Breaking the Silence: Living Through and Beyond Sexual Abuse

In this episode, Patti shares her experience of childhood sexual abuse, what healing has looked like over the decades, and why it’s so important that we talk about the things that were buried under shame, silence, or secrecy for way too long.

We’re not getting into graphic details—but we are talking honestly about the emotional toll and long-term impact of being hurt by someone who was supposed to protect you.

Here’s what we dive into:

• How trauma shows up in your adult body, even when your mind doesn’t “remember”

• The difference between being a victim and choosing healing

• The complications of caretaking for the very people who failed to protect you

• How to recognize signs of abuse in children—and why it’s never too late to speak out

• What experiential therapies, boundaries, and nervous system work can do for your healing

This one is vulnerable, raw, and real—but it’s also filled with hope.

If this topic is hard for you, please take care of yourself first. Hit pause if you need to. And know you're not alone.

Resources mentioned:

• Gifts from a Challenging Childhood by Jan Bergstrom

• Running on Empty by Jonice Webb

• The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis

• Experiential therapy modalities: ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), Gestalt, Inner Child Work

We see you. We’ve got you.

Review all resources here.

*Information shared on this podcast is not medical advice. If you have a concern about your physical or mental health, please seek support from a professional.