Survive And Thrive After Sexual Abuse - Darlene Lekowski and Lily Patrascu

Author Shares How To Survive And Thrive After Sexual Abuse - Darlene Lekowski and Lily Patrascu Darlene Lekowski is a trauma recovery advocate, speaker, and coach with over 50 years of lived experience helping others heal and rebuild after sexual abuse. She explains that surviving and thriving after sexual abuse begins with letting go of shame, anger, and survival patterns that no longer serve you. Darlene shares that trauma kept hidden can affect every area of life, and that true healing starts by opening up—whether through journaling, therapy, or trusted relationships. She emphasizes that healing requires recognizing harmful patterns, becoming less reactive, and learning to respond with awareness and self-control. Darlene highlights that reclaiming your life begins with understanding the abuse was not your fault and choosing to move forward with self-compassion, courage, and the right support system. About The Guest Darlene Lekowski is a speaker, author, business leader, and survivor who turned her decades of silence into a powerful journey of truth, healing, and courage. After bravely revealing the Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse (SSTA) she endured and winning a civil lawsuit brought by her own brother she now helps others find their voice. Her memoir, Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice and the Power of Telling the Truth, is available on Amazon in all formats, including audiobook in her voice (released April 2, 2026). For More Info About Darlene Lekowski, visit: Website: darlene-lekowski.com Instagram: @darlenelekowski Facebook (Darlene Lekowski) LinkedIn (Darlene Lekowski Speaker-Author): https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlene-lekowski-0ba1962/ Shattering Silence Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acMzTHqwUyc Timestamp 00:00 The Hidden Impact of Trauma on Your Life 02:20 Meet Darlene Lekowski & Her Healing Journey 05:10 Speaking Up — Breaking the Silence 08:00 How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body 10:50 Coping Mechanisms vs True Healing 13:40 Rebuilding Safety and Trust 16:20 The Role of Support Systems in Recovery 19:05 Overcoming Shame, Guilt & Self-Blame 21:50 Reclaiming Your Voice and Personal Power 24:30 Tools and Practices for Healing 27:10 Setting Boundaries and Protecting Yourself 29:50 Rediscovering Identity After Trauma 32:30 Moving From Survival to Thriving 35:05 Advice for Survivors Starting Their Journey 37:30 Final Reflections & Key Takeaways About The Host Lily Patrascu is an ultra-creative book publisher and personal brand strategist for thought leaders, CEOs, luxury influencers. As an influencer, bestselling author, copywriter, global speaker, she supports busy entrepreneurs to find their message and share it with millions of people. Feel free to connect with me or find out more about my book publishing/influential entrepreneur events/speaking/ projects here: https://linktr.ee/lilypatrascu & https://www.lily.global I am launching a few collaborative books: on property wealth strategies, confidence, millionaire secrets, health tools, AI, and seeking influencers with large communities to promote their expertise with the books. I can help you write/ghostwrite and publish your books in 90 days. Message me (Lily) on +447557351222 to collaborate. If you want to be featured on this podcast, and you're a successful entrepreneur able to share about how you grew your company, book your spot here: http://www.lily.global/podcast - *********************************************************** Getting featured is free. 🎧 Listening is free. But creating this podcast takes time, energy, and resources. If you’d like to support Lily’s mission to inspire people worldwide, contribute here: https://support.lily.global/e/healpodcast Your support keeps the Heal Podcast alive and growing. *********************************************************** IMPORTANT: Earnings and Legal Disclaimers We don’t believe in get-rich-quick programs or guarantees of specific outcomes. We believe in hard work, adding value, and serving others, and our programs are designed to help you achieve those goals. As stated by law, we cannot and do not make any guarantees regarding your ability to achieve financial results, earn money, or improve your health using our ideas, information, programs, or strategies. Your success depends on your own efforts, skills, and circumstances, which are beyond our control. We are here to support you by sharing our strategies to help you progress, but nothing on this page, any of our websites, videos, marketing materials, or in our emails constitutes a promise or guarantee of future earnings, financial outcomes, or health improvements. Any financial or health-related examples, estimates, projections, or past results referenced are for illustrative purposes only and reflect the views of the hosts and guests. They should not be considered as exact, actual, or assured results. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. Heal Podcast with Lily Patrascu is your go-to space for discovering tools and insights to heal your mind, body, and soul. In each episode, Lily Patrascu interviews a diverse lineup of experts—from spiritual healers and health practitioners to health coaches and alternative medicine doctors—who bring their wisdom, experience, and unique healing modalities to help you achieve balance and wellness.