130. Behind the Walls, Beyond the Trauma: The Language of Healing with Nikki Everett

In this episode of the Full of Words podcast, Sue Kennedy and CJ are joined by Nikki Everett — author, former justice system professional, and founder of She Is Mental. With a career spent supporting some of society’s most vulnerable individuals, Nikki shares her remarkable personal and professional journey through complex PTSD, systemic reform, and healing through storytelling.

After experiencing multiple traumatic events while working within prisons and mental health systems, Nikki found herself unable to speak the way she once did — a profound loss for someone whose work depended on communication. What followed was a deep personal journey that eventually led to her memoir, Uncomfortably Comfortable, and the birth of a new mission: helping others find strength through their own stories.

This episode explores how trauma affects language, identity, and purpose — and how self-expression, creativity, and metaphor can become powerful tools for recovery. If you work in high-stress environments, support others through trauma, or are navigating your own healing journey, this episode is for you. So, listen now!

Explore Nikki Everett’s work at sheismental.com.au , where you can download her free trauma reframing guide and companion eBook.

Highlights:

• (01:32) Nikki’s background in prisons, mental health, and trauma-informed programming
• (02:28) The incident that changed everything — and how PTSD reshaped her communication
• (06:42) Bridging gaps between prisoners, courts, and community through tailored support
• (13:02) Recognizing burnout and the silent signs of unresolved trauma
• (14:17) How Japanese art and plant care became unexpected metaphors for healing
• (17:05) The book that became a voice for many: Uncomfortably Comfortable
• (24:48) A guide to reframing trauma and reclaiming your personal narrative
• (27:17) Why mental health challenges do not diminish your worth — they deepen it

Sue Kennedy Links:

Website:authoracademy.com.au

LinkedIn:Sue Kennedy Book Coaching Expert

Facebook:
http://facebook.com/TheNo1AuthorAcademy
https://www.facebook.com/groups/authoracademycollective

Twitter: thauthoracademy

Email:[e-mail]

Booking Link: https://suekennedy.as.me/complimentarysession

Healing with Art 2024 - Creativity for Self-Care Course

Catherine James Links:

Website:catherinejames.au

LinkedIn:Catherine (CJ) James

Facebook:
Catherine James Creative
https://www.facebook.com/groups/doinitdaily/

Instagram:@catherinejamescreative

Email: [e-mail]

Booking Link: https://catherinejames.au/contact

Guest Links:

Website: https://sheismental.com.au/