Show notes
Trigger Notice + Support
This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, abuse, cancer, and trauma recovery.If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone.In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.For international support, visit: https://findahelpline.com
What happens when life tries to break you—and you decide not to let it? In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with therapist and survivor Zulma Williams to talk trauma, healing, and why you don’t need to be “fixed” to move forward.
Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 3.5 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.
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Mental Health Quote
“If you woke up today, your mission in life is not complete.” — Zulma Williams
Episode Description
Zulma Williams has survived more than most people can imagine—breast cancer, abusive relationships, depression, and suicidal ideation. But she never saw herself as a victim. In this raw, honest episode, Zulma joins G-Rex and Dirty Skittles to share why survival isn’t about toughness—it’s about truth.
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Zulma moved to the United States in her 30s, reinvented herself in midlife, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after cancer forced her to stop and reevaluate everything. Along the way, she learned something powerful: trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted.
Zulma opens up about emotional and verbal abuse, how subtle control can dismantle your sense of self, and why so many people don’t realize they’re being harmed until they’re already isolated. She also explains why therapy only works when you’re allowed to be fully yourself—swearing included.
As a Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma talks about trauma recovery, nervous system healing, and why short-term, evidence-based therapies can create real change. This conversation is bold, validating, and deeply human—especially for anyone who feels “too old,” “too damaged,” or “too far gone” to start over.
This episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection. It requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to honor your own internal hero.
SEO Keywords: Zulma Williams, trauma recovery, mental health podcast, therapy healing, PTSD support, emotional abuse recovery, anxiety and depression, ART therapy, survivor mindset, suicide prevention, healing trauma, self-worth, resilience, therapy that works
Meet Our Guest — Zulma Williams, LCSW, ACSW, CTMH
Zulma Williams is the founder of Dragonfly Therapy Services and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma recovery. A breast cancer survivor and Certified Master ART Practitioner, Zulma brings lived experience, direct honesty, and evidence-based care to help clients stop surviving and start healing.
Connect with Zulma:Website: https://www.dragonflytherapyservices.net/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragonflyTSLVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theswearingtherapistYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theswearingtherapistLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulma-williams-ab7609214/
Key Takeaways
Trauma doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you adapted to survive.
Emotional and verbal abuse are real, damaging, and often invisible.
You’re never “too old” to change your life or start over.
Therapy only works when you’re allowed to be your authentic self.
Being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness.
You are allowed to choose yourself—even if others don’t like it.
Actionable Items
If therapy doesn’t feel safe or real, give yourself permission to find a better fit.
Ask yourself: “Am I honoring my internal hero—or ignoring them?”
Notice where you’re minimizing your pain and name it honestly.
References Mentioned
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org
Global Crisis Resources — https://findahelpline.com
Important Chapters
00:02:00 – Zulma’s immigration journey and starting over
00:10:30 – Going back to school later in life
00:15:00 – Recognizing emotional and verbal abuse
00:22:00 – Therapy, trauma, and reclaiming your voice
00:30:00 – Why authenticity matters in healing
00:37:00 – Self-care, self-love, and choosing yourself
00:40:00 – Zulma’s message to anyone still struggling
Closing CTA
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