Brittany Piper
Brittany Piper overcame one of the most horrific events any of us could imagine: sexual assault. Now as a leading national expert on sexual violence and prevention, and a trauma trained practioner—Brittany uses her story of adversity, resilience and triumph to empower and inspire audiences to take brave action in their own lives and communities.
TOPICS
- Addiction
- Body Image
- Bystander Intervention
- First Year Experience
- Health & Wellness
- Personal Growth
- Resilience
- Sexual Violence Prevention
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Stress Management
- Title IX
- Women’s Empowerment
KEYNOTES
Getting to know
Brittany Piper
Brittany Piper is an speaker, trauma trained practitioner — cultivating 400+ programs spanning 10 years and 3 continents. Her work has been recognized by The United States Army, the Laura Bush Institute of Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Elite Daily + more. She is a rape survivor and leading national expert and advocate on sexual violence prevention and recovery—speaking to tens of thousands of audience members each year. She is also a forensic neurobiology expert— conducting dozens of trauma-informed trainings and programs with the United States Army and Sex Crimes Detectives annually. Lastly, she is trauma trained practitioner—empowering survivors to heal their past, so they can thrive in the present.
“If we can harness our hardships with the intent to grow through what we go through…we can do amazing things.”
– Brittany Piper
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
To help you promote your event with Brittany, CAMPUSPEAK has created promotional templates you can use. In this folder, you will find resources for social media, a promotional poster for printing, and press photos you can use for your event.
Link to Promotional Materials
LOGISTICAL MATERIALS
Below you will find logistical resources for the day of your event with Brittany.
In-Person Event AV needs (PDF)
Speaking introduction (PDF)
Discussion questions (PDF)
Addressing trauma requires understanding, empathy, and support. When someone doubts a survivor’s experience because they didn’t ‘fight back’ or ‘say no,’ it only proves the existence of trauma. Instead of questioning, let’s offer compassion and validation. Swipe for some things you should say to support survivors instead….
To allies and survivors: join the Body First Healing Program for more information like this🫶🏼
When we face experiences that feel like too much, too soon, or too fast to cope with—through good intention, our nervous system employs survival responses that often disconnect us from ourselves. It’s brilliant really. To manage the overwhelm, our body and brain work in tandem to instinctually remove us from the situation.
But what’s meant to be a temporary solution, often becomes the norm and nearly permanent—as suppression and avoidance takes over. When detached from what doesn’t feel good (the grief, the pain, the fear, the anger), we also become separated from what DOES feel good (the joy, the vitality, the hope, the courage, the compassion).
In addition, what provides the greatest healing is found within us. Somatic healing (a naturalist and body-centered approach to trauma recovery) aims to pivot us back toward ourselves, where we can reconnect to our innate capacity and instinctual resources for self-healing.
So if trauma is ultimately disconnection from Self, healing then is the journey home to Self.
Why is this important?
What we often fail to realize is that avoiding what’s difficult isn’t the same thing as processing. And what isn’t allowed to be safely felt will only fester within the body and mind—creating chronic symptoms that present themselves mentally, emotionally and physically.
So instead of suppressing our own suffering, or seeking external quick fixes, we should aim to gently lead ourselves back home. Back to the resilience intricately hardwired into our biology.
Nervous system and somatic healing is an adopted lifestyle, a way of being and existing, and connecting back to our nature—the one we’ve become so detached from. It’s not a quick fix, a last resort or a hack. The goal is not to make what’s hard go away, but to harness greater tools and capacity within your nervous system to withstand the emotional and somatic impacts of your trauma. This work, for those ready to turn inward, is a manual back to the Self.
Take this as a gentle encouragement to end the vicious war and resistance you’ve had against your body’s profound wisdom and healing. It’s time to return home.
The nervous system speaks to us through the body, more specifically through our muscles, fascia, viscera, impulse and expression. Through somatic (body-oriented) practices, we can begin to shift our physiology.
And yes, this is backed by science. For example, studies on the ‘Superman Pose’ highlight its influence on our physiology. Adopting this confident, power-driven stance can shift the nervous system into a more regulated state, enhancing cognitive function.
It turns out, our posture is a strong indicator of our nervous system’s state. Posture not only reflects our emotional and mental state, but it also influences it.
A collapsed, withdrawn posture – indicative of a shutdown or dorsal state – is often associated with feelings of depression, burnout, and chronic fatigue. This is where emotions like shame, sadness, grief, and hopelessness tend to reside. Conversely, a rigid or lifted posture reflects a fight or flight response, signaling self-confidence, self-protection, play and excitement.
By gently guiding our body into these postures, we can significantly support our nervous system health, helping us to begin the journey of overcoming shame, procrastination, brain fog, and dissociation.
Give this posture rebound exercise a try as you begin promote a physiological and somatic sense of power and vitality. This is especially supportive in moving out of cycles of toxic shame, freeze and shutdown. Let me know how it lands in your system below!
Here we explore the multifaceted nature of shame: a crucial aspect of our emotional development.
Dr. Gabor Maté offers profound insights into this, distinguishing between the constructive boundaries of healthy shame and the detrimental effects of toxic shame, especially for children. Maté’s observation underscores the intricate connection between authenticity and attachment in childhood development, where the need for connection often overrides authenticity.
As we journey towards healing, we must recognize these dynamics and cultivate self-compassion as a guiding light. Embracing healthier emotional responses empowers us to break free from old patterns and foster genuine connection with ourselves and others.
If you’re eager for more insights into the distinctions between healthy and toxic shame, stay tuned for our upcoming post later this month. I will delve into specific examples that illuminate these concepts further. Follow along here for more🫶🏼🫶🏼
Are you struggling to break free from the relentless cycle of rumination? Do you experience nightmares or flashbacks of traumatic memories?
There’s hope.
Trauma can lock our nervous system in survival mode, but there’s a way out. Watch here as I explore a powerful tool created by Dr. Peter Levine: the T model.
Ready to learn more about transformative tools like the T model? Follow for more healing inspiration or join me in the Body-First Healing Program.😊
Did you know that you can begin to heal chronic illness by healing your nervous system?
Constantly operating in the background, your nervous system serves as a vigilant protector, detecting and responding to perceived threats through a complex interplay of survival states and stress hormone release. The continuous activation of our nervous system is triggered by a multitude of contemporary stress factors such as societal expectations, political polarization, emotional suppression norms, environmental pollutants, and the relentless stream of distressing information.
Given these circumstances, it’s hardly surprising that our health suffers. So, how do we embark on a path towards wellness and healing? Swipe for healing strategies and practical steps to regulate your nervous system and promote healing.
Understanding the intricacies of our nervous system is so important. Ready to explore the issue of chronic illness? Dive into my latest blog post, “Understanding the Root Cause: The Link Between Our World and Rising Chronic Illnesses” on MyHealingHub.com Blog🤎
Did you know that your posture can reveal a lot about your past experiences?
Our bodies have a way of storing trauma and emotions, leading to chronic states of survival within our physiology.
As a somatic experiencing practitioner, I help my clients process and release the stuck energy in their bodies. help clients be with their bodies. In this video, I break down the nervous system states that impact your posture and how they manifest. Watch now to learn more about the powerful connection between our history and our posture.
Let me know in the comments: what does your posture tell you about your history? What might still need to be expressed?
In a world that glorifies hustle culture, we expect ourselves to be like machines. But we’re human beings, wired to need breaks. It’s not something that has to be earned; it’s a fundamental aspect of our biology. Rest shouldn’t be treated as a reward; it should be a routine, a non-negotiable part of our lives.
Ignoring the need for rest comes with consequences. Our bodies and minds will eventually demand it, whether we like it or not. That little voice inside might try to convince us otherwise – telling us lies that prevent us from taking time for ourselves. But here’s the truth: You’re only your best when you’re connected to yourself.
When we slow down and quiet the noise of the world, our own voice becomes louder. So, let’s prioritize ourselves. Let’s make rest a part of our routine, not just something we do when we’re burnt out. Because in the end, taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for our well-being💛 How do YOU find rest? Let me know in the comments!
Chronic illness and anger suppression are often interlinked. Here’s why. People who struggle with chronic survival mode often have suppressed anger, particularly healthy aggression, which stems from their childhood or developmental years. It’s important to understand that healthy aggression and its expression from a young age are essential to our overall well-being. This is another testament to the importance of FEELING.
What’s your experience like with healthy aggression and power? Let’s chat about it in the comments!!
PS: sneak peek…..there’s an ENTIRE CHAPTER on creating capacity for healthy aggression and power in my up and coming book, Body-First Healing
If you’re ready to join a beautiful community of resilient survivors and allies who will support your healing, join the monthly Healing Hub membership or trauma recovery program today.
Do you have a hard time expressing healthy anger?
Here are some examples of statements your caregivers could have said that made you believe your emotions don’t matter. It can be incredibly frustrating and hurtful when our emotions are dismissed or invalidated by those we look up to and trust. There is such deep importance in validating emotions, especially in childhood. When caregivers dismiss or ignore a child’s emotions, it can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and self-doubt. It is important for caregivers to validate their children’s emotions, not just to help them feel heard and understood, but also to model healthy emotional regulation. If you have experienced invalidation in the past, please know that you are not alone. It can take time and effort to unlearn the harmful messages we may have internalized about our emotions, but it is possible. Seeking out supportive relationships, practicing self-compassion, and developing healthy coping skills can all be helpful in this process. Remember, your emotions are valid and worthy of acknowledgment and acceptance. If you’re ready to heal, join me in the Body First Healing Program❤️🩹
Today is a mixed bag of emotions. After a year of writing, my book is due to my publisher today, April 1st. Today also marks the 15 year anniversary of my as*ault, and the first day of S*xual As*ault Awareness Month—a month I’ve dedicated my passion to as a professional speaker for 12 years now. Today is a lot of things, so I’m just going to make space for it all. 🤎
#socialmediaisfake #reality #keepitreal #beauthentic #instavsreality #somatichealing
If you resonate with this struggle, know that you`re not alone. There is hope to be found in asking ourselves: “How can I lead my healing journey with self-love?”
Drawing from personal and professional experiences, I`ve developed a "Three C" formula: Curiosity, Context & Compassion. Swipe for an explanation of this formula & deeper insights💛
By integrating these principles into our healing journey, we gradually cultivate a more regulated nervous system. One that doesn`t seek to fix, but to be present and compassionate towards ourselves. Remember, you`re not alone in this process. Together, we can explore the power of self-love for our collective healing😊🫶🏼
SEE WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY About Brittany Piper!
KEYNOTES
Rape Culture: A Survivor’s Perspective
Brittany Piper was 20 years old when she was brutally raped by a man pretending to be a good samaritan. Now, nearly ten years later, she refuses to keep silent as she gently unravels this sensitive topic with audiences, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of this prevalent issue. As a survivor and women’s studies scholar (focusing on Gender-Based Violence, Prevention and Rape Culture), with extensive work in local and international organizations (including Rape Crisis Centers in conflict countries): Brittany is able to use her perspective as a survivor, as well as a trauma and prevention expert, to educate communities and organizations on the many perspectives of sexual violence prevention AND recovery.
Her personal and moving story, blended with a non-judgmental and healthy dialogue about rape, compelling research, and interactive activities, offers a meaningful picture of the realities of the toxic culture in which we live. Brittany reveals how we all participate in rape culture, even from a young age, and helps individuals to understand the role they play in either perpetuating or ending the cycle. Participants leave feeling empowered to not only combat sexual violence in their communities, but to be a pillar of strength for the survivors around them.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this program, students will learn:
- What consent looks like, especially when alcohol and other substances are involved.
- How to address the community’s involvement in rape culture through such concepts as: victim-blaming, rape myths, and more.
- Ability to identify potentially dangerous situations.
- Safe and effective ways to directly or indirectly intervene as an active bystander.
- The physical, mental and emotional impact that sexual violence can have on an individual.
- How to support peers who have experienced sexual assault.
The Heart of Resilience & Recovery
Brittany Piper intimately understands the road to recovery from the perspective of a trauma survivor, as well as a Somatic Healing Practitioner who’s worked in rape crisis and trauma centers around the world. In both her personal life and in the communities she serves, she bares witness every day to the devastation that trauma can leave in its wake: shame, depression, addiction, anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, eating disorders, Secondary Trauma, and more. But even greater, she’s also walked the profound path to resilience and recovery and guided thousands on the same journey.
Today, with over 70% of us experiencing trauma at some point in our lives, most of us could be up against these battles. This makes the mission of trauma informed education and healing crucial for everyone, survivors and allies alike.
In this interactive program, Brittany will inform, inspire, and walk students through the scientifically proven methods and practices designed to heal the effects that trauma leaves on the brain and body. From military bases to conflict countries, to workplaces and college campuses—Brittany’s educational and hands-on program has transformed and empowered the lives of countless audiences. And now, she’s ready to share her heart and knowledge with yours.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this program, students will learn:
- How to develop a personalized routine that will be beneficial in the recovery process following trauma,
- Somatic practices that get the body and nervous system UNSTUCK from states of survival (fight, flight, freeze) and into regulation (rest & digest),
- The science of trauma: how it impacts the brain, emotions, nervous system and body,
- Exercises that confront feelings of depression, shame, fear, anxiety, and more,
- Everyday healing practices that allow space for mindfulness, gratitude, self-affirmation, and body awareness,
- How to handle triggering events or situations in a healthy way,
- how to navigate relationships following an assault or secondary exposure to trauma,
- How to build confidence and self-worth,
- How to support survivors in their recoveries,
From Hardship to Leadership: Transforming Pain into Progress
Brittany’s world was turned upside down with the sudden death of her brother. Heartbroken, she surrendered to alcohol dependency. Five years later, she was brutally raped and beaten by a stranger. Again, her pain consumed her, until she hit rock bottom. She had to make a choice: continue on the path of self-destruction or salvage the beauty from her brokenness. She chose the latter, picking herself up with resilience and a newfound appreciation for the purpose in her pain. It was then that she found that life’s overarching mission, to forge connectedness and be of service to others, was far greater than any adversity standing in her way. That’s what fuels her today as a renown social entrepreneur, international photojournalist for women’s crisis centers, rape prevention speaker and wellness coach.
In this session, Brittany will illustrate that when we choose to salvage our suffering through strength and empathy, we can also become a beacon of hope and support for those still lost in the dark. Combining raw and relatable stories, actionable advice, and compelling research, this experience will empower audiences to take brave action in their own lives.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this program, students will learn:
- How to recognize and challenge the cultural stigmas and misconceptions surrounding mental health, addiction, eating disorders, and the countless other ways that trauma “lives out loud.”
- When acknowledging adversity: shame promotes opposition in our lives, whereas empathy promotes opportunity.
- Our deepest pain can be the seed to our greatest purpose.
- Pain is universal, we have a choice to seek joy and compassion over bitterness and self-pity.
- The 3-step process to “purposing your pain.”
After the Assault: Healing Through Self-Care for Survivors and Their Peers
Ending sexual assault on college campuses has never been more important. Messaging highlighting primary prevention makes up the majority of programming, and rightfully so. But outside of on-campus resources, how are survivors and their peers who support them being equipped to care for themselves from the inside out? Brittany Piper understands the severity of maintaining a self-care routine from the perspective of a survivor, as well as a supporter who has worked in rape crisis centers around the world. From battling with shame, depression, addiction, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, and/or Secondary Traumatic Stress, these are the challenges students face after being exposed to trauma. In this interactive program, Brittany will walk students through emotional, mental and body exercises designed to root out the toxins that sexual assault leaves in its wake. In addition, they will receive a self-care workbook, empowering them to support themselves and others in their healing.
Learning Outcomes
As a result of attending this program, students will learn:
- How to develop a personalized self-care routine that will be beneficial in the recovery process following an assault or secondary exposure to trauma,
- How to identify and root out blocks that are holding them back from healing,
- Self-care exercises that confront feelings of depression, shame, fear, anxiety, and more,
- Everyday healing routines that allow space for mindfulness, gratitude, self-affirmation, and body awareness,
- How to handle triggering events or situations in a healthy way,
- How to navigate relationships following an assault or secondary exposure to trauma,
- How to build confidence and self-worth,
- Breathing and yoga exercises that grant space for introspective communication, connection and self-love
BRITTANY’S BLOGS
The following are past entries Brittany has written for the CAMPUSPEAK Speaker’s Voice Blog
