Men's Mental Health: Mark Stubbles on Childhood Trauma, Inner Child Healing & Emotional Recovery

This conversation explores one of the most overlooked subjects of our time: **the emotional lives of men**. In this thought-provoking episode of *Spiritual Infinity*, I speak with hypnotherapist, author and inner child specialist **Mark Stubbles**, who courageously shares his own journey from childhood dysfunction, anxiety and emotional abuse to healing, confidence and purpose. Growing up in a deeply dysfunctional home, Mark carried invisible wounds that shaped almost every aspect of his adult life. Severe anxiety, a debilitating fear of blushing, difficulties forming healthy relationships and years of emotional turmoil all stemmed from experiences he had internalised as a child. Rather than recognising the dysfunction around him, he believed, like many children do, that he was somehow the problem. His first marriage reflected many of these unresolved wounds, eventually leading to a painful divorce, lengthy custody battles and further emotional hardship. Through it all, he discovered how often men struggle in silence, expected to suppress emotion rather than seek support. The turning point came when Mark stopped asking, “Why does this keep happening to me?” and began asking, “What inside me needs healing?” Through hypnotherapy, counselling, life coaching, spirituality, and most importantly, deep **inner child work**, he gradually uncovered the roots of his anxiety and emotional pain. Instead of blaming others or remaining trapped in victimhood, he chose personal responsibility and transformation. Today, Mark helps others overcome anxiety, childhood trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD, teaching that true healing begins by compassionately meeting the wounded child within rather than continuing to suppress it. One of the strongest themes throughout our conversation is the need to rethink how we raise boys. Too often they are taught to suppress tears, hide vulnerability and “be strong,” while carrying emotional burdens that later emerge as anxiety, addiction, relationship difficulties or emotional disconnection. Mark reminds us that healing is not about blaming parents, but recognising that hurt people often pass on their own unresolved pain. By addressing these early experiences with honesty and compassion, we break generational cycles rather than unconsciously repeating them. Our discussion also explores the subtle power of language. As both a hypnotherapist and author, Mark demonstrates how the words we use with children profoundly shape their beliefs, confidence and emotional development. His work encourages parents to replace fear-based, authoritarian communication with language that nurtures resilience, emotional safety and healthy self-worth. Closing Reflection Healing does not begin when life becomes easier. It begins when we become willing to look honestly at what we have carried for far too long. Every child deserves to feel seen, safe and loved. When that does not happen, the wounded child continues to speak through the adult until we are prepared to listen. Mark’s journey reminds us that our past does not have to define our future. The moment we stop resisting our pain and begin understanding it, transformation quietly begins. In healing ourselves, we also change the generations that follow. **— Zenzi SewaahFounder & Spiritual Visionary, Spiritual Infinity** Guest Bio & Contact Details **Mark Stubbles** is a hypnotherapist, author, speaker and inner child healing specialist based in Bulgaria. Drawing from his own lived experience of childhood trauma, anxiety and emotional healing, he now helps individuals overcome anxiety, PTSD, Complex PTSD (CPTSD), relationship difficulties and limiting childhood conditioning through hypnotherapy and inner child work. **Website:** https://markstubbles.com **YouTube:** Search **Mark Stubbles** **Books include:** \* *Hypnotic Conversations* \* *Hypnotic Language for Positive Parenting* Mark also offers one-to-one sessions, workshops and training, including Inner Child Healing workshops through his website and Eventbrite. Get full access to Zenzi’s Substack at zenzisewaah.substack.com/subscribe