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From Survivor To Healer: Journey To Empowering Trauma Recovery – Interview With Karen Robinson

Karen Robinson, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, CCTP-II, is a best-selling author, speaker, therapist, transformational coach, and trauma recovery expert with 25 years of professional experience. As the Founder and CEO of Heal Thrive Dream, LLC, Karen leads a mother-daughter company dedicated to empowering trauma survivors. Heal Thrive Dream's mission is to help individuals heal from past wounds, thrive in their relationships, and create a vision for their futures. Karen's extensive expertise is underscored by her certification in Complex Trauma, making her a leading authority in the field.

 

Image photo of Karen Lynn Robinson

Karen Lynn Robinson, Trauma Recovery Expert/Transformation Coach

 

Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.


Hello! My name is Karen Robinson, and I’m a therapist, transformational coach, trauma recovery expert, and author. I’ve been in the mental health field for over 25 years, and my passion is empowering survivors to heal, thrive, and dream after experiencing trauma. I believe deeply in the power of resilience and transformation, and I’ve dedicated my career to guiding my clients rediscover hope and purpose.


On a personal note, I’m a wife and mother, and my family is such a blessing to me!. They inspire me to keep learning, growing, and giving back. I love spending time with my loved ones by exploring new places, being playful and of course snuggling. I’m amazed at how beautiful, smart, kind, talented, and compassionate all three of my children are. I am also married to a renaissance man and there is never dull moment with him.


In my free time, I enjoy writing, which has been a therapeutic outlet for me. I’m also passionate about self-care practices like meditation, yoga, praying, spiritual devotionals, attending my own support groups, and journaling, and I often incorporate these into my work with clients. Giving back to the community is important to me, and I’m committed to creating spaces where trauma survivors feel supported, understood, and empowered to thrive.


What makes me unique is my blend of personal and professional experiences. I’ve walked my own healing journey, and that perspective allows me to approach my work with empathy, authenticity, and a deep understanding of what it takes to move forward after trauma. Whether I’m working with my amazing clients,, hosting The Heal Thrive Dream Podcast, or creating courses and resources, my mission remains the same: to inspire hope and transform lives.


What inspired you to create Heal Thrive Dream, LLC., and what is your primary mission?


I created Heal Thrive Dream, LLC., because of my passion for empowering trauma survivors rebuild their lives. After working as a therapist and trauma recovery expert for over 25 years, I saw firsthand how many survivors felt lost and unsupported as they tried to heal. I wanted to create a space where survivors could not only recover but truly thrive—turning their pain into purpose and their dreams into reality.


My mission with Heal Thrive Dream is to empower trauma survivors by offering manageable tools for healing. Through courses, accountability coaching, a supportive community, and monthly action plans, I strive to empower survivors rediscover hope, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives. Compassion and a holistic approach guide everything I do, as I believe everyone deserves the chance to heal, thrive, and dream.


Can you describe the range of services and support you offer to trauma survivors?


At Heal Thrive Dream, LLC., I offer a wide range of services and support tailored to meet the unique needs of trauma survivors. My goal is to provide tools, resources, and guidance that empower survivors to heal at their own pace while fostering personal growth and transformation. Here's an overview of the services and support I provide:


1. Courses & healing intensives for healing and growth

I design self-paced courses that break down the healing process into manageable steps. These courses focus on topics like self-worth, resilience, emotional regulation, and creating healthy boundaries. They are structured to help survivors build a solid foundation for recovery and growth.


2. Accountability coaching

Through one-on-one and group coaching sessions, I provide personalized support to help survivors stay on track with their healing goals. Together, we create actionable plans to address challenges and celebrate progress, ensuring each individual feels supported throughout their journey.


3. Community forum & membership

The Heal Thrive Dream community offers a safe and supportive space where survivors can connect with others who share similar experiences. It’s a judgment-free zone where members can exchange encouragement, share stories, and build meaningful connections.


4. Monthly action plans

To keep survivors motivated and focused, I provide monthly action plans filled with practical strategies, inspirational tools, and challenges that promote healing, self-care, and personal development.


5. Holistic interventions

Recognizing that healing is multifaceted, I incorporate holistic practices into my work. This may include mindfulness exercises, journaling prompts, stress-reduction techniques, and other integrative approaches that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.


6. Podcast and educational resources

Through The Heal Thrive Dream Podcast and other educational materials, I share expert insights, interviews with inspiring guests, and valuable tips for navigating the healing process. These resources are designed to provide hope, validation, and practical advice to survivors.


7. Speaking engagements and workshops

I offer workshops and speaking engagements to educate and inspire larger audiences, focusing on trauma recovery, resilience, and self-empowerment. These events aim to spark meaningful change and inspire hope.


8. Transformation-focused coaching

For those ready to make deep, lasting changes, I offer transformational coaching that dives into uncovering purpose, redefining goals, and creating a life filled with meaning and joy.


Every service I provide is rooted in compassion and understanding, with a mission to help trauma survivors reclaim their power, find their voice, and build a future they’re excited about. Healing is a journey, and I’m honored to walk alongside those who are ready to take the next step.


How do your personal experiences and professional background influence your approach to trauma recovery?


My personal experiences and professional background deeply shape my approach to trauma recovery. Having faced my own challenges and healing journey, I understand firsthand the complexities and emotional pain that trauma survivors endure. I am a complex trauma survivor who continues to recover from childhood abuse, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in the workplace. These lived experiences allow me to connect with clients on a deeper level, offering not only professional expertise but also genuine empathy and understanding.


Professionally, I’ve spent over 25 years working as a therapist, trauma recovery expert, and coach in diverse environments, including schools, the military system, hospitals, adoption agencies, outpatient clients, inpatient units, and through teletherapy. This broad experience has given me insight into the many ways trauma manifests and how it impacts survivors across different stages of life. It has also taught me the importance of tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each survivor.


My dual perspective—both personal and professional—has shaped my belief that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. I combine evidence-based therapeutic methods with holistic, practical tools to support healing on every level: emotional, mental, physical, relational, spiritual and energetically. I also place a strong emphasis on empowering survivors to reclaim their power and build a life of purpose, resilience, and joy.


Because I’ve walked this path myself, I approach trauma recovery with authenticity, compassion, and hope. I know healing is possible, and my mission is to provide the guidance, resources, and community that survivors need to transform their pain into strength and their dreams into reality.


What future plans do you have for expanding or enhancing the resources available through Heal Thrive Dream?


The future of Heal Thrive Dream is all about growth, innovation, and continuing to meet the evolving needs of trauma survivors. Here are some of the plans I have for expanding and enhancing the resources we offer:


1. Developing new courses

I plan to create more specialized courses that address a variety of trauma-related challenges, such as navigating complex relationships, overcoming self-doubt, and building financial independence after trauma. These courses will be designed to provide practical, step-by-step tools that survivors can use to take control of their lives.


2. Expanding the community forum & membership

My goal is to make the Heal Thrive Dream community even more robust by offering moderated discussion groups, peer mentorship opportunities, and live Q&A sessions. I want to ensure the forum is a thriving, supportive space where survivors can connect, share, and grow together.


This program provides ongoing support for survivors looking to maintain momentum in their healing journey.


3. Introducing dream club

I am creating a low fee club open to anyone that wants to learn about and live a dream life. Exclusive content will be offered monthly with printable resources, and access to a supportive community. Other coaches will have opportunity to present how they manifest as well!


4. Broadening healing summits – Partnering with other experts

Collaborating with other survivors, trauma recovery experts, therapists, and wellness professionals is a key part of my plan. By bringing in diverse voices and expertise to my summit platform, I can offer a wider range of perspectives and resources, this is a win-win-win for survivors, myself, and other healers.


5. Expanding educational content

I aim to grow The Heal Thrive Dream Podcast by bringing on more inspiring guests and diving into a broader range of topics. Additionally, I plan to create more blog posts, eBooks, and downloadable guides to address specific issues survivors face.


6. Hosting in-person retreats

One of my dreams is to host transformational retreats where survivors can connect face-to-face in a safe and nurturing environment. These retreats would combine workshops, relaxation, and holistic practices to foster healing and personal growth. Stay tunned!


7. Advocating for trauma awareness

I want to use my platform to advocate for greater awareness and understanding of trauma recovery. This includes speaking at conferences, partnering with organizations, and creating campaigns to reduce stigma and promote resilience.


8. Expanding holistic offerings

Recognizing that healing is multifaceted, I plan to incorporate more holistic interventions such as art therapy, energy work, and movement practices. These additions will give survivors even more tools to support their mind-body-spirit connection. I will make these offerings in my membership as we continue to grow.


Ultimately, my vision for Heal Thrive Dream is to be a comprehensive hub for trauma recovery—a place where survivors feel supported, valued, and inspired to create the lives they deserve. My commitment to growth and innovation ensures that we will continue to evolve to meet the needs of those we serve.


Thank you for this interview! May all readers heal their childhood pain, thrive in their relationships and create dreams for their futures. To learn more about my dream club:


 

Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info!

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