*****This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based kombucha tea: Use code Breanne10 at checkout for a discount!*****

In this powerful episode, Caralyn Dreyer shares her journey through adoption, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and an eating disorder—and the lifelong work of healing that has followed.

We openly talk about reclaiming identity, building self-worth after trauma, and the role therapy, forgiveness, and community play in recovery.

As a fellow mother and mental health advocate, Caralyn opens up about breaking generational cycles and finding strength through vulnerability.

Her story shines a light on the courage it takes to face the past and the beauty of resilience. She and I very candidly dive into what it truly means to heal.

If you or someone you love is navigating trauma or mental health recovery, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and hope.

More from Caralyn Dreyer:

Read Caralyn's Blog: Darkness to Dialogue – Living Well With Mental Illness⁠ – Honest stories, trauma-informed recovery tools, and stigma-busting insights for those living with depression, anxiety, and more.

Follow Caralyn on Instagram⁠ for daily reflections, lived experience, and advocacy.

Listen to “Through the Darkness” – A Mental Health Recovery Podcast⁠

Subscribe to Caralyn’s Substack⁠ for essays, recovery resources, and ongoing conversations about healing.

In this episode, returning guest Sylvie, first featured in Episode 41, rejoins the conversation to share how her journey of healing from domestic violence evolved into a passionate mission to help others reclaim their power.

⁠Connect with Coach Sylvie on Instagram⁠⁠

Now a trauma recovery coach and emotional wellness advocate, Sylvie guides individuals through their own healing journeys—helping them process grief, navigate trauma, and rediscover authenticity after pain.

She reflects on how embracing radical honesty, emotional awareness, and spiritual intuition not only transformed her life but became the foundation of her coaching work.

Sylvie believes healing is never about being rescued from the outside—it’s about learning to rescue yourself from within.

This episode explores how she empowers clients to connect with their emotions, peel back layers of pain, and build resilience through self-trust and community support.

Key Takeaways

• Pain can become the foundation for purpose and advocacy.

• Healing from trauma begins with inner strength and self-compassion.

• Radical authenticity is the doorway to transformation.

• Anger is valuable information that guides emotional clarity.

• Healing unfolds in layers, revealing the root of deeper wounds.

• Intuition and self-trust are essential tools for self-healing.

• Community connection fuels empowerment and recovery.

• Coaching creates a safe space for exploring and releasing pain.

• Emotional awareness strengthens resilience and confidence.

• Everyone has the capacity to heal and grow beyond their past.

  
  

Memorable Quotes

• "The rescue is an inside job."

• "Anger is just information."

• "You belong to God, not to a box."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: Healing and Advocacy

02:56 Purposing Pain — Turning Adversity into Advocacy

06:00 The Inner Journey — Finding Strength Within

08:53 Radical Authenticity — Living Your Truth

11:59 Emotional Intelligence — Understanding Anger and Grief

14:44 Layers of Healing — The Root Analogy

17:53 The Power of Intuition — Trusting Yourself

20:56 Authentic Living — Finding Where You Belong

23:55 Coaching & Empowerment — Guiding Others Through Pain

26:43 Community Healing — Why We Need Each Other

29:40 Closing Reflections — Embracing the Ongoing Journey

This episode was deeply personal and inspiring—my conversation with author and psychonaut Adam Butler cut to the heart of what it means to struggle, heal, and grow.

Adam’s work, especially his book Butler’s DMT Field Guide: ABrief History, Step-by-Step Recipes, and Personal Experiences From a DMT Saturated Consciousness, captures his life-saving journey through mental health battles and hundreds of DMT experiences.

Follow @booksbyadambutler

Our dialogue explored how psychedelics, radical self-awareness, and inner work can transform lives.​

Adam shared how facing his darkest hours and travelingacross America gave him tools for healing—through reflection, therapy, community, and DMT’s powerful insights.

This episode is an invitation to dive into those uncomfortable places, honor growth, and find hope, whether through books, conversation, or your own journey.

Key takeaways

• Mental health struggles impact all of us at some point.​
• Honest inner work and community support lead to real growth.​
• Psychedelics like DMT can be life-changing tools for healing and self-acceptance.​
• Adam’s book offers practical advice for safe, enlightening DMT experiences.​
• Grounding in the present and gratitude are daily anchors.​

Healing flourishes when we share stories and connect, and this episode is proof of that!