Getting Past Survivor

Because “surviving” was never meant to be the whole story

If you’ve ever felt stuck replaying the same patterns — overthinking, people-pleasing, shutting down, or trying to prove your worth — you already know survival mode doesn’t end just because the danger did.

It lingers in the brain, shaping how you think, feel, and show up in life.

This space is about understanding how your brain learned to survive, how to rewire it, and how to live freely, fully, and intentionally.

You may have survived something big or small — but survival isn’t the end of your story.

Getting Past Survivor is about moving beyond those automatic patterns — fight, flight, freeze, or fawn — and into a life led by choice, not fear.

It’s the journey of letting go, retraining the mind, and becoming someone you can trust to treat yourself well.

If you sense there’s something beyond survival — even if you can’t name it yet — you’re right.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

💙 Helen

To read more about my story: The Reason for Getting Past Survivor

If you’d like to explore specific topics or themes — from self-trust to rewiring the brain

— visit the Getting Past Survivor Library.

It’s a listing of the blogs in my every growing collection, sorted into 6 healing pillars (w/ links):

💫 Self-Trust | 🌱 Self-Design | 🧠 Rewire Your Brain | 🤝 Relationships | 🎯 Tools & Sensory Awareness | 💬 Own Your Voice

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Being Proud of Ourselves

We grow up trying to make others proud, but the real transformation begins when we learn to feel it ourselves.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Everyone’s a Pawn

We all think we’re making conscious choices — but something else might be moving the pieces. This isn’t about manipulation; it’s about awareness.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

What About…?

We’ve all done it—blurted out, “But what about…?” when emotions run high. It feels harmless, but it’s actually the brain’s quick way of dodging discomfort.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Rewriting Reality to Feel Safe

Sometimes bending reality feels easier than facing the truth. But each time you choose honesty, even when it hurts, you strengthen the part of you that knows you can stand on your own. This reflection explores how self-protection can keep us stuck—and how truth, though uncomfortable, becomes the foundation for real safety.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Advice or Empathy?

Advice shows up fast—sometimes from us, sometimes toward us. It’s how the brain tries to create safety in uncertainty. But empathy offers something deeper: connection. This piece explores why advice feels so natural, what our nervous system is really asking for, and how to tell when to fix—or simply feel.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

When Gratitude Feels Out of Reach

If you’ve ever felt like gratitude is just out of reach, this blog is for you. It’s not about resistance—it’s about protection. Explore why your brain might not feel safe enough for gratitude yet, and how true healing begins with listening, not forcing.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

When Survival Was the Plan

You’ve probably heard it: “Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.” Sounds poetic—unless your only “plan” was to survive.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Beyond the Body

Healing doesn’t stop at the body. Discover why engaging all your senses—sight, sound, smell, and inner imagery—are essential for deep, lasting change. Go beyond talk, beyond touch, and into true transformation.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

I’m Raising People Not Pets

Being a mom doesn't end when your kids grow up—but the role changes. Learn how to stop over-caring, trust the adults you raised, and stay lovingly connected without hovering.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Are You Gaslighting Yourself?

Think gaslighting only comes from others? Learn how self-gaslighting shows up, why we do it, and what happens when we finally stop minimizing our truth. The most convincing lies are the ones we tell ourselves.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Why Affirmations Don’t Work—Until You Do This

Affirmations aren’t magic spells—they’re only effective when your unconscious mind believes them. In this blog, I revisit the real reason positive affirmations often fall flat and share how to speak to your brain in a way it can actually hear.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Connections That Thrive

Want to strengthen your most important relationships? Discover how to nurture trust, build intimacy, and create bonds that truly thrive. Read more now!

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

NLP Presuppositions

Discover how the NLP (neurolinguistic programming) presuppositions can deepen your understanding of yourself and others, enhance communication, and improve relationships.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

The Downside of Speaking Goals

Discover the surprising downside of sharing your goals aloud in today's digital age. Uncover how the social reality effect can hinder your progress, leaving you feeling satisfied without taking meaningful steps forward. Learn practical strategies to navigate this phenomenon and stay focused on your aspirations. Read on for tips on selective sharing, action-oriented planning, and celebrating real milestones. Find the balance between external validation and internal drive. Dive into the full blog for insights and actionable advice.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Boost Your Self-Esteem: Transformative Tools for Positive Change

Explore the transformative journey of overcoming low self-esteem, guided by the concept of mindful debugging. Uncover the power of self-guided experiences through purposeful workbooks designed for personal growth. Discover tangible benefits and witness the transformative process that leads to a more empowered and resilient self and ultimately raise your self-esteem!

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

The Power of Words

Our words shape our brains. Expressions like "I feel depressed" reinforce negativity. Discussing problems offers temporary relief but often leads to frustration and limited change. Positive affirmations benefit those with high self-esteem but may worsen negative beliefs for those with low self-esteem due to confirmation bias. Understanding how our brains interpret language, including sensory experiences, is crucial for lasting change and personal growth.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

From Chaos to Clarity

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation as you explore the profound insights of hypnosis and the unconscious mind. Through these posts, unlock practical tools to accelerate your personal growth and understand yourself on a deeper level. Gain invaluable insights into how your subconscious influences your actions and learn to harness this power for positive change. Dive into the fascinating revelation that the brain reacts before conscious awareness, offering a new perspective on the mysteries of your mind.

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Turning to Belief

Imagine this: a battle within, one part cheering, "You deserve the best!" The other whispers, "No, you don't.” You try to believe, to break free from doubts. Looking back, you long for that confident step into a fulfilled life.

Ever notice resistance holding you back? What if you could let it go, embracing your truth and transforming your life?

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Helen Brenner Helen Brenner

Why Listening to CSA Survivors Matters More Than Ever

Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) often feel silenced, dismissed, or disbelieved — even by those closest to them. In this heartfelt episode, I share why it’s so important to truly listen. Because silence doesn’t protect anyone — but empathy and belief can change everything.

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