Welcome back for another powerful and deeply personal episode of Wake the F*** Up podcast that’s all about navigating trauma, trust, and transformation. This week, our host Alix sits down with Danielle Sebastian, a trauma-informed relationship coach and bestselling author, for a raw, eye-opening conversation on healing, grief, and navigating relationships in the aftermath of trauma.
Danielle shares her own story of love, loss, and rediscovery after uncovering her husband’s traumatic past. What followed was a journey through emotional isolation, complex PTSD, and a desperate search for support as a partner of a sexual abuse survivor—something rarely talked about, let alone resourced.
Together, Danielle and Alix unpack what it means to experience multiple layers of loss through trauma and the critical need for recommitment in relationships that have been impacted. They explore the role of communication, boundaries, and emotional safety—especially for men who often struggle to articulate pain.
Danielle introduces transformative tools like the trauma vortex vs. counter-vortex concept, the CARE Framework for trauma-informed conversations, and modern self-care practices like reflective journaling. This conversation is both a lifeline and a call to awareness for anyone who has loved through trauma, supported a survivor, or is working to rebuild trust and connection.
We know our WAKE listeners will connect deeply with this episode and the conversations between Alix and Danielle. Get ready to walk away with insight, validation, and real strategies for creating space, safety, and healing—even in the most wounded places.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 (800.656.HOPE) https://www.rainn.org/
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor 24/7
https://www.crisistextline.org/
Visit Danielle’s website https://www.daniellesebastian.com/ for resources including her script for communicating effectively in trauma-impacted relationships.
Connect with Danielle on social media:
Follow Wake on Instagram: @thewakewellness
Follow Alix Long on Instagram: @alixlongwinded
Download the WAKE app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store