Episode 96, Curious Writing Companion No. 1
Entering the Forest, “Hello, I Hear You”
Some parts of you learned to stay quiet to stay safe. Some learned to perform, to please, to control, or to disappear. None of that makes you broken. It means you adapted.
Curious Writing Companion No. 1 is a guided journaling companion to Episode 96 of the Shame Out Loud podcast (Part 2 of the “Child and Woman” series) with Lori Clarke and psychotherapist Tammy Valicenti. In this episode, they use the image of walking into a forest to describe what it’s like to turn toward shame, old pain, and survival patterns with care rather than force.
This companion helps you slow down and get curious about what shows up in your own “forest”, the thoughts, feelings, body cues, and inner parts that have been trying to protect you for a long time.
At the center is a simple line you can come back to anytime:
“Hello, I hear you.”
Not to argue with your inner voice.
Not to shut it down.
Just to meet it, with steadiness and respect.
What this companion supports you in exploring
What your “forest” looks like, and how you know when you’re in it
The survival moves that can show up as hiding, control, hypervigilance, or disconnecting
How shame can shape identity and self-talk, and how to create a bit of space from it
Body awareness, noticing where shame and fear land in you
A kinder stance toward your story, without rushing healing
Who it’s for
This is for you if you’ve been “fine” on the outside, but feel split inside. If you shut down when things get hard, or you stay on alert even when life is calm. If you want a next step that feels grounded, not intense.
Take it slow. Pause when you need to. Come back when you’re ready.
This isn’t about fixing you.
It’s about walking with you, one honest page at a time.
This companion workbook works with episode 96 in the Shame Out Loud series. Follow along!
Because digital files can’t be returned, we’re unable to offer refunds once a purchase is complete.
How do I get my workbook file after I purchase?
After purchasing, you will receive a link to download your journal. Click the link, then select Download to save the file to your device. You will not need to sign in to Google Drive or any other platform to access the file after your purchase.

