Episode notes
In this episode of The Internal Shift Show, Debbie Longo speaks with Heather-Ann Ferri about childhood abuse, PTSD, self-care, emotional healing, meditation, and the internal shifts that helped her rebuild her life after years of trauma and self-sacrifice.
Heather-Ann shares how years of childhood abuse shaped the way she viewed herself, her voice, and her role in relationships and work environments. As an adult, she became an over-giver who constantly focused on helping others while ignoring her own emotional and physical needs.
While working in senior homes teaching yoga, meditation, and wellness programs for elderly residents, Heather-Ann began noticing serious physical pain and emotional exhaustion building inside herself. At the same time, she saw similar burnout and exhaustion in many caregivers and healthcare workers around her.
Eventually, after requesting time off to focus on healing her PTSD and physical health, Heather-Ann unexpectedly lost her position at the senior home. Although the experience initially caused pain, anger, and disappointment, it also became the turning point that forced her to finally prioritize herself and begin investing fully into her own business and healing journey.
Throughout the conversation, Heather-Ann explains how meditation, breathwork, nervous system regulation, self-care, boundaries, and personal responsibility helped her move out of survival mode and begin rebuilding her confidence and identity. She discusses the importance of not remaining trapped in negativity, learning to become your own cheerleader, and understanding that healing is rarely linear.
Heather-Ann also shares how her father unexpectedly introduced her to meditation and yoga years earlier, which eventually led her toward studying healing practices, energy work, and emotional recovery. Over time, those experiences became the foundation for the work she does today helping others heal emotionally and physically.
This episode explores childhood trauma, PTSD, emotional healing, self-care, meditation, burnout, nervous system regulation, personal growth, resilience, and the importance of learning to use your voice after years of silence. It reinforces the idea that healing often begins the moment people stop abandoning themselves and start recognizing their own value.
Contact Debbie Longo, Executive Behavioral Coach:
Website: https://www.debbielongo.com/
Email: debbie@lifeinbloomny.net
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-longo-life-in-bloom-ny/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.longo.2025 I
nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie.life.in.bloom.ny/?hl=en
Contact Heather-Ann Ferri:
Website: https://www.heatherannferri.com/
Amazon Book: