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Published on:

21st Nov 2023

Lessons from the Heart: Discover The Invaluable Insights That Divorce Can Offer About Oneself and the Dynamics of Marriage with Johanna Lynn

Today I am joined by therapist, Johanna Lynn. We discuss the form of therapy she does, which explores epigenetics and unresolved family trauma in order to understand how it affects generations to come. She walks me through how to uncover where my unresolved anxiety may be coming from and how to put a stop to passing that down to my grandchildren. Johanna then discusses what self-regulation is and how to bring it into practice when you are feeling triggered. The information she provides really helps to open your eyes and see that your “issues” may not actually be yours, and there is an opportunity to heal them. This was such a fascinating episode, and I can’t wait for you to listen!


In this episode:

[1:55] Johanna shares her story. [5:42] Johanna explains how her style of therapy works with looking at how you were loved. [8:46] Breaking generational patterns so we don’t pass the trauma down to our children. [10:44] Johanna walks Lesa through uncovering where her anxiety comes from. [14:28] Johanna gives an example of healing generational incomplete or unprocessed grief or trauma. [17:20] What is self regulation? [20:45] How do you bring self regulation and awareness into practice? [24:12] What is one thing listeners could do to start uncovering what generational things may be coming up for themselves.


Key Takeaways: 

[18:06] When you are searching for a therapist or counselor, make sure that they are  self regulated. A lot of therapists get into this work to sort out their own stuff and they end up passing it along to their clients. [21:12] When you have gone through your own self regulation work, you are able to trust yourself more, and not give yourself away for connection. You have more boundaries, are more grounded, and have a better idea of who you want to be instead of having the environment around you squeeze you into something you’ve learned in your family. [24:52] The more you know your family history, the more well equipped you can be with your own healing.


Quotes: 

“The idea that how we were loved as a child imprints how we show up to love and, even how we navigate separation. And so for me, it was such a time to learn when everything was so raw and so vulnerable. It really allowed me to be more humble and take a look at things with a fresh perspective.” - Johanna Lynn

“How do you help yourself self regulate? You clear out your influences of the past. You start to understand - Ooh, that's my great grandma's anxiety. And that's the lens I've been looking at my decisions and my relationships through. This is how my body has been responding, but gosh, maybe it's not even mine.” - Johanna Lynn

"It's a little bit like unpacking your trunk before we're able to  fully go on that vacation. We've got to make space for the new stuff that we want to welcome in. And we don't recognize what our blind spots are. They're still a part of us.” - Johanna Lynn


Guest Bio: 

Johanna has been connected to the world of separation and divorce for 15 years, originally due to her personal situation, then as a systemic therapist focusing on restoring relationships.


Resources: 

The Family Imprint Institute

The Family Imprint Institute Instagram

Email: connect@johannalynn.ca 

Lesa Koski Website

Lesa’s Online Courses


To receive real-time alerts that your child is safe, visit https://www.soberlink.com/partners/different


I am so honored to introduce my FREE Co-Parenting Masterclass. This masterclass shares tools to co-parent well even with a difficult co-parent. You will learn the 5 C's of a Co-Parenting Plan and a free bonus resource with Certified Divorce Lending Specialist, Tami Wollensak, sharing what you want to consider regarding the family home. Sign up to receive a video replay at https://www.lesakoski.com/co-parenting-masterclass

Mentioned in this episode:

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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski
Divorce, co-parenting & midlife comebacks for women over 40
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—this podcast is your guide to a healthier, faith-filled life transition.

Hosted by family law attorney, mediator, and life coach Lesa Koski, each episode is designed to take the fear out of major life change and guide you toward peace—whether you’re facing separation, navigating a divorce, working to strengthen your relationship, or rebuilding your life in midlife.

You’ll get heart-centered legal clarity, emotional support, and practical tools to help you heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

Topics include:

Peaceful divorce strategies and mediation support

Co-parenting help and parenting plans that actually work

Prenups, postnups, and how to protect what matters most

Emotional healing, mindset shifts, and confidence after a hard season

Menopause, health changes, and how midlife affects mood, marriage, and motivation

Wellness basics that make a real difference: rest, nutrition, movement, strength, and community

This is more than a show about endings—it’s about becoming the woman who rises stronger, steadier, and clearer on the other side.

About the Host:
Lesa has spent over 25 years helping families through mediation and family law, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. She’s also a breast cancer survivor, wellness advocate, cowgirl at heart, and follower of Jesus who believes your hardest season can become your greatest comeback.

If you’re craving practical guidance, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about rebuilding life after 40, you’re in the right place.

Website: https://www.lesakoski.com/

About your host

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Lesa Koski