What if shame was never yours to carry?

In this deeply confronting and profoundly important conversation, Di Gillett sits down with Dr Martina Zangger - survivor, psychotherapist, academic and author of Not My Shame - to examine the mechanics of abuse, the burden of misplaced shame and the long road to healing.

Growing up in Basel, Switzerland, Martina’s childhood appeared privileged and safe. Behind closed doors, it was neither. Abuse by powerful, respected men in her family shaped decades of silence, self-blame and trauma, before she eventually disclosed at 27.

We also hear about Martina’s extraordinary experience having spent a decade in the infamous Rajneesh cult in the United States.

Martina’s belief is simple and radical:

“Shame must change sides.”

This episode includes discussion of domestic and family violence.

We explore:

• Why shame attaches to survivors, not perpetrators.
• The psychology of power, control and narcissistic abuse.
• Why disclosure takes an average of 25 years.
• The healing journey and why we cannot heal in isolation.
• Martina’s extraordinary time inside the Rajneesh cult in the United States.
• The moment that finally woke her up.

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Who is Dr Martina Zangger?

Dr Martina Zangger is a psychotherapist, academic and author specialising in trauma and sexual abuse recovery. Originally from Switzerland and now based in Australia, she has worked for nearly three decades supporting victim-survivors through healing and disclosure. Her PhD focused on sexual assault and the legal system, and her memoir Not My Shame explores her lived experience of childhood abuse and her journey to reclaim power by shifting shame back to where it belongs.

Find Martina at:

Website https://martinazangger.com.au/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-martina-zangger-9b29874a/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/martinazangger/

Resources [Australia] :

Free Services for victim-survivors:

https://victimsservices.justice.nsw.gov.au (22 free counselling sessions for victims of crime NSW)

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (free DV and SA counselling 24 hours)

https://www.thesurvivorhub.org.au (free monthly peer support group)

https://bravehearts.org.au (Bravehearts: Free counselling for victims of CSA)

Connect with Di & engage with Power Of Women:

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/di-gillett-power-of-women/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/power_of_women_podcast/

Contact https://powerofwomen.com.au/contact/

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Credits:

Audio Editing + Sound Design: Daryl Missen – https://vinilo.com.au/

Executive Producer: George Donikian: https://www.donikianmedia.com.au/

Disclaimer: https://powerofwomen.com.au/podcast-disclaimer/

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