In this episode of Helping The Brave Podcast, Ed Parcaut sits down with Fenix Shepard for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about Navy service, military sexual trauma, PTSD, addiction, faith, forgiveness, and healing.
Fenix shares why she joined the Navy after 9/11, how she served aboard the USS Vella Gulf and USS Preble, and how her life changed after being assaulted during service. She talks openly about the impact of military sexual trauma, the years of addiction and instability that followed, and the moment she finally reached out to the VA for help.
The conversation also explores what recovery looked like over time. Fenix became what she calls a "yes person" to healing, saying yes to therapy, DBT, CBT, military sexual trauma groups, VA support, fitness, sobriety, spirituality, and the companionship of her PTSD service dog, Marley. She also shares how her memoir, Love Unconditional, came from her conversations with Christ and her long journey back to purpose.
Ed and Fenix talk about trauma, forgiveness, military culture, women in service, VA mental health care, community care, service dogs, and the tools Fenix now uses to help others, including Havening techniques, neuro linguistic programming, and hypnotherapy.
This episode is about surviving what should have broken you, choosing help, and using your healing to become a light for someone else.
*Contact Ed Parcaut:** - 🌍 Website: [edparcaut.com](http://edparcaut.com) - 📱 Twitter: [@edparcaut](https://twitter.com)
For more resources and support, visit HelpingTheBrave.com. #HelpingTheBrave #EdParcaut #FenixShepard #NavyVeteran #PTSDRecovery #MilitarySexualTrauma #MSTSurvivor #VeteranMentalHealth #TraumaHealing #VeteranRecovery #ServiceDog #FaithAndHealing #SobrietyJourney #VeteransHelpingVeterans #LoveUnconditional
