Rebuilding After Violence: Michelle Manley’s Decade of Healing and Growth

In this episode, host Amy Stone welcomes Michelle Manley, a Reiki master and trauma survivor, who shares her story of leaving an abusive marriage and healing from the impact of both spiritual and emotional abuse. Michelle opens up about the pivotal moments that led her to break free, her journey to recovery—including a diagnosis of complex PTSD—and how she eventually turned her experience into a source of support for others. Her story is an honest and inspiring look at imperfect adulting and finding hope on the other side of hardship.

About the Guest:

Michelle Manley is a soma-spiritual mentor, Reiki Master Teacher, Jungian tarot reader, and multidimensional healer with a unique approach that blends somatic embodiment, energy work, metaphysics, and deep mindset transformation. As an overcomer of time in a cult, an abusive marriage, and debilitating chronic pain, Michelle has reclaimed her sovereignty and now guides others in doing the same. She helps her diverse clients cultivate a deeper relationship with Self and find their unique equilibrium. As a queer and neurodiverse practitioner, Michelle hears the voice of those who feel unheard and is committed to providing a safe, nurturing space for healing and expansion.

Main Topics Covered:

• Navigating and leaving an abusive marriage
• The role of mental health and misdiagnosis in abuse
• Living with and recovering from complex PTSD
• The impact of spiritual abuse and fundamentalist religion
• Self-care through nature and energetic healing
• Parenting and healing alongside children
• Building a new life and helping others heal

Quote from the Episode:

“I've reclaimed so many bits of myself that I hadn't given voice to for years, decades. I'm a better parent, I think, at this point. And I became a Reiki master… I get to watch my story actually have benefits, have goodness in it.” — Michelle Manley

Timestamps:

• 00:00:05 — Welcome, self-care, and getting to know Michelle
• 00:01:38 — The van incident: pivotal moment and aftermath
• 00:02:41 — Michelle’s background: spiritual abuse and abusive marriage
• 00:06:16 — Reflecting on the relationship and mental health
• 00:08:16 — CPTSD diagnosis and trauma recovery
• 00:11:00 — Michelle’s experience with a fundamentalist religion
• 00:14:27 — Parenting, isolation, and challenges in the marriage
• 00:17:54 — Life changes and becoming a healer
• 00:19:54 — Supporting other women through energy work
• 00:22:17 — Finding growth and acceptance after hardship
• 00:24:44 — Rapid fire questions and closing

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