Truths About Trauma No One Told You (with Anya Charnaud)

Have you ever wondered, “Was what I went through really trauma?”

Or have you felt ashamed that therapy means your faith is weak?

For years, I told myself what I went through wasn’t bad enough to matter. Not war. Not abuse. Not the kind of “big T trauma” you read about.

But then my body broke down—chronic pain, panic, tears that wouldn’t stop.

It was only when I began to understand what trauma really is—not the size of the event, but the wound left inside—that healing finally began.

In this new episode of Tender & Wild, I sit down with psychotherapist Anya Charnaud, who brings over two decades of experience in the NHS and private practice, to unpack:

• What trauma really is (and isn’t)

• Why Russian nesting dolls explain our inner child and reactions

• The “fishing net” analogy for triggers

• Why complex trauma is like a car alarm that won’t stop blaring

• How faith and science can walk together in recovery

You are not alone.
You are not too much.
And you are not beyond healing.

Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. Dr. Wai-Jia Tam is a medical doctor and complex trauma survivor, but not a licensed therapist or mental health provider. Please seek qualified professional support for your specific situation where needed. Episodes may include sensitive topics such as trauma, abuse, suicide, grief, or spiritual harm. Please listen gently and at your own pace. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. 

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