#97 Why Trauma Makes Conversations So Hard?#97 Why Trauma Makes Conversations So Hard?
The Trauma Recovery School
Bonita Ackerman du Preez explores how trauma affects communication and offers strategies to reclaim your voice and improve relationships.
5:13•6 Nov 2025
Breaking Free from Trauma: Finding Your Voice
Episode Overview
- Trauma affects communication by triggering defensive responses.
- Recognising patterns is the first step to change.
- Rewiring your reactions can help reclaim your voice.
- Setting boundaries is crucial for healthy relationships.
- 'The Next Conversation' book offers valuable communication tips.
“"It's not because you're broken. It's because your nervous system is doing exactly what it was trained to do."”
Ever wondered why some conversations leave you feeling tongue-tied or defensive? The latest episode of 'The Trauma Recovery School' podcast, hosted by the insightful Bonita Ackerman du Preez, dives into the tricky relationship between trauma and communication. It's a relatable scenario: you walk away from a chat thinking, "Why did I react that way?" Bonita explains it's not because you're flawed but because your nervous system is in overdrive, thanks to past traumas.
In this episode, Bonita explores how trauma hijacks our nervous system, causing us to react with fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. These aren't just quirks but deeply ingrained trauma responses. The good news? You can rewire these reactions. Bonita shares practical tips on recognising patterns and setting boundaries to reclaim your voice. A must-listen for anyone struggling with expressing their needs or setting boundaries, this episode offers actionable advice.
Bonita recommends the book 'The Next Conversation' by Jefferson Fisher as a resource to improve communication skills. Through calming your nervous system and using 'I' statements, you can transform from reactive to responsive, ensuring your voice is heard. So, if you're tired of feeling like your voice disappears when it matters most, tune in for a dose of empowerment and start your journey to better conversations and healthier relationships. What would it be like to respond instead of react?
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