🎙️ New Episode — “Why We Chase Chaos and Miss Real Love” ⁠ Why do stable relationships feel dull to trauma survivors while chaos feels like chemistry? ⁠ In this episode of the TES Podcast, Jean Dorff, founder of The Empowering Story, unpacks how early survival strategies shape our adult intimacy patterns—and what it takes to begin healing them. ⁠ We explore:

• Why “electric” attraction can be a trauma response

• How the nervous system mistakes danger for desire

• What healthy love actually feels like (and why it’s often unfamiliar)

• The grief that surfaces when we begin to feel safe ⁠ Whether you're the chaser, the withholder, or somewhere in between, this episode offers insight, compassion, and tools for transformation. ⁠ 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, or visit theempoweringstory.com ⁠ 🔗 Show notes and resources in the episode description. #TraumaHealing #AttachmentPatterns #TheEmpoweringStory #TESPodcast #SomaticHealing #RelationshipTrauma #NervousSystemHealing #JeanDorff

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 professional who is still human and still triggered ✨ How I learned to turn triggers from derailment into bridges of resonance with my clients ✨ Why integration requires community — and how to discern safe people from unsafe ones

This isn’t about erasing pain. It’s about transforming it. About shifting from wounds we carry to wisdom we own.

🔗 Listen now on ...

💬 What part of this story resonates most with your own journey? I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.

#TheEmpoweringStory #traumahealing #falseaccusations #traumarecovery #somatichealing #healingjourney #survivorsupport #mentalhealth #nervoussystemhealing

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 somatic practices, you’ll learn how to trust your body’s compass and reclaim your voice without betraying your own pace.

Because healing doesn’t begin with telling everything—it begins with finding who can hold your truth with tenderness.

We don’t just tell stories. We reclaim them.

🌿 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 workshop, symbolizing life's fragility and beauty intertwined with her journey.

Healing through Workshops: Annica discusses her "live workshops," which encourage self-expression through art and plans to collaborate with Jean on workshops that blend art and somatic healing.

Special Book Launch: A sneak peek into Annika's exciting plans for a book launch combining an expressive art workshop element, offering unique engagement to attendees.

Emotional Connection: Experience the profound moment when Annica holds her completed book, a tangible symbol of her resilience and healing journey.

The Power of Storytelling: Jean and Annica reflect on how revisiting and sharing one's trauma can be transformative, offering not only personal healing but also hope and empowerment to others.

🔗 Order "Paper Thin": [Click here to order Annica 's book "Paper Thin." https://library.theempoweringstory.com/paper-thin

🌎 Engage with Us:

Website: https:theempoweringstory.com Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theempoweringstory Email: [email protected]

🔊 Tune in to this episode for an inspiring conversation filled with emotional depth, artistic insight, and a testament to the strength of sharing one's story. Whether seeking healing, empowerment, or simply a profound story, this episode is a must-listen.**

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast to stay updated on new episodes and inspiring stories.

Enjoy the episode, and thank you for being part of The Empowering Story community!

Annica Vidales's Background:**

Annika Fidelis, author and artist, has turned her journey of healing from past traumas into a compelling narrative in "Paper Thin." Her workshops in expressive art embody her belief in the therapeutic power of creativity.

Host's Note:

Jean Dorff, author and (somatic) healing specialist, is dedicated to helping individuals transform their stories into sources of empowerment and inspiration. His "Empowering Story Method" has been a beacon of hope for many in overcoming their past.

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 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.

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 severe mental and physical health struggles. We discuss her battle with an eating disorder, the importance of addressing suppressed emotions, and the transformative role of therapy in her healing process. Elizabeth’s reflections underscore the complex interplay between outward success and internal turmoil, ultimately finding solace and strength through structured treatment and embracing her emotions without judgment.

She also discusses the profound influence of music in her healing journey, particularly her passion for playing the harp. We explore her foray into classical music, her challenges in this competitive field, and how these experiences shaped her personal and professional life. Elisabeth’s insights are entwined with her broader mission to support and empower others, a mission immortalized in her book, "The Courage to Own My Own Truth," available now on Amazon.

Join us as we uncover the layers of Elisabeth’s story, her dedication to sharing her truth, and the lessons we can all learn about resilience, community support, and the transformative power of owning one’s narrative. This episode promises a poignant reminder that our trials can turn into powerful tales of triumph. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation meant to inspire and uplift.

Get Elisabeth's book The Courage To Own My Own Truth at: https://library.theempoweringstory.com/thecouragetoownmyowntruth

09:13 Elisabeth's depression addressed with dance and coaching.

10:02 Volunteered in music, then hired for coordination.

13:08 Dedicated musicians from top institutions living music.

17:04 Read the book; story's unique in writing.

21:17 Elisabeth helped classical music celebrity with luggage.

24:22 Elisabeth's size makes self-defense difficult, no shame.

28:13 Attempted rape, bravery, catharsis, sharing personal story.

32:19 Empower individuals to control life, learn, grow.

36:18 I wonder who else they've victimized.

36:49 Mentally and physically exhausted, disconnected from behaviors.

41:47 Trauma's lasting impact: confusion, fear, questioning societal issues.

45:56 Elisabeth's story: Positivity, performance art, classical music competitions.

48:27 How your experience led to publishing insights.

51:15 Healing from abuse takes patience and support.

53:22 Follow Jean's empowering story podcast and community.

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 narratives into the light.

The Courage To Own My Own Truth - From Hidden Pain To Healing Light - By Elisabeth G. Henderson

https://library.theempoweringstory.com/thecouragetoownmyowntruth

Breaking the Chains of Silence - A Story Of Surviving Sexual Abuse - By J.D. Grace

https://library.theempoweringstory.com/breakingthechains

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 experiences. The episode aims to guide listeners on their healing journey, emphasizing that their stories matter and that they can reclaim their power. Despite the difficult path, the host assures listeners that finding strength in their story is worth it. The episode concludes with an invitation to walk this path together, share stories, find strength, and heal together. Tune in for an empowering discussion on finding strength in your story of sexual abuse.

Broken Silence By Jean Dorff: https://library.theempoweringstory.com/brokensilence

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

60 Miles Away From Neiman's

Her website www.elianhaan.com

[email protected]

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, books, programs that promise them big breakthroughs.

In this episode of TELL: Big Breakthrough BS

[email protected]