Listen "Trauma, Television, and Finding Your Voice with Reality Star Lannette West"
Episode Synopsis
What happens when your brain finally reveals trauma it's been hiding from you for decades? In this powerful conversation, reality television personality Lannette West shares the transformative moment when she uncovered repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse while standing in her bathroom mirror, finally seeing herself with compassion.Lannette takes us through her journey of addiction, overachievement, and feeling "like an alien on this planet" before understanding the root cause of her behaviors. The revelation came in her late 40s, explaining a lifetime of disconnection, shame, and the belief that she was fundamentally flawed. With remarkable vulnerability, she describes how therapy helped her understand that her thoughts weren't necessarily her beliefs—a concept that revolutionized her relationship with herself.Host Sylvia Worsham connects through her own experiences with childhood trauma, highlighting how these early wounds shape our neural pathways and belief systems in ways that affect every aspect of our lives, from career choices to parenting styles. Together, they explore practical healing approaches, from ketamine therapy creating a "fresh snowfall" over well-worn mental pathways to the power of simply speaking one's truth aloud.What makes this episode particularly moving is Lannette's determination to transform her suffering into purpose through writing, public speaking, and using her platform to help others feel less alone. After a vulnerable moment on reality television sparked hundreds of messages from viewers who related to her emotional breakdown, she discovered her calling to destigmatize conversations about trauma, mental health, and self-worth.Follow Lannette on Instagram @LannetteWest to connect with her directly and watch for her upcoming book. Remember her powerful mantra when facing your own challenges: "This too shall pass."To read a free chapter of host, Sylvia Worsham's bestselling book, In Faith, I Thrive, head to her webpage www.sylviaworsham.com. To download a free chapter of host Sylvia Worsham's bestselling book, In Faith, I Thrive: Finding Joy Through God's Masterplan, visit her website at www.sylviaworsham.com