Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, Gabrielle Crichlow sits down with guest Katy Parker to discuss her experiences living in multiple countries. Katy shares her journey of moving from Slovakia to Germany and then to England, becoming an au pair to support herself along the way. She emphasizes that language should never be a barrier to moving to a new country and highlights the importance of having a strong support system. 

During the conversation, Katy opens up about the challenges of navigating a new country and healthcare system, especially in the face of trauma. She bravely shares her struggles with PTSD after a serious accident in England and how writing became her therapy. Katy started a blog called "Journey of Smiley," where she documents her healing journey and offers journaling tips and prompts. 

This episode sheds light on the significance of having a support system and being prepared for the challenges that come with living in a new country. It also highlights the benefits of traveling and experiencing different cultures, which can broaden one's perspective and contribute to personal growth. Join us for this important conversation about mental health and healing after trauma.

Katy Parker is a trauma-informed writer who integrates mental health and faith into her work. She was born and raised in Slovakia, then moved to Germany to improve her language skills. Afterward, she ventured to England, where she has now resided for 18 years. Despite facing challenges, including a serious accident that resulted in a fractured back and PTSD, Katy rediscovered her passion for writing and created the blog "Journey of Smiley" to connect with other trauma survivors and share her story.

For anyone interested in living abroad, Katy's advice is simple: just go for it. While every country presents its challenges, immersing oneself in a new culture can be incredibly rewarding. She encourages people to travel and truly get to know the country they're living in, rather than constantly comparing it to their home country.

Overall, Katy's story is one of resilience, healing, and the power of sharing experiences to help others. Tune in to this episode as we delve into a meaningful conversation about mental health and the journey to healing after trauma.

Who is Katy Parker?
Katy Parker is a trauma-informed well-being writer who integrates mental health and faith into her words. She studied and lived in several European countries and gained her university degree in England. Katy is a mental health advocate and mentor born in Slovakia but found the love of her life in England, where she currently lives with her husband. She shares her journey of overcoming trauma on her Journeyofsmiley blog. Katy is not shy in addressing controversial subjects or issues that deserve more attention. She is also the founder of the PTSD: My Story Project, a safe space for trauma survivors all around the world to share their stories and inspire others while also helping to fight the stigma surrounding mental health. She aims to encourage and empower trauma survivors and support them on their healing journey. Katy believes healing shouldn’t be a luxury and everyone deserves a chance to heal. That’s why she created a free e-book, ‘7 Keys To Self-Healing, A Trauma Survivor’s Guide,’ accessible on her Journey of Smiley website.

You can find Katy Parker:
On the web: https://www.journeyofsmiley.com
By Email: smiley@journeyofsmiley.com
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeyofsmiley
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeyofsmiley
On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeyofsmiley
On X: https://www.twitter.com/@journeyofsmiley
On Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/journeyofsmiley

Free Guide - 7 Keys To Self-Healing, A Trauma Survivor’s Guide
Free Guide - Journaling Tips & Prompts
https://journeyofsmiley.com/free-resources-journeyofsmiley

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/t3y8HcoSoSM

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Original date of episode: September 6, 2023