Jillian Schmitz
Jillian Schmitz
Actor, Dancer & Choreographer Cat Heinen tells their story of an abusive relationship.
Actor, Dancer & Choreographer Cat Heinen tells their story of an abusive relationship.
Actor, Dancer & Choreographer Cat Heinen tells their story of an abusive relationship.
Sunday 20th July 2025
Actor, dancer, and choreographer Cat Heinen shares their journey of overcoming intimate partner violence, body image struggles, and embracing non-binary identity.
Explicit
70 minutes
challenging
hopeful
informative
empowering
reflective
About this podcast
Author:
Jillian Schmitz
Overview:
Categories:
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Recovery Reimagined
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
76 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Cat Heinen's Journey: Healing from Abuse
Episode Overview
- Cat Heinen discusses intimate partner violence experienced as a teenager.
- Explores the impact of body image and eating disorders in the abusive relationship.
- Shares insights on healing through therapy and self-discovery.
- Highlights the importance of creative expression in the healing process.
- Encourages reaching out and sharing experiences for mutual support.
Thank you for having the courage to share your experience, and I really, really relate to it.
In this poignant episode of the Grey Maybe podcast, host Jillian Schmitz welcomes guest Cat Heinen, an actor, dancer, and choreographer, to share their personal journey of overcoming intimate partner violence. Cat Heinen, who identifies as non-binary, delves into the complexities of their past relationship during their teenage years, marked by emotional and sexual abuse, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia.
The episode begins with Schmitz expressing gratitude and appreciation for the listeners and introducing Cat Heinen, who has been a prominent figure in the dance community. Heinen's story is intertwined with their identity as a dancer and non-binary individual, highlighting how these aspects have influenced their path to healing. Cat reflects on their experiences, detailing the cycle of abuse that involved manipulation and dependency, creating a tumultuous environment that left them feeling unsafe and destabilized.
These personal accounts are not only powerful but also relatable, offering listeners insights into the patterns of abusive relationships and the difficulty of recognizing them when deeply involved. Heinen emphasizes the importance of therapy and self-discovery in overcoming trauma, sharing how connecting with their body and unpacking sexual trauma led to the realization of not identifying as a woman. This journey of self-awareness and embracing their non-binary identity has been integral to their healing process.
Throughout the episode, Cat Heinen underscores the role of creative expression and dance as therapeutic outlets, providing a sense of empowerment and freedom. They advocate for the significance of reaching out and sharing stories, as it fosters a supportive community and helps others who may be experiencing similar challenges. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message from Cat Heinen, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast and share their feedback, reinforcing the importance of connection and mutual support in the journey of healing.
This episode is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-expression and community. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Cat Heinen and the Grey Maybe podcast on social media to continue the conversation and find support.