The Cocoon: A Safe Place for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Trauma

"It felt like necrosis. Like parts of me had to die off to even begin healing".

In this raw teaser. Denise shares how the aftermath of trauma lived in her body- how survival meant peeling away the dead layers left behind by the abuse.

Part One soon to drop on 25th Jan.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I speak with Mao, founder of Mistakes Are Overrated, about how journalling became a powerful tool in her trauma healing journey. We talk about Mao’s long-standing love for reflective writing, how consistent journalling helped her process trauma, regulate her nervous system, and rebuild self trust, and how that deeply personal practice inspired her to create her own self impact journalling book.

This conversation explores journalling for mental health, healing through writing, self reflection, and how putting your inner world on the page can support trauma recovery and personal growth.

🌱 Learn more...

In this episode, I sit down with licensed massage therapist and journalist Dr. Dominique Carson to explore how intentional touch can become a powerful tool in healing sexual trauma.

We go beyond the table by diving into the emotional, psychological, and somatic layers of massage therapy. Dr. Carson shares how trauma can live in the body long after words run out, and how a safe, informed practitioner can help clients reconnect with their bodies, reclaim pleasure, and begin to truly heal.

This is a conversation about consent, nervous system regulation, and what it...

What happens when the place you go for help… has another agenda?

In this gripping episode, I sit down with U.S. clinic escort and reproductive rights advocate Cait Morrigan to expose the lesser-known side of abortion access — where “support” is used to coerce, and choice becomes a carefully guided illusion.

From crisis pregnancy centres in Australia that push people toward parenthood, to the emotional manipulation tactics used under the guise of care, this episode unpacks the quiet war being waged against bodily autonomy — in both the States and here at home.

We talk activ...

In this grounded and informative episode, trauma-informed therapists Amanda and Carol who are co-founders of the Stress & Trauma Clinic in Mittagong explore the core principles of EMDR, attachment repair, and somatic healing. With decades of experience supporting survivors of complex PTSD, early childhood trauma, and nervous system dysregulation, they offer deep insights into how therapy can truly meet people where they are.

Perfect for anyone seeking clarity about trauma recovery, EMDR, or the importance of safety and trust in the healing process.

Stress and Trauma Clinic Website: https://stressandtraumaclinic...

Duration: 00:36:36

Coming this September — Amanda & Carol from The Stress & Trauma Clinic open up about the shocking reality behind Australia’s suicide crisis and how EMDR therapy is giving survivors a lifeline. They share confronting truths, break down the science of trauma recovery, and reveal what it really takes to heal after life’s hardest moments.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Counsellor Kendra King (LPC, NCC) joins us to unpack the impact of porn and sex addiction on couples from broken trust to rebuilding intimacy. With years of experience guiding partners through infidelity recovery, Kendra shares practical steps for healing, communicating, and reconnecting after betrayal. A must-listen for anyone navigating relationship wounds in the digital age.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:

Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute

Email: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro...

Duration: 00:53:20

Did you know porn addiction can start as young as age 10? In this gripping conversation, counsellor Kendra King breaks down the hidden impact of early exposure, how it rewires the brain, and why parents often don’t see it coming. This clip from our upcoming full episode will make you rethink what you thought you knew about porn, sex, and addiction.

Full episode drop on August 31st.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:

Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute

Email: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Criminologist Dr Kathryn Whiteley returns to continue her powerful exploration of prison reform, rehabilitation, and the lived experiences of incarcerated women.

In Part Two of this special episode, Dr Whiteley dives deeper into the long-term impacts of incarceration — both on the women she’s worked with and on herself. From navigating grief and vicarious trauma to witnessing moments of profound change, Kathryn shares what she's learned about listening without judgement and the transformative potential of human connection inside the justice system.

This conversation challenges stigma, re frames justice, and reminds us of the power of e...

Australian Criminologist Dr Kathryn Whiteley shares powerful insights into prison reform, the realities of women’s prisons, and the emotional work of humanising incarcerated women in the U.S.

In our first-ever two-part episode, Dr Whiteley takes us inside the walls of prison to reveal how her work with some of society’s most condemned — and most forgotten — women began.

From her first encounters behind bars to the emotional weight of seeing the person beyond the crime, Kathryn explores what it means to truly listen and advocate for change in a system that often silences.

If...

In this episode of The Cocoon, Ruby is joined by Hamish Whelan from ACON — a passionate advocate working within emergency response to create safer, more inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ communities. Together, they explore what it means to feel safe to serve and safe to be, even in systems that weren’t built with queer people in mind. This conversation is about quiet resistance, systemic change, and the radical act of showing up as your whole self. For anyone who’s ever felt unseen in uniform, or unsafe in their truth — this one’s for you.

Link to ACON we...

Disclaimer: This episode contains content that could be distressing to our listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

For her birthday month, podcast host herself Ruby shares the truth behind her healing — surviving childhood grooming, redefining love, and learning to speak the words out loud.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:

Facebook: The Blue Butterfly Institute

Email: hello@thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Website: thebluebutterflyinstitute.org.au

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark Duration: 00:14:16

Disclaimer: This episode contains content that could be distressing to our listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

Accessing help for abuse shouldn't depend on your postcode but for many in rural areas, it does.

In this episode, social worker and family violence advocate Evie Clayton joins me to discuss the challenges of supporting survivors in isolated communities, the urgent need for better counselling resources for kids and teens, and why we must push for faster rape kit results. It's a tough conversation, but one we need to have.

Warning: This episode does contain themes and discussion of institutional harassment and violence, listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of The Cocoon Podcast, host Ruby Mikolaitis from the Blue Butterfly Institute sits down with Nicole Bedera, a sociologist and leading researcher on sexual violence. As the podcast’s first American guest speaker, Nicole shares groundbreaking insights from her book, On the Wrong Side: How Universities Protect Perpetrators and Betray Survivors of Sexual Violence.

The conversation uncovers how university policies and practices often harm survivors while shielding perpetrators, based on...

Duration: 00:44:59

In this episode of The Cocoon, we sit down with Stacey Copas, a resilience expert who turned a devastating accident into a powerful mission to help others overcome adversity. Stacey shares her incredible journey of becoming quadriplegic at 12, the mindset shifts that shaped her success, and how we can all build resilience to face life’s challenges.

This is an episode about triumph, strength, and finding opportunity in even the toughest moments. Don’t miss Stacey’s inspiring perspective on thriving beyond setbacks.

TBBI Links/Enquiries:

...

Duration: 00:47:11

In this episode of The Cocoon, we welcome Jackie Durnin, a seasoned EFT practitioner and counselor with over 15 years of experience transforming lives. After overcoming her own trauma and challenges, Jackie created a groundbreaking healing retreat that combines traditional therapies with cutting-edge neuro-technology to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and PTSD.

Join us as Jackie shares her journey of resilience, insights into emotional healing, and the innovative tools she uses to guide others toward lasting transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope and practical strategies for recovery.

A special edition episode for the month of October with a heartfelt but inspiring journey of resilience and survival.

In this episode, Rach Mack, founder of the Broken Crayons Still Colour Foundation, opens up about her journey as a survivor of domestic violence and the ongoing struggles she faces. From the traumatic effects of strangulation to her recent diagnosis of stage four metastatic cancer, Rach shares her powerful story with unflinching honesty.

She discusses her organization's groundbreaking work in supporting survivors, the urgent need for medical intervention for strangulation...

Duration: 01:07:28

In this episode, Caroline Brunne opens up about her journey of healing as a survivor of child sexual abuse and incest. With raw honesty, she reveals how peer support and community played a pivotal role in her recovery, especially while navigating the complexities of her migrant background.

Caroline shares powerful insights on setting boundaries, advocating for oneself, and respecting personal autonomy amidst cultural pressures. She also talks about the challenges of sharing her story through a memoir, blending personal experiences with research to offer solace to others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about...

Duration: 00:45:41

In this eye-opening episode, host Ruby Mikolaitis sits down with Jackie McMillan, Senior Project Officer of 'It Left No Marks', to explore the growing trend of erotic strangulation. Why do people engage in this risky practice, and why are younger audiences increasingly drawn to it?

Together, they dive into the dangers, the psychology behind it, and most importantly, how to ensure safe practices with clear boundaries and consent. Don't miss this candid conversation about a rising, yet often misunderstood, sexual behavior.

Article Links:

'It Left No Marks...

Duration: 00:42:38

The Real Talk on Trauma: What No One Prepares You For" dives deep into the often-overlooked aspects of healing from sexual trauma.

Join Ruby and founder of TBBI Tina Meyer as they pull back the curtain on the raw, unfiltered truths of recovery—the emotional hurdles, the unexpected struggles, and the silent battles that aren’t always part of the conversation.

This episode is for anyone navigating their own healing journey or seeking to understand the realities that come with it.

Enquiries/Contacts:

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The...

Join Ruby Mikolaitis from The Blue Butterfly Institute as she interviews Paris, the voice behind 'Shits Fucked' podcast.

Discover Paris's incredible journey from meth addiction to advocacy, breaking the stigma around substance abuse.

Listen in as they discuss systemic flaws, share life toolkits, and reveal how Paris is using her platform to inspire real change.

This episode is a must-hear for anyone looking for hope, resilience, and a fresh perspective on recovery.

Enquiries/Contacts:

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark

Join us in the latest episode of The Cocoon as we sit down with Sarah Williams, the visionary creator of the 'What Were You Wearing' organization.

Sarah delves into her mission to transform policies and perspectives around victim-blaming. Discover the powerful stories and ground-breaking initiatives that are reshaping the conversation on victim advocacy and justice.

Don’t miss this inspiring discussion on creating a world where every voice is heard and respected.

Enquiries/Contacts:

WWYW Instagram: @whatwereyouwearing_

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Ma...

Joining us in this captivating episode, we're joined by Ally Hijazi, a dynamic lawyer, compelling speaker, and passionate advocate for family rights.

Ally fearlessly shares her journey from childhood trauma to self-acceptance, sprinkling humour and candour along the way. Through highs and lows, she reveals the pivotal moments that shaped her resilience and authenticity.

Get ready for an inspiring ride as Ally's story reminds us of the power of embracing our true selves and rewriting our narratives.

Enquiries/Contacts:

Intro/Outro Theme: Breaking The Silence by Marya Stark<...

Step into the captivating world of "Memory Maze," where Dr. Hayley Cullen takes us on a riveting journey through the intricate labyrinth of child abduction issues in Australia.

In this episode, we delve deep into the vital role memory plays in accurately witnessing and identifying these harrowing incidents to law enforcement.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of memory recall and its pivotal significance in solving cases of child abduction.

Dr. Cullen, with her expertise, guides us through the maze of psychological processes that influence memory formation and retrieval, shedding...

In this compelling episode of The Cocoon, host Ruby Mikolaitis delves into the intricate world of image-based sexual abuse with renowned expert Nicola Henry.

Together, they unravel the complexities of this pervasive issue, discussing its definition, far-reaching impact, and the crucial steps we can take to safeguard our online presence.

Through insightful analysis and practical advice, this episode sheds light on a pressing digital-age challenge, empowering listeners to navigate the virtual landscape with knowledge and resilience.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of image-based sexual abuse and discover actionable...

Disclaimer: This episode contains themes and content around sexual violence, listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, we explore the Australian Law Reform Commission's inquiry into the criminal justice system's response to cases of sexual violence.

Lawyer and professor Amanda-Jane George joins us to discuss the need for a more 'trauma-friendly' approach, particularly in court cases and restorative justice processes.

We examine the challenges survivors face in the legal system and how reforms could lead to a more supportive and empathetic environment.

Join us as we delve...

Disclaimer: This episode contains mature language and discussion of assault and harassment, listener discretion is advised.

Dive into the digital dating realm with our latest episode as we unravel the secrets behind online forums where individuals share their experiences, from harassment to infidelity.

Join our insightful interview with Treena Orchard, a scholar and specialist in defamation and social dating as we discuss the alarming rise in legal battles around defamation stemming from these revelations.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of the online dating landscape and gain essential insights...

Disclaimer: Graphic imagery of abuse is described between 05:30 and 11:00 minutes, please skip ahead if you need too. Explicit language is used.

In a raw and courageous narrative, join us as Kim, hailing from Davenport, Tasmania, shares her deeply personal and harrowing journey through unspeakable adversity. From enduring childhood sexual abuse to grappling with the horrors of adult assault, Kim fearlessly unveils her traumatic experiences and their profound impact on her life.

With unflinching honesty, Kim delves into the heart-wrenching details of the abuse she suffered and the subsequent challenges she faced while navigating...

Disclaimer: This episode contains sexual trauma and assault related themes. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode does discuss issues within Indigenous communities in Australia, the podcast does not reflect on every mob in Australia and should be taken listened to with care.

Join us for an eye-opening journey with Charlie, a proud Aboriginal person and LGBTQIA+ advocate, as we dive into a riveting conversation about consent, healing, and identity.

Charlie shares their powerful story of resilience and self-discovery, shedding light on the complex issues of consent...

Content warning: This episode contains explicit language and content discussing the abuse of children, listener discretion is advised.

In this emotionally charged episode of 'The Cocoon,' we have the privilege of sitting down with Julie Henderson, a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to the enduring power of hope, healing, and the unwavering love of a mother.

Julie begins by sharing her life as a loving wife and mother, offering insights into the joys and challenges of raising children, including one who has a disability. She delves into the unique...

Content Warning: This episode contains contains explicit language and triggering themes. Listener discretion is advised.

This episode delves into the intricate topic of navigating relationships in the aftermath of trauma and explores the challenges individuals face when trying to connect with others while carrying the weight of past traumatic experiences.

Our guest speaker for this episode is Alice, whose journey is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and love.

With an enduring relationship of over two decades, Alice has not only navigated the complexities of maintaining a healthy...

This month's episode is focused on creating an honest and vulnerable conversation about the realities of healing our sexual abuse and trauma.

Warning: This episode contains explicit language and content that may be triggering.

We are back with our recurring guest speaker, Tina Meyer who is the CEO and President of The Blue Butterfly Institute which is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to educating, advocating and supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse/trauma.

In an episode that is raw, heartfelt and honest, we discuss...

Duration: 00:38:52

This month's episode is a special one because Ruby, your usual podcast host, is not interviewing, but being interviewed!

Our guest host is the one and only, Tina Meyer, the President and Founder of The Blue Butterfly Institute.

In this special episode, one of our Butterfly Support Groups has graciously permitted us to interview them and ask questions about what their journey was, why they decided to attend a support group, and why survivors on their healing journey should consider attending one.

The responses of these...

Disclaimer: This podcast contains topics such as suicide and assault. Please listen at your own discretion.

On average, 4 men a day commit suicide in Australia.

This adds up to over 1,500 men committing suicide per year.

Why is it so high?

And what can we do to lower it?

Today's guest speaker is Adam Holstein who is a suicide awareness advocate and host of the very successful and well-known podcast 'How you going mate...

Duration: 01:07:15

Disclaimer: Topics mentioned in this episode might be triggering to listen too, viewer discretion is advised. Grooming is something we all know to be weary of, you might have been taught about grooming in school or have had to teach someone else about grooming. But what exactly is it?Retired police officer Kristi McVee joins us today, with over a decade of experience in investigating and reporting cases of child sexual exploitation, we sit down with her to discuss who is vulnerable to grooming, how it impacts you and how to keep yourself and others safe.Details: If you are...

1 in 4 Australian women who identify as having a disability have experienced sexual violence after the age of 15 (Australia Institute of Health and Welfare). On this episode of 'The Cocoon' we are talking with Kelly, she is a volunteer of The Blue Butterfly Institute and an autism specialist, who has worked and supported people within the neurodivergent community who have experienced sexual trauma. This episode is dedicated to discussing why the neurodivergent community is so vulnerable, how to notice signs and behaviours within the community and about the importance of verbal and non-verbal consent. Listener discretion is advised as topics may...

In the latest episode of The Cocoon podcast, we meet Lorna and Tasha. With Ruby, they discuss who they are, what life volunteering for the Institute is like, and then they get into vicarious trauma and how they genuinely self-care as a result of what they hear and learn volunteering. If you are someone others turn to for support, you will gain from listening to this. Self-care and support structures are vital when you care about other people. And just knowing that listening to someone makes supporting others so much easier. It will make the world of difference to the...

Warning: This episode contains content that could potentially be triggering. The Blue Butterfly Institute is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2020. 'We advocate for victims and survivors of sexual trauma, support them through the healing journey, and provide educational opportunities to the community on the impact of trauma on behaviour, attitudes, and beliefs. Our guest for this episode is CEO and Founder of The Blue Butterfly Institute Tina Meyer who will provide insight into why she created this organisation and how the Institute can support you or loved ones with healing from trauma. If you would like to contact the Institute: clic...