Trauma-Informed Psychotherapist Empowers Survivors to Thrive After an Abusive Relationship in Innovative New Book

What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship

Written by co-authors Amelia Kelley, Ph.D., MS, LCMHC, ATR, RYT and survivor Kendall Ann Combs

“Experiencing emotional or physical abuse is so isolating, and this book reads like a trusted friend. For people who are trying to figure out whether what they are experiencing is normal or toxic, to those who have managed to extricate themselves from the clutches of abuse – this is a power resource.”  – Mario Guido, Executive Editor of ScaryMommy.com

Whether you are a survivor of domestic violence, or in a relationship wrought with intimidation, gaslighting or control of any kind, it’s time to regain the part of yourself that you may have lost and find your support network to regain living your true authentic life. In What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving After an Abusive Relationship written by co-author Dr. Amelia Kelley (and survivor Kendall Ann Combs), the authors use the journey of Ms. Combs’ tragic relationship experience along with Dr. Kelley’s trauma-informed, psychotherapist techniques and real strategies to support women and men who have experienced toxic, unhealthy, abusive relationships. Dr. Kelley’s whole health approach to healing and self-care is critical for those suffering from violence and other forms of relationship abuse. She shares eye-opening anecdotes, cutting-edge research, facts, and intimate wisdom in this much needed, gripping guide.

The statistics of physical abuse in relationships are still astounding as 1 in 3 women have been abused by an intimate partner in their lifetime according to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention. However, emotional abuse is almost equal for both genders, with close to half of both having experienced at least one form of psychological aggression by an intimate partner (which can include gaslighting, coercive control, being insulted, humiliated, or acted upon in a dangerous manner). CDC/2018* In addition, COVID 19 exacerbated alarming statistics regarding domestic violence and emotional abuse in the U.S. (NIH**).

What I Wish I Knew is part memoir by Ms. Combs about her former relationship, and part therapy and advice by Dr. Kelley who has worked with abuse survivors for over fifteen years. Throughout her career, Dr. Kelley has focused her research and training on serving those recovering from trauma, resulting in attachment and relationship issues. The book provides resources for those trying to break the cycle of abuse as well as recognize when your relationship is unhealthy and maybe even dangerous. Additionally, What I Wish I Knew can serve as a resource for those in helping professions, or for loved ones supporting someone in an abusive relationship.

In the new age of #MeToo and Time’s Up, women have become emboldened to speak up about what they really want in consensual relationships. Dr. Kelley gives advice on how to stop people pleasing and let go of self-doubt to finally find the fulfilling relationship you desire and deserve no matter where you are in your life journey – Gen Z, Millennial, Gen Xer, or Boomer.

The Book’s Back Story:

Co-author Kendall Ann Combs is a survivor of domestic violence who offers help and support to others going through similar situations with her podcast, “High Heels and Heartache.” She offers advice to survivors and those currently in abusive relationships as a free resource. On her podcast she discusses relationship issues to help her listeners recover from toxic, unhealthy, and abusive relationships. Dr. Amelia Kelley is a licensed therapist who came across Ms. Combs’ podcast by chance. After reaching out to Ms. Combs, they created a powerful episode exploring how trauma impacts the body. Since then, the two have supported one another’s mission to bring healing to those experiencing abuse and trauma in their relationships.

In What I Wish I Knew, Dr. Kelley imparts invaluable knowledge:

• How To Become Self-Empowered After an Abusive Relationship.

• How To Detect If It’s a Fairytale or Love Bombing?

• Recognizing Emotional Abuse – Gaslighting, Intimidation, the Silent Treatment, Coercion, Isolation, and so much more …

• Hard Truths of Negative Self Talk

• Breaking Boundaries with Sexual Abuse

• The Effects of Violence on the Body and Mind

• The Stages of Leaving and the Exit Plan

• The Aftermath of PTSD, Trauma and Your Brain, and Reaching out for Help

• Ways to Recognize and Avoid Future Abuse

• How to Start Your Healing Journey

• Trusting Love Again and Rebuilding Relationships

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About Dr. Amelia Kelley

Amelia Kelley Ph.D., MS, LCMHC, ATR, RYT is a trauma-informed therapist who has conducted research on the effects of exercise on ADHD symptoms as well as the effects of resiliency on PTSD. She is a trained Hypno-therapist, Art therapist, HSP Therapist, EMDR-informed therapist and meditation and Yoga teacher. She is a presenter and writer in the “science-help” field focusing on relationships, Highly Sensitive Persons, trauma, motivation, healthy living, and adult ADHD. She is a guest podcast presenter focusing on women’s issues and coping with the trauma of unhealthy relationships, as well as a coach and trainer for SAS's Work/Life Program in Cary, NC and a resident trainer for the NC Art Therapy Institute. Her practice is also currently part of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. www.Ameliakelley.com

Connect with Dr. Amelia Kelley at:

What I Wish I Knew (@WhatIWishIKnew4) / Twitter What I Wish I Knew | Facebook

https://www.instagram.com/whatiwishiknewthebook

*https://www.ananiasfoundation.org/domestic-violence-statistics/

** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7195322/