Did you know that nearly 70% of adults report experiencing at least one traumatic event in childhood—yet most never address it? The result? Unexplained anxiety, strained relationships, emotional burnout, and a deep sense of not feeling “enough.”

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by renowned Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, Dawn Petgrave Smith, to unpack how our unhealed childhood wounds quietly shape the way we think, love, lead, and live.

You’ll learn:
🔹 How childhood trauma hides in plain sight
🔹 The surprising ways it shows up in adulthood
🔹 What “inner child healing” actually looks like
🔹 How to begin breaking generational patterns — starting with YOU

Whether you’ve been through emotional neglect, family dysfunction, or just want to better understand your emotional triggers — this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to heal from the inside out.

🛑 Don’t let unhealed trauma write your story. You can break the cycle.
📲 Hit Subscribe and Share this episode with someone who needs to hear this.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Quiz
👉 Mental Health America Support
👉 Free Inner Child Journal Prompts (PDF)
👉 Therapist Website: https://dawnmarietherapy.com/

👉Book - 'Will' - Will Smith

👉Book - 'What Happened to You?' - Bruce D. Perry & Oprah Winfrey

👉Book - 'Writing My Wrongs' - Shaka Senghor

👉Movie - 'Betrayal'

Connect with Dawn on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

Please show us some love and leave a review!

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New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

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🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

What happens when life hands you every reason to give up—yet you rise anyway?

Born to a 13-year-old girl and given up for adoption, today's guest walked through the fire of abandonment, trauma, and self-doubt. She was left vulnerable, alone, and searching for purpose in a world that never made space for her.

But she didn’t just survive.
She became an American police officer, a six-figure entrepreneur, and a community leader—all while breaking every generational cycle meant to keep her stuck.

In this emotional episode, we uncover:

• How pain can lead to purpose
• Her Passion to Serve and Protect
• What it takes to break generational trauma
• How service and success can coexist
• The healing power of telling your story

✨ This one is for every person who has ever been told they wouldn’t make it.

🎧 Tap play now.
💬 Share it with someone who needs to know: their past does not define their future.

🎧 Free Resources And Mentions:🧠

You can follow Officer Shelly on Instagram here: Instagram

Book: 'The Rose that Grew from Concrete' - Tupac Shakur

• The Body Keeps the Score – Free Summary & Tools – Intro to trauma recovery concepts.
  🔗 https://www.getstoryshots.com/books/the-body-keeps-the-score-summary/
• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Quiz – Find your ACE score and discover healing resources.
  🔗 https://acestoohigh.com/got-your-ace-score/
• Give An Hour – Free therapy and mental health support for law enforcement, military & first responders.
  🔗 https://giveanhour.org
• Therapy for Black Girls / Therapy for Black Men – Culturally competent directories and support spaces.
  🔗 https://therapyforblackgirls.com
  🔗 https://therapyforblackmen.org

📲 In Crisis? Get 24/7 Support

Text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line — free, confidential support from a trained counselor.
🔗 https://www.crisistextline.org

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

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New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Think self-care is all bubble baths and spa days? Think again.
In this powerful episode for Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re uncovering the Top 10 Things You're Getting Wrong About Self-Care that could actually be damaging your mental health — and what to do instead.

Self-care is more than surface-level habits. It’s emotional honesty. It’s boundary-setting. It’s learning how to truly rest and reconnect — not just numb out.

✅ You’ll learn:

• Why your current self-care routine might be making you feel worse
• The truth about “toxic positivity,” over-productivity, and emotional numbing
• How to create a self-care plan that supports real mental well-being
• Affirmations to rewire your mindset and break burnout cycles

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just tired of the Instagram version of self-care — this is the episode you need.

🧠 This episode is part of our Mental Health Awareness Month Series, where we dig into the REAL conversations around mental wellness, trauma, healing, and inner strength.

🎙️ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode that supports your healing journey.

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Who are you when you're not checking things off a to-do list?
In a world that glorifies hustle and burnout, we’re constantly taught that our value is tied to how much we do, achieve, or produce.

But your worth was never meant to be measured by output.

In this validating episode of The Fearless & Worthy Series, clinical psychologist Dawn Petgrave Smith, and fitness coach Sherine Petgrave joins us to unpack:

• Why we equate busyness with value—and how that mindset starts early
• How the hustle culture shaped the way we define success
• How to create space for rest, joy, and purpose without guilt
• How to identify the signs that someone is overworking to prove their value

If you’ve ever felt like you only matter when you’re achieving something, this episode is your permission slip to be enough, just as you are.

✅ Self-Worth Tip of the Week: Take one intentional break this week—with no guilt and no “catching up” later. You are not behind.

Resources and Mentions:

If you or someone you know is looking to get professional counseling? Then contact DawnMarieTherapy

Follow Dawn on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

Learn more about MenTell Organization here: MenTell2024

Follow Sherine on social media: @sherineoshunpetgrave

Follow us on Instagram: @projectpurposepodcast

Share this episode with a friend and be sure to check out the other episodes in this series by downloading them here

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

What if fear wasn’t running your life?
What if the only thing standing between where you are and where you're meant to be... is the courage to start?

In Episode 3 of The Self-Worth Series, we’re confronting the fears that keep us stuck and replacing them with the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.

🎙️ Joined again by clinical psychologist Dawn Petgrave Smith, this episode will help you:

• Identify the hidden fears keeping you from your purpose
• How do fear of failure and fear of success show up differently
• Mindset shift that makes you move forward despite fear
• Action steps to take TODAY to get you unstuck

Whether you're starting something new or trying to find your way back to yourself, this episode is the motivation and the mindset shift you’ve been craving.

✅ Self-Worth Tip of the Week: Write down one fear that’s been holding you back. Then take one small action in spite of it.

***********

Resources and Mentions:

For professional counseling with Dawn: DawnMarieTherapy

Follow Dawn on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

Book: 'This Child Will Be Great' - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Poem: 'Equipment' - Edgar A. Guest >>>> Grab a PDF copy here

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🔔 Be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode in this empowering series!

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Why does saying “no” feel like you’re doing something wrong—even when you know it’s what’s best for you?

If you've ever said yes just to avoid disappointing someone—or felt guilty for setting boundaries—this episode is your reminder that self-worth starts with self-respect.

In this powerful conversation, psychologist Dawn Petgrave Smith returns to help us understand:

• Why do so many people struggle to say "no" without guilt?
• How does setting boundaries strengthen self-worth?
• What should someone do if people push back against their boundaries... and much more.

Whether you’re a parent, partner, employee, or leader—your peace matters too.
And guess what? Saying no doesn’t make you less kind. It makes you more honest.

✅ Self-Worth Challenge: This week, say no to one thing that drains your energy, and yes to something that nourishes you. No guilt. No apology.

********

For professional counseling click to here: DawnMarieTherapy

You can follow our guest on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

References: Book - 'A Radical Awakening' by Dr. Shefali

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is the belief that you’re not enough?

In this powerful opening to The Self-Worth Series, we’re dismantling the lies self-doubt tells us—and replacing them with truth.

Our special guest, Dawn Petgrave Smith, a licensed clinical psychologist, joins us to explore:
🔹 Why self-doubt shows up for both men and women in different ways
🔹 How childhood, culture, and comparison fuel feelings of unworthiness
🔹 Tangible mindset shifts to silence your inner critic
🔹 How to rebuild confidence after years of self-doubt
🔹 And why your worth has never been up for debate

Whether you’ve been playing small, second-guessing your decisions, or waiting for permission to feel worthy—this conversation is your wake-up call.

💡 You are enough. Right now. As you are.

✅ Self-Worth Challenge: Reframe one negative belief about yourself into something empowering. Say it out loud. Write it down. Start there.

*******

For Professional counseling click here

To learn more about MenTell organization click here

Follow Dawn on social media: @dawnmarietherapy

*******

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨

Waiting to be “discovered” is a losing game. The most successful people create their own opportunities. 🌟

Here’s how YOU can do it:
✅ How to build a powerful network (even if you don’t know anyone)
✅ The secret to becoming a magnet for opportunities
✅ Why most people wait too long to start—and how to take control of your success NOW

💡 Opportunities don’t find you. You create them. Let’s make it happen. 🚀

Please show us some love and leave a review!

Support the show

*************************

New here? Start with The Purpose Clarity Series! 🎧
➡️ Step 1: Listen to The Purpose Clarity Series (Episodes 6-10) to break through self-doubt and gain clarity.
➡️ Step 2: Move into The Purpose Action Plan (Episodes 11-14) to start taking action with confidence.

💡 Ready to start? Listen here → Purpose Clarity Series

*****************************

🚀Tired of working hard and still struggling to make ends meet? Discover The Ultimate Side Hustle — a step-by-step strategy to help you make money from home, on your own terms. No experience needed.
🎯 Book your free 30-minute Strategy Call now and start building the life you deserve: Book Now

✨ Join the conversation: Screenshot this episode, share it in your stories, and tag me @projectpurposepodcast!

🔥 We'd love your feedback! Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts here

⭐ See you in the next episode! 🎙✨