#4/2 When False Accusations Reopen Old Wounds: A Trauma Coach’s Journey
THE EMPOWERING STORY
False accusations cut deeper than most people realize. For survivors of abuse, they don’t just create conflict — they echo the original wound. In this episode of The Empowering Story Podcast, I share how facing false accusations retraumatized me by triggering the very silence I knew as a child: no one defended me, no one spoke up, no one stood beside me. We’ll explore: ✨ How the body remembers abandonment long before the mind can name it ✨ Why false accusations uniquely target a survivor’s reclaimed strengths — voice, credibility, boundaries ✨ The paradox of being a trauma...
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#4/1 Care vs. Curiosity: Who Deserves Your Story?
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Not everyone is worthy of your story. The difference between feeling lighter after sharing—or smaller and ashamed—often comes down to how you’re received. In this episode of The Empowering Podcast, we explore the powerful distinction between care and curiosity: What safe presence really sounds and feels like. How your body knows the difference before your mind does. Why integration depends on being received with care. Practical ways to “test the waters” before sharing more. How we can all become safer witnesses for one another. Through story, guided reflection, and...
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Interview with Annica Vidales Author of 'Paper Thin' Part II
THE EMPOWERING STORY
🌿 Episode Summary: Join us in this heartfelt episode as host Jean Dorff sits down with Annica Vidales, author of the profoundly moving book "Paper Thin." Together, they navigate the intricate process of bringing Annika's story of healing and growth from past abuse into the written word. ✨ Key Highlights: Voice of the Past: Annica opens up about the challenge of preserving her younger self's authentic voice while translating her story from Swedish to English. Artistic Expression: Discover the significance of the book's cover art, created by Annika during an expressive art...
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Interview with Annica Vidales Part I
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Annica Author of Paperthin - dealing with parental betrayal - Part 1 In this compelling episode of "The Empowering Story," host Jean Dorff sits down with the courageous Annica Vidales, author of "Paper Thin," to delve deep into her harrowing yet inspiring journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse. From the tender age of five, Annica faced unimaginable trauma at the hands of her father and uncle. Yet her story is not just one of victimhood but of resilience, strength, and ultimate empowerment. Key Highlights: - The Power of Listening: Jean emphasizes the critical role parents play in...
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Interview with Elisabeth Henderson, Author of ‘The Courage To Own My Own Truth’ - part I
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Welcome to another powerful episode of The Empowering Story. I’m your host, Jean Dorff, and today; we delve deeply into the compelling and resilient journey of our guest, Elisabeth Henderson. In this third episode of our new format, Elisabeth opens up about a traumatic experience she initially tried to bury, the internal chaos and health issues that followed, and how her courageous path to healing has empowered herself and countless others. Elisabeth bravely shares her story of facing an attempted sexual assault by a trusted figure and the aftermath of suppressing the trauma, leading to...
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Eps. 2 Why Is Publishing Survivor Stories A Major Step In Healing?
THE EMPOWERING STORY
This episode of The Empowering Story explores the profound impact of publishing survivor stories and why it is a crucial step in the healing process. We discuss how writing can help survivors process their trauma, reclaim their voices, and validate their experiences. Additionally, we highlight the empowering effects of sharing these stories publicly, both for the authors and the community. The episode also celebrates newly published books by brave women who have shared their journeys of survival and resilience. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of bringing these powerful...
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EPS 1: How To Find Strength In Your Story Of Sexual Abuse
THE EMPOWERING STORY
In this deeply personal episode of The Empowering Story, we explore the challenging journey of healing from sexual abuse. Our host, a survivor and coach, shares her experiences of pain, fear, and shame and the power of reclaiming her story. We delve into the importance of acknowledging our experiences and the transformative power of sharing our stories. We discuss the need for support and the realization that we are not alone. The episode highlights the potential to transform pain into purpose and trauma into strength. Our host shares her transformation and invites listeners to share their...
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Season 3 Eps 1 - Interview with Author, Speaker, Coach Elian Haan
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Elian Haan is an author, TV show host of “Elian’s Joy” and international motivational speaker and presenter. Born in the Netherlands, she moved in her thirties to the USA, trained in dance, theater, and fitness. She has spent most of her professional life in the fitness and wellness industry and is a certified life coach with a yoga studio and private practice in Texas. We'll talk about life coaching and empowering people. Elian's new book is available on Amazon.com Her website [email protected]
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Eps 225: You Want Personal Growth, Then Call BS On Big Breakthroughs First!
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Manifestation, Mental Energy You want personal growth, Then call BS on big breakthroughs first! People expect that things will change quickly, dramatically and in a big amazing way. They however seldomly do. The idea of 'big breakthroughs' is wonderful, however, long-lasting personal growth requires small steps being taken every day that lead to measurable results. This misconception of how things really change often prevent people from really trying hard to become better. Gurus take advantage of the fact that people wanting to get results quickly and easily, by offering them courses,...
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Eps 224: What does it cost us when we avoid doing what needs to be done?
THE EMPOWERING STORY
Eps 224 - Manifestation and Mental Energy What does it cost us when we avoid doing what needs to be done? It is not that we are unaware of what needs to be done; we are quite conscious of what really needs to be done, then how come that we often don't do it anyhow? If it comes to doing things that are uncomfortable, difficult or challenging then it is actually quite natural that we try to avoid doing these. The point is how far are we willing to go to avoid doing what needs to be done?Often these are things that are confrontational, eg. confronting our lack of stamina when we need to...
info_outlineAnnica Author of Paperthin - dealing with parental betrayal - Part 1
In this compelling episode of "The Empowering Story," host Jean Dorff sits down with the courageous Annica Vidales, author of "Paper Thin," to delve deep into her harrowing yet inspiring journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse. From the tender age of five, Annica faced unimaginable trauma at the hands of her father and uncle. Yet her story is not just one of victimhood but of resilience, strength, and ultimate empowerment.
Key Highlights:
- The Power of Listening: Jean emphasizes the critical role parents play in listening to their children and the devastating effects neglect can have, leading to feelings of shame and guilt.
- Brave Disclosure: At just five years old, Annica attempted to tell her father about her abuse. Explore how a different, supportive response could have shaped her childhood differently.
- Coping with Trauma: Discover how Annica repressed memories, both good and bad, as a survival mechanism and how flashbacks and physical triggers unexpectedly surfaced during her teenage years, particularly during a game of "truth or dare."
- Understanding Trauma Responses: Jean explains the fight, flight and freeze responses to trauma and how physical and sensory triggers can manifest unpredictably.
- Boundary Setting and Relationships: Annica's journey highlights the challenges survivors face in setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships as a result of their past experiences.
- A Path to Healing: Despite significant challenges, Annica began to cope by journaling, and later by writing her book "Paper Thin," a testament to her journey from trauma to empowerment.
- Cultural Insights: Jean and Annica discuss cultural norms around family sauna usage and the implications these norms had on Annica's understanding of her abuse.
- Community and Support: This podcast aims to create a platform where survivors can find solace, share their stories, and support each other in healing.
Tune In:
Join Jean and Annica for an emotionally powerful conversation that illuminates the complexities of surviving and thriving after abuse. Experience Annica's raw and unfiltered story and learn how she transformed her pain into strength, offering hope and guidance to others on a similar path.
Engage with Us:
- Book: "Paper Thin" by Annica Vidales https://library.theempoweringstory.com/paper-thin
- Podcast Platforms: Available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more.
- Community: Join our Facebook group, "The Empowering Story," a safe space for women seeking healing through storytelling.
- Website: Visit jeandorf.com and thempoweringstory.com for more resources.
- Interact: Send us your questions and comments; your voice matters.
This is not just a podcast; it’s a movement. Join us on "The Empowering Story" as we learn, heal, and empower each other through the transformative power of storytelling. Click play to start your journey towards understanding and healing today.