Episode Details

n this heartfelt episode of Adult Child of Dysfunction, I sit down with therapist, author, and founder of The Narrative Method, Shari Foos, to explore how writing can become one of the most powerful tools for healing childhood trauma.

Many adult children of dysfunctional families learned early in life to stay quiet, suppress their emotions, and become whoever they needed to be just to survive. Over time, many of us lose touch with our authentic voice.

Shari believes healing isn't about becoming a better writer—it's about becoming a better listener to yourself.

Together we discuss:

• Why perfectionism keeps us stuck

• The healing power of writing without judgment

• How storytelling helps regulate the nervous system

• Why being witnessed is often more healing than being "fixed"

• The practice of Radical Gratitude

• Choosing curiosity over criticism

• Learning to trust yourself again after childhood dysfunction

• Why healing happens through connection—not isolation

One of my favorite moments is when we reflect on a quote from Miles Davis:

"It's not the wrong note you play. It's the note you play after."

What a beautiful reminder that while we can't always control what happens to us, we can choose how we move forward.

If you've struggled with anxiety, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, I hope this conversation reminds you that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about remembering who you were before life taught you to hide.

Connect with Shari Foos

🌐 https://www.thenarrativemethod.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenarrativemethod/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenarrativemethod

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shari-foos-7b083214/

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/NarrativeMethod

Ready to begin your own healing journey?

Healing doesn't happen all at once—it happens one small, intentional step at a time.

If something in today's conversation resonated with you, I'd love to connect. Whether you're interested in a Complimentary Clarity & Calm Call, learning more about my AO Voice Scan, exploring coaching, or simply discovering resources that can support your healing journey, check out my links below and reach out in whatever capacity feels most aligned for you.

No matter where you are in your journey, know this: you don't have to navigate healing alone.

❤️ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, follow the podcast, and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more people who are learning to heal, reconnect with themselves, and build lives filled with resilience, hope, and authenticity.

And if you know someone who could benefit from this conversation, I'd be honored if you shared this episode with them. Together, we can help more people realize they are not broken—they simply learned to survive.

Hey there, I’m so glad you’re here and tuning in! If this episode spoke to your heart, just know there’s even more support waiting for you.

Book Your Free Clarity and Calm Call: No Judgement, just a chat https://calendly.com/tamm