From Burnout to Breakthrough: Karla’s Journey Through Trauma and Back to Herself
Growing Tall Poppies Podcast: Season 02, Episode 14 (#55)
In this week’s episode of Growing Tall Poppies, Dr Nat Green sits down with sits down with Karla Warwick — a woman of deep insight, resilience, and honesty — to explore her journey through high-functioning burnout, trauma, and the slow return to self.
With a rich background in journalism, marketing and communications — including working with ministers and prime ministers — Karla shares what it took to dismantle an identity built around doing, giving, and holding everything together.
Together, they explore what happens when you stop pushing through and finally listen to your body, your heart, and your truth.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
How high-functioning burnout can silently erode your wellbeing.
What it means to untangle your identity from being “the strong one”.
The emotional and physical cost of ignoring your own needs.
How Karla used somatic tools like TRE (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) to begin feeling again.
Why nervous system regulation is key to post-traumatic growth.
The role of compassion, spaciousness, and community in healing.
How editing Break Your Trauma Cycle became part of Karla’s own recovery.
Episode Highlights & Takeaways
The hidden pain of high-functioning burnout: Karla shares how long she ignored her own signals — and the crash that forced her to stop.
When your identity is tied to helping: The risks of always being the capable one, and what it takes to release that role.
Facing what’s been buried: The emotional and physical toll of finally letting the feelings in.
The healing power of support: How her husband and circle held space for her healing without pressure.
TRE and somatic healing tools: How Karla began reconnecting with her body and emotions.
The Trauma Archetypes as a mirror: How working on Break Your Trauma Cycle deepened Karla’s self-awareness and transformation.
Rebuilding self-worth: Karla’s honest account of rediscovering her value and reclaiming her joy.
Learn More & Connect with Karla
Want to dive deeper into Karla's work? Here’s how to connect:
Website: celebrantkarla.com.au
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/karla-warwick
Mentioned in this Episode
📖 Break Your Trauma Cycle – The 7 Archetypes of Transformation
Discover your Trauma Archetype and how it may be shaping your patterns and healing.
Next Episode
👉 S02E15: Beyond the Hero Complex: Embracing Open-Hearted Healing and Sustainable Strength
