In this episode, Stevie and Nicole cover why a survivor should not reduce or downplay their abuse and the consequences of believing the lie that somehow the abuse was your fault. 

Survivors often minimize their sexual abuse. This can be because the person who abused you made you believe that the situation was harmless. But it is so important that despite the messages you heard or the lies you believed, that you should not minimize the crime committed against you. 

Often survivors feel that they don’t deserve the respect and love of others. They feel dirty and unwanted. Having these types of feelings, even if they are buried down deep, can leave you with emotions that will prevent you from protecting yourself and set you up to be abused again and again. Maybe even just emotionally. 

This episode is crucial for those who struggle with false beliefs and bear the consequences of insecurities. This episode is also for the person who thinks that the abuse they went through many years ago can’t possibly affect their lives now. We hope this episode will help set you free!

In this episode of Not Just a Hashtag, we have a short clip from Kristan Torres, our mental health counselor, on the topic of how to find peace when you are overwhelmed with anxiety. The reality is that anxiety is real and common. We all face anxiety. For some people anxiety is a nuisance, for others, it causes distress, while for others it can be debilitating. But what does the Bible have to say about anxiety? In this episode, Kristan takes a closer look at what anxiety is, where it comes from, and how we can find peace in the Psalms to help us overcome! We hope you enjoy it. 

In this episode, we have special guest, Stevie Estler, founder of Built by Stevie join us. Stevie is a South Florida native and now lives in Nashville where she runs her all-female run carpentry business. Stevie tells her story of sexual abuse, healing, and how her journey has created a passion in herself to see other people set free. She details the hurdles she struggled with, how she overcame enormous odds and inspired listeners never to let themselves be silenced or defined by their victimization experiences.

In this episode, Mental Health Counselor of Hope Christian Counseling, Kristan Torres, and the Director of Trees of Hope, Nicole Escobar, talk about how to let go of feelings of shame and guilt associated with being sexually abused. Shame is a natural response to feeling uncovered or exposed. During the abuse, your body was probably uncovered, but there was also the uncovering of your mind. Your sense of innocence was destroyed and trust was lost. Innocence and trust must be restored. Survivors of abuse are left with frustrated hopes and plans. Dreams for having a healthy relationship with a father, a mate, a mother, a brother, or a child have been demolished. The abuse leaves victims believing that they are insignificant, of no account, no good. As you become aware of and overcome shame messages, these messages will have less power over you. In this episode, we give nine tips to overcome shame and how to replace it with strong connections with genuine people and empathy for yourself.

Disclaimer: Please keep in mind what we say in this podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute or take the place of advice from your doctor or therapist. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.