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Joy's Story - A Journey from Trauma to Healing

Megan Talks

Release Date: 01/13/2026

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More Episodes

Megan Talks with Joy, a 40-year-old hairstylist, spin instructor, and mother.  Married for 10 years, lived in Saskatchewan for 8 years, now back in British Columbia.  Grew up in religious Filipino family, and attended Bible college

The Trauma

  • Drugged and raped at age 18
  • Event triggered repressed childhood memories
  • Led to shattered faith and intense shame

Coping Mechanisms (Early 20s)

  • Heavy partying and rave culture
  • Cocaine and drug use
  • Destructive self-talk and self-hatred
  • Used weekends as escape from pain

Healing Journey - Turning Points:

  • Met her now-husband who didn't use drugs
  • Stopped using drugs (initially for him, then for herself)
  • Having her daughter was the major catalyst for change

Healing Practices:

  • Daily mindset work and retraining negative self-talk
  • Therapy and journaling
  • Exercise (shifting from self-punishment to self-love)
  • Rebuilding spiritual relationship
  • Sharing her story with others

Key Messages

  • You are not alone - Sexual assault is tragically common
  • It's not your fault - Release shame and blame
  • Healing is possible - Takes daily work and time
  • Talk about it - Sharing diminishes trauma's power
  • You are not defined by your trauma - It's a chapter, not your identity

Current Life

  • Manages salon with 32 team members
  • Proud of her resilience and growth
  • Uses her platform to inspire others
  • Bounces back from challenges more quickly

Support Resources (Canada)

  • Talk for Healing: 1-855-554-HEAL
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text "Connect" to 686868
  • Website: endingviolencecanada.org/get-help
  • Joy's Instagram: @joyteschhair