stronger, Sue’s message will leave you motivated and empowered.

Sue Bowles is a survivor turned thriver as an author, speaker, and Master Certified Life Coach. Having done the hard work of healing from a childhood rape, an eating disorder, other sexual assaults, and considering suicide, Sue now defines the effect the life-altering events have on her. The events no longer define Sue; she defines them.
“You only have to be a step ahead to help the person behind you” is the bedrock to the value Sue brings. She founded My Step Ahead and is the “Chief Instigator” behind the new Dare to Believe Movement, whose purpose is to nurture others to ‘dare to believe that you matter,’ knowing that nothing changes until that bedrock belief is solidified.
Whether speaking on a podcast, a stage, or one-on-one, Sue’s enthusiasm is contagious, shining the light of hope wherever the listener needs.
Sue’s award-winning first book, “This Much I Know…The Space Between” is available on Amazon and Kindle.

Call to Action:

Ready to break the stigma surrounding mental health and start your healing journey? Listen to the full episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse now!

And for more resources, visit SueBowles.com to grab her free PDF, “Quieting Your Inner Karen,” and discover how to silence that inner critic for good.

Unlocking Freedom: How Biblical Truths Impact Mental Health

On By Naty MatosIn ThriveLeave a comment

As the 4th of July approaches, we often find ourselves reflecting on the concepts of liberty and independence that form the bedrock of our nation. But what if we told you that there’s a deeper level of freedom that can profoundly affect your mental well-being? In our latest episode of “Thrive by The Rising Muse,” we dive into the spiritual freedom presented in the Bible and its remarkable implications for mental health.

A Unique 4th of July Perspective

In this special episode, hosts Naty and Veda bring a refreshing take on what it means to be truly free. While fireworks and barbecues are wonderful traditions, the freedom that stems from spiritual liberation offers a sense of purpose, hope, and resilience that transcends our everyday experiences.

Biblical Narratives on Freedom

We journey through some of the most powerful stories in the Bible, starting with the Old Testament’s account of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. This tale of physical and spiritual liberation showcases God’s enduring commitment to freeing people from oppression. We also explore the Year of Jubilee, a time when debts were forgiven and slaves were freed, highlighting a divine mandate for economic and social justice.

In the New Testament, we delve into Paul’s writings, particularly Galatians 5:1, which speaks about the freedom found in Christ. This spiritual freedom, as emphasized by Jesus in John 8:36, transcends physical circumstances and liberates believers from the bondage of sin.

Freedom’s Impact on Mental Health

But how does this biblical concept of freedom translate into mental health benefits? Throughout the episode, Naty and Veda discuss:

  • A Sense of Purpose and Identity: Understanding your place and purpose through spiritual freedom can significantly boost self-esteem and reduce feelings of worthlessness.
  • Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: The promise of eternal life and the support of a faith community provide hope and resilience, essential for coping with life’s challenges.
  • Ethical and Moral Guidance: Biblical principles offer a moral compass, reducing internal conflict and stress by aligning actions with values.
  • Addressing Guilt and Shame: The belief in redemption through Christ provides a pathway to deal with guilt and shame, offering solace and a chance to start anew.

A Call to Reflect and Engage

As we celebrate this Independence Day, we encourage you to reflect on these timeless biblical truths and consider how they can transform your mental health. Whether you’re seeking support within a faith community or exploring these principles individually, the freedom offered by the Bible can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening episode. Tune in to “Thrive by The Rising Muse” and discover how true freedom comes from within. Share your thoughts, leave a comment, and join us in building a community where faith, family, and mental health thrive together.

Stay blessed, stay free, and don’t forget to thrive. Happy 4th of July!