From Trauma to Resilience: A Journey of Healing Beyond Betrayal with Susan Snow

Introduction

Welcome back to the Season of Self-Love podcast! I’m your host, Nyomi Banks, and today’s episode is a deeply personal one. Our guest, Susan Snow, is here to share her extraordinary story of loss, resilience, and healing. Susan’s life changed forever in 1985 when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was tragically killed. Despite this devastating loss, Susan has found a path to healing and now uses her journey to inspire others as an author, public speaker, coach, and realtor.

In today’s blog, we’ll dive into Susan’s powerful story, explore her journey of turning pain into purpose, and learn how she overcame immense grief to find her way to healing beyond betrayal.

A Moment That Changed Everything: The Tragic Loss of a Father

Susan’s story begins on Halloween night in 1985, when her father was tragically gunned down in a drive-by shooting while picking up her six-year-old brother from school. The news came as a shock to her 17-year-old self, and it set her life on a course filled with deep grief, confusion, and loss.

Susan vividly recalls the moment: “I saw my dad’s truck, the glass on the ground, and eventually, my dad’s body. My world cracked. I watched my mother collapse, and I stood there in complete shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened.”

This tragedy left Susan grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The shock of seeing her father’s lifeless body, combined with the uncertainty of her younger brother’s safety and the sudden shift in her family’s dynamics, created a profound sense of loss that would take years to process.

Coping with Trauma: The Emotional Mask

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Susan found herself navigating an emotional fog. The overwhelming grief, compounded by a strained relationship with her mother, led her to shut down emotionally. She was sent to therapy, but at the time, therapy wasn’t equipped to address her deep trauma. Susan spent a year in counseling, only to leave feeling even more lost and confused.

“I got really good at wearing what I call an emotional mask. People told me I was strong, so I wore that mask of strength. Inside, I was dealing with panic attacks, depression, and sleep deprivation, but I didn’t allow anyone to see that. I thought showing weakness meant I was a victim.”

Susan’s “emotional mask” became her way of surviving, but it wasn’t a path to healing. It wasn’t until years later, after moving to Colorado and witnessing the Columbine school shootings on television, that her unresolved trauma surfaced. The flashbacks, panic attacks, and overwhelming emotions forced her to confront the pain she had been suppressing for over a decade.

The Turning Point: Finding Hope in Healing

Susan’s journey to healing began when she found a trauma-informed therapist who helped her understand that what she had been experiencing for years was post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This realization opened a door to hope. For the first time, Susan felt seen and understood.

“When the therapist told me I had PTSD, it was like the sky opened up and rainbows shot out. I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t broken. I finally had a name for what I was going through, and that gave me hope.”

Through therapy, Susan began to explore different modalities of healing, including journaling, which became a pivotal tool in her recovery. Writing allowed her to process the pain she had carried for so long and helped her find her voice. Over time, she transitioned from survival mode to true healing.

From Pain to Purpose: Becoming a Resilience Coach

Inspired by her own journey, Susan felt called to help others navigate their own paths to healing. Today, she works as a resiliency coach, guiding individuals through their healing journeys. Whether helping someone set personal goals, work through trauma, or simply move forward in life, Susan provides a safe space for her clients to share their stories and find empowerment.

“I want people to feel the way I do now—resilient, strong, and hopeful. It’s not easy, and it takes work, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to take those steps forward.”

Her message is clear: healing from trauma requires effort, vulnerability, and commitment, but the rewards are worth it. Susan’s work reminds us that healing is not about forgetting the past but learning to grow from it and create a future filled with hope.

Healing Beyond Betrayal: Lessons for Us All

Susan’s journey is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through her grief, she learned to forgive, heal, and empower others. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of life’s most devastating betrayals—whether personal or societal—there is always the potential for healing.

One of the most profound lessons Susan shared during our conversation was the idea that we must face our inner traumas to prevent them from controlling us. This message rings especially true for those in law enforcement, where unaddressed trauma can have dangerous consequences.

As Susan powerfully put it, “Hurt people hurt people. We need to address the inner wounds before we put someone in a position of authority. Mental health should be a priority, especially in law enforcement, because unhealed trauma will eventually come to the surface.”

Looking Forward: Susan’s Advocacy and Mission

In addition to her coaching work, Susan is an advocate for mental health awareness, especially within law enforcement. She speaks at conferences and events, urging departments to provide mental health resources for officers and to address the deep-seated trauma many carry.

Her book, “The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency,” is available on Amazon and offers readers a deeper look into her story and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, Susan continues to spread her message of hope and resilience, reminding us all that no matter how dark the journey, there is always light ahead.

Conclusion

Susan Snow’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, healing is possible. By sharing her experience, Susan has not only transformed her own life but has also become a beacon of hope for others. Her work as a resiliency coach and advocate for mental health in law enforcement shows that true healing comes from acknowledging pain, facing it head-on, and finding the strength to move forward.

If you’re navigating your own journey of healing, remember Susan’s words: “You have to do the work. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

Call to Action:

To learn more about Susan’s story, check out her book “The Other Side of the Gun: My Journey from Trauma to Resiliency” on Amazon, or visit her website at SusanSnowSpeaks.com for more information on her speaking engagements and coaching services.

Stay tuned for our next episode as we continue to explore stories of healing and self-love. Until then, keep embracing your journey, stay resilient, and remember that you are not alone.

With love and light,

Nyomi Banks

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