In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Anna talks with Lauren Smallcomb—a certified mind-body practitioner, trauma-informed healer, and author of the forthcoming memoir Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom (coming September 2025).

Lauren shares her story of growing up as the golden child in a conservative Christian family system—and the painful unraveling that led her to reclaim her autonomy, identity, and voice. We talk about the hidden cost of perfectionism, the complexities of family estrangement, and the grief and liberation that come with choosing your own wholeness over external approval.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the question, “How much of my story should I share?” or struggled to reconcile your need for connection with your need for authenticity—this episode will speak to your soul.

We explore:

• ​What it means to be cast as the golden child (and how that role can harm)
• ​The double bind of family estrangement: “Do I stay and erase myself, or leave and be erased?”
• ​Rebuilding self-trust after leaving a family system or belief structure
• ​How to share personal stories without retraumatizing yourself
• ​The healing power of grief, creativity, and telling the truth

✨ Connect with Lauren:

• ​Website: flourishtherapy.kartra.com/page/goldenchild
• ​Instagram: @flourish_therapy
• ​Substack: @laurensmallcomb
• ​Book 📖 available now on Amazon: Golden Child: My Descent to Scapegoat and Rise to Freedom
• ​Email: lauren@flourishtherapy.co
• ​YouTube: @flourishtherapy

🌀 Want support building self-trust in your own creative or entrepreneurial journey?Work with Anna 1:1, join a live workshop, or explore resources at annaholtzman.comFollow Anna on Instagram: @anna_holtzmanEmail: anna@annaholtzman.com