We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristina Bentle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

My life has been a journey through deep trauma and adversity, but it’s also a story of resilience, hope, and healing that fuels my mission to help others thrive after emotional trauma.

From my early years, I faced hardships—abuse, neglect, and sexual assault marked my path. The same pain and suffering followed me into adulthood; I lost my best friend at 22 and became a widow at 24, and that was just the beginning. By 28, I hit rock bottom, surviving a suicide attempt. Every day, I was dealing with chronic pain and illness. My body felt 90 before I was 30 years old.

Each year, my list of medical issues grew, and then it came to a point where doctors simply couldn’t figure out what was wrong. Test after test would come back “normal.” Yet, my body was deteriorating, and no one could tell me why.

Anxiety and depression were constant companions despite years of therapy and medication since I was 16. At 37, I was diagnosed with a neurological disability rooted in emotional trauma. My life was crumbling all around me—I couldn’t walk, shower, or do daily tasks because of tremors and weakness. I was having non-epileptic seizures, yet Doctors had no idea why. I lost everything, from my home to my career. I thought my life was over; I didn’t know what to do; I was alone and afraid. But I refused to give up; I had a daughter to care for and wanted to give her the life I knew she deserved, so I began searching for answers.

I was stunned to learn that emotional trauma can manifest physically, altering our biology and causing dysfunction. Yet, modern medicine isn’t trained to recognize the impact of trauma on the body. This discovery opened my eyes to the fact that so many people are suffering needlessly like I was because of the lack of universal understanding in the medical community. I began to understand that healing means we must address trauma at a biological level.

I was stunned to learn that emotional trauma can manifest physically, altering our biology and causing dysfunction, and the medical community is not adequately trained to recognize it. This discovery made me realize that many people, like me, are suffering unnecessarily because of a lack of training about trauma’s impact. I began to understand that healing means we must address trauma at a biological level. So, I began to work on healing my biology.

Today, I’m nearly free from anxiety and depression, a dream I never thought possible. Each day brings progress in healing, and I have regained my independence; I am hiking, driving, and even grocery shopping again. Sometimes, it feels like magic, but in reality, it’s science. So now, my focus is building a business to bring more awareness and education to trauma’s biological impact so that I can help more people find a more effective path to healing. I’m also pursuing a Master’s in Neuroscience and Trauma with plans to start my PhD next year.

I am on a mission to revolutionize the way we address trauma recovery by highlighting the gaps in trauma-informed care within the healthcare system and empowering more individuals to thrive in the aftermath of trauma.

Kristina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I spent two decades in the corporate world chasing success, fueled by my trauma and a deep need for validation. However, this pursuit left me feeling constantly on the edge of burnout, isolated, and disconnected from myself. It wasn’t until a pivotal moment—my suicide attempt—that I realized I could challenge my thoughts and choose a different path. Despite 15 years of therapy, medication, and constant efforts to improve, my anxiety was nearly continuous, and traditional medical approaches fell short of helping me find lasting relief.

At 37, a neurological disability diagnosis left me unable to walk or care for myself, deepening my sense of isolation. It was during this challenging period that I began to dive into the science of trauma healing and made radical changes in my life, leading to a profound transformation. This personal journey ignited my passion to share these insights and help others navigate their healing journeys.

My offerings include online programs, community support, courses, and trauma-informed workshops for businesses. I also engage in speaking engagements, sharing my story and expertise to foster greater understanding and awareness of trauma-informed care.

What sets me apart in the industry is my focus on trauma-informed healing for individuals, rather than solely targeting practitioners. I bring a personal touch, having walked the path of healing myself, which adds depth and authenticity to my work.

I take immense pride in healing my own body, transitioning from being bedridden to regaining independence within two years when conventional medical interventions couldn’t provide solutions. I am a testament to the profound impact of emotional trauma on the body but, more importantly, the power of having the right tools to heal. Pursuing my master’s in Neuroscience and Trauma, with plans for a PhD, underscores my dedication to advancing trauma healing methodologies and reshaping the narrative around it.

My brand’s central message is about “Transforming Lives Through the Science of Healing.” We empower individuals to heal from trauma using scientifically backed methods, ensuring they can thrive without prolonged struggle. I aspire to connect deeply with my audience, offering them hope, practical tools, and knowledge rooted in neuroscience and trauma research. I aim to create meaningful transformations and contribute to a more trauma-informed society by bridging the gap between science and personal healing.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

During my high-pressure corporate career, long hours and a relentless pursuit of success consumed me. It felt like the only path to validation and achievement. I wore my stress as a badge of honor.

Yet, beneath the facade of the picture-perfect life full of productivity, my body was breaking down—and my mind was right behind it. Chronic fatigue and pain worsened every day, and my anxiety led to imposter syndrome that wore on me each day; I remember days I struggled so badly to walk to my office downtown from the nearby parking lot that I would have to rest every 50 feet or so. It wasn’t until my physical and mental well-being reached a breaking point that I realized a crucial lesson: I had to unlearn the culture of constant hustle and embrace the power of rest.

My belief that productivity directly correlated to success was causing me to live in a constant state of burnout. Slowly, I began to shift my mindset. I let go of the idea that success required sacrificing my health and began to embrace boundaries and self-care. It wasn’t easy at first; the urge to keep pushing, to prove my worth through my productivity, was deeply ingrained.

However, a transformation unfolded as I started prioritizing my body, health, and happiness. I discovered that in moments of rest, I was far more creative and productive. Ideas flowed more freely, and my productivity soared without the constant stress that used to hold me back.

The lesson of unlearning wasn’t just about physical rest but also about surrendering to the ebb and flow of life. I realized constant pushing created friction, whereas allowing myself to listen to my body led to smoother, more sustainable progress.

Now, I carry this lesson forward, sharing it with others who, like me, have been caught in the toxic cycle of a hustle culture. It’s a reminder that productivity isn’t measured by hours logged but by the quality and impact of our work. By letting go of the idea of non-stop productivity, I have found a more profound sense of fulfillment and creativity in both my personal and professional life.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My pivot from a thriving 20-year career as a VP of Marketing in the eLearning industry was a profound shift that initially felt incredibly painful. At the peak of my career, I had meticulously planned my path to success, and it defined me. I took immense pride in my professional achievements, yet I had to make a difficult choice. Recognizing the urgency of prioritizing my well-being, I decided to step away from my career and focus on reclaiming my life.

As I began to heal my body and mind, I began to reflect on how I wanted to return to the workforce. I knew I wanted to find a path that would align with my passion for teaching and serving while supporting my family financially. It was a period of soul-searching and reevaluation, where I carefully considered how I wanted to contribute to the world.

Driven by a desire to merge my trauma-healing journey with a meaningful business venture, I embarked on building a platform to share messages about trauma healing. This decision was about creating a business and crafting a lifestyle that nurtured my well-being while also serving a purpose. Central to this journey was the mindful cultivation of a business that worked for me, not against me. I approached each step intentionally, ensuring that old habits of overworking and burnout didn’t seep into my new endeavor.

One important lesson I have learned is the significance of being mindful and slowing down. Whenever I sense the pressure of my old habits creeping back in, I prioritize taking care of myself, listening to my body, taking breaks, and recalibrating.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://awakenedmomlife.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakenedmomlife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awakenedmomlife
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-bentle/
• Other: https://scienceoftraumahealing.com/