From Combat Boots to Service Dogs: A Veteran's Journey Through MST and PTSD with Simone Swartz #165

Can you truly heal yourself from trauma when the system fails you? In this episode of Mind Body Medicine for Self Healers, I sit down with Simone Swartz an Army veteran, author and PTSD expert, to discuss her powerful journey from military sexual trauma (MST) to holistic recovery.

Simone opens up about the "silent battle" of surviving sexual assault SA within the military, the dangers of self-medicating with alcohol and how she eventually reclaimed her voice. Shifting the narrative from PTSD as a lifelong "sentence" to a treatable condition. Simone explains why traditional talk therapy is often only half the battle.

Key Information & Time Stamps

01:34 Simone recounts her experience with Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and the systemic lack of medical care and justice that followed her assault.

04:08 A deep dive into how suppressed mental distress shows up as physical symptoms, including sleeping disorders and chronic body tension.

07:19 Simone discusses the research-backed truth that PTSD is not a "life sentence" and can be successfully treated if faced head-on.

11:58 An honest look at the use of alcohol as a "crutch" to numb trauma and the importance of recognizing when a coping mechanism has become toxic.

15:43 How transitioning to physical exercise and "positive addictions" provides the necessary structure for long-term sobriety and healing.

17:31 Why talk therapy often reaches a plateau and the necessity of "body work"—such as martial arts, massage, and Reiki—to move trauma out of the physical frame.

21:59 Simone explains why dogs are uniquely qualified to help sexual assault survivors regain a sense of safety and trust when human interaction feels overwhelming.

28:50 The ethical and financial benefits of rescuing shelter dogs and training them as service animals for survivors on a budget.

Whether you are a veteran, a survivor of sexual assault, or someone struggling with the physical manifestations of trauma, this episode offers a roadmap for moving from victim to self-healer.

Simone's Bio

Simone is a Army Veteran, author, public speaker and PTSD expert. She has a newly published step by step guide to PTSD recovery and accompanying workbook that can be purchased on amazon and also the link is on her website. She has founded Service Dog Strong, one of the first nonprofits to give sexual assault survivors diagnosed with PTSD service dogs. She believes in raising awareness that PTSD affects greater populations than is mainly discussed in the media. PTSD can affect survivors of street gun violence, sexual assault, domestic violence and trafficking and her massage she wants to share with the world is that PTSD is treatable after any trauma.

Connect with Simone

https://youtube.com/@ptsdandwhathelpedme

https://www.instagram.com/servicedoginnewyork

https://www.instagram.com/ptsdandwhathelpedme

https://www.tiktok.com/@ptsdandwhathelpedme

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-swartz-7b003a35b/

Who am I?

Sarah Dawkins is a passionate Holistic Health and Healing Coach, international speaker and author of Heal Yourself. She’s also a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the award-winning host of the uplifting podcast Mind Body Medicine for Self Healers with Sarah Dawkins.

With over 20 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, Sarah combines her deep understanding of conventional medicine with her own powerful self-healing journey to create a truly integrative approach. Having overcome multiple chronic health challenges herself, she now supports others in uncovering and addressing the root causes of their symptoms, helping them restore balance, reclaim their energy and create lasting, vibrant wellness.

www.sarahdawkins.com

#ptsdhealing #mst #assault #healingispossible #healingjourney #servicedog #servicedoglife