Episode 2

full
Published on:

19th Nov 2025

Awakening After Trauma: Why I’m Helping Women Find Their Voice

If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to speak up, to name what’s happening, or to trust your own voice—this episode is for you.

In this deeply personal conversation, Valerie shares the story behind creating Validated — a podcast for women navigating emotional, psychological, and spiritual abuse in marriages that look “perfect” from the outside.

She opens up about the calling she couldn’t ignore, the resistance she had to move through, and the conviction that your voice matters — even if it has felt small or silenced for years.

If you’ve been questioning your reality or walking on eggshells, this episode is your invitation to find language, clarity, and courage for your journey.

You are not alone. You are not “too sensitive.” You are not imagining it.

You are seen here. 🤍

✨ New episodes every week. I’m so glad you’re here. Follow so you never miss one.

In This Episode

00:00 Introduction to Validated: Own Voice

01:19 Valerie’s Personal Journey

02:39 Why Speaking Out Matters

04:41 Challenges Along the Way

06:08 Finding Clarity and Direction

10:23 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Bravery

12:54 Conclusion + Gentle Next Steps

📓 Companion Journal (free)


https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1867562/169161495235527946/share


⚖️ Disclaimer


Just a reminder:

I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.


This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.


If you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. You are worthy of such support.


🎶 Music Credit & License


Intro/Outro music: “Lofi Background Music-337568” by [Artist] — licensed via Pixabay.

Licensed under the Pixabay Content License (free for commercial use; no attribution required). Content ID registered; used with license.


🔗 Links & Resources


🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen


📓 Companion Journal (free): https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1867562/169161495235527946/share


📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1


🍏 Apple Podcasts: coming soon

🎧 Spotify: coming soon

🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.

About the Podcast

Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.
Faith-rooted support and practical tools for women facing hidden abuse.
Validated is a podcast for women navigating hidden psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial abuse—especially in relationships that look “perfect.” If you're walking on eggshells, doubting your reality, or asking, “Am I overreacting?” you’re in the right place.

☕️New episodes release every Wednesday at 4:45 AM PT, starting Nov 19. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Here, you'll find:
🌱 Hope when you feel isolated – You're not alone, and you're not crazy
🌱 Tools to recognize the patterns – Finally see what's been so hard to name
🌱 Faith-rooted truth – Scripture and encouragement for your healing journey
🌱 Language for your story – Words for what you've struggled to explain
🌱 Courage for your next steps – Whether you stay, work through it, or walk away

I'm Valerie—a voice advocate who chose to leave a marriage that was breaking me emotionally and psychologically. I share my story, the truths that carried me, and practical wisdom to help you move from silence to strength.

This is where you finally get to stop pretending everything is fine...this is where God meets you in your pain and helps you find your voice.

Listen & Subscribe
🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306
🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


Disclaimer

Just a reminder: I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

Every situation is unique; if you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. If you ever feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis resource in your region. You are worthy of such support.

About your host

Profile picture for Valerie Pratt

Valerie Pratt

Valerie is a voice advocate and host of Validated: Own. Voice. Heal., a faith-rooted podcast for women navigating hidden abuse—psychological, emotional, spiritual, or financial. After walking through her own experience and choosing a different future, she blends lived wisdom, careful research, and gentle, practical tools to help women name what’s happening, make empowering choices, and move from silence to strength. Each episode offers clear teaching, real-life examples, and “tiny brave step” prompts, alongside free journals and guides in the Validated Vault. Valerie’s aim is simple: give you hope when you feel alone, truth to steady your mind, and courage for your next brave step. Validated shares education and support; it is not therapy, counseling, or legal advice.