Survive, Grow, Inspire: Paris Bartholomew on Childhood Trauma, the UK Care System & Healing | E109
Jul 21, 2025
In this powerful episode, Dr. Ruth speaks with Paris, a care-experienced psychologist, about her journey through 14 placements in the care system after entering at age six. Paris opens up about trauma, identity struggles, and the emotional impact of growing up in institutional settings
She shares how key moments of support and advocacy helped her reclaim her voice and purpose. This is a story of resilience, healing, and hope that challenges stigma and highlights the power of compassion and community.
Discussed in the episode:
- 0:02:20 Dr. Ruth welcomes Paris and sets up the conversation
- 0:03:00 They reflect on meeting at the One Voice Summit
- 0:03:45 Paris introduces herself as a care-experienced psychologist
- 0:04:40 She shares her passion for truth and personal growth
- 0:05:10 Dr. Ruth invites Paris to share her personal journey
- 0:05:45 Paris opens up with a trigger warning about her story
- 0:06:30 Describes entering the care system at age six
- 0:07:10 Adjusting to her first group home and institutional setting
- 0:08:00 Discusses confusion and emotional trauma of separation
- 0:09:00 Shares how early trauma affected her thinking
- 0:10:00 Explains how schooling exposed her unsafe home life
- 0:11:00 Hospitalisation and realisation of abuse details
- 0:13:00 Christmas in the care home and feeling isolated
- 0:15:00 Talks about her father’s presence and limitations
- 0:17:00 Learns at 12 that her dad isn’t her biological father
- 0:19:00 Describes emotional breakdown from identity shock
- 0:22:00 Finding strength through a youth care conference
- 0:26:00 How community helped her find self-pride
- 0:31:00 Talks about stepping into advocacy and speaking
- 0:36:00 Reflects on sharing shame and building resilience
- 0:42:00 Describes stigma children in care often face
- 0:47:00 Dr. Ruth highlights the importance of curiosity over judgment
- 0:52:00 Discusses the impact of supportive teachers
- 0:56:00 Recounts signs of trauma teachers identified
- 1:00:00 Encourages awareness and compassion for children
- 1:03:00 Talks about purpose and choosing hope
- 1:05:00 Final reflections on growth through adversity
- 1:06:30 Closing thanks and celebration of healing journey.
Connect with Paris Bartholomew:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parismotivates
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survive_grow_inspire__/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paris-bartholomew-b01852a1
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SurviveGrowInspire
- Showreel: https://www.youtube.com/@SurviveGrowInspire/shorts
Connect with Dr Ruth Allan:
- Book a call to discuss your needs
- Unchain your pain from a trauma or unpleasant experience FAST through 1-1 trauma recovery coaching with Dr Ruth Allan. First session guaranteed
- Learn about the Wellbeing Warrior Academy and how we can support you, your family and your organisation in taking charge of, and optimising your brain and whole body health to live a healthier, happier life.
Related episodes, books, topics and events:
- E1 Turning Trauma Into Superpower with Jesslee
- E5 Overcoming Outloud with Charlie Smith
- E7 Leading Organizational Change in Times of Crisis with Keith Leslie
- E34 Being the Hero of Your Story with Michael Unbroken
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