You can heal after abuse. Whether you’ve experienced trauma or are simply seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of resilience, this episode offers valuable lessons, hope, and a path forward.
In this heartfelt episode, April welcomes Tabitha Westbrook, founder and CEO of The Journey in the Process. As a trauma specialist and advocate for victims of domestic abuse and coercive control, Tabitha shares her wisdom, personal experiences, and professional insights into healing and rediscovering joy after trauma.
Together, they dive into the complex dynamics of abuse, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the impact it has on individuals. Tabitha also shares the importance of advocacy, resources available to survivors, and how to embark on a journey of healing, dreaming, and growth. With raw honesty, they discuss overcoming shame, embracing play, and reclaiming one’s autonomy to live a vibrant and joyful life.
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Key Takeaways:
- What coercive control is and how it manifests in relationships.
- The importance of recognizing abuse in all its forms, including emotional and financial abuse.
- Practical steps for finding help and working with an advocate.
- The role of healing, play, and gratitude in rediscovering joy and purpose.
- How to support someone experiencing trauma with compassion and care.
Your Call to Action:
- Reflect on how you can nurture your own joy and healing. What small steps can you take today?
- If a friend comes to you in crisis, practice receiving them with love and compassion—listen without judgment.
Mic Drop Moments:
“You are the only you that you have, so take care of yourself—you are worth it.”
“Abuse isn’t always physical. At its core, it’s about power and control over another person’s autonomy.”
“Self-care is not self-indulgence. You are allowed to prioritize yourself.”
“Gratitude and joy can coexist with pain. Healing begins when we allow ourselves to see the beauty in small moments.”
“Finding your voice and discovering what brings you joy is one of the greatest freedoms after trauma.”
Who is Tabitha Westbrook?
Tabitha Westbrook, LMFT-S, LCMHC-QS, LPC-S, is a licensed counselor supervisor, EMDRIA Certified Therapist & Approved Consultant, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), & Certified Christian Trauma Professional (CCTCP). She also is the Founder & CEO of The Journey and The Process, a counseling clinic with offices in Texas and North Carolina. Tabitha and her team specialize in complex trauma with a focus on domestic abuse & coercive control. Tabitha is a nationally known expert and speaker on abuse, providing training to churches, therapists, and agencies. She also helps train domestic abuse advocates through Called to Peace Ministries’ faith-based advocacy training. Tabitha also is the author of Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Abuse.
Resources:
Connect with Tabitha Westbrook on her website: The Journey in the Process
Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Pre-order Tabitha’s upcoming book (available April 1) wherever books are sold.
Find domestic violence resources: DomesticShelters.org
Learn more about advocacy and faith-based support: Call to Peace Ministries
Books mentioned: The Emotionally Destructive Marriage by Leslie Vernick and Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft
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