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Advice

from a survivor

with Faith Hakesley

Read It

The difficult Journey of

healing

from Trauma

Trauma is a complicated issue, one that can be difficult to understand. While I have experienced the pain of sexual abuse and so consider that my area of “expertise,” I also speak from experience as someone who has endured other traumas including the grief of loss, cancer, and also other life threatening health issues.

Because of my background, I am able to easily empathize with others and can create for them a level of comfort and reassurance as they seek healing as well as answers to their difficult questions. I want you to know that I am here for you to walk alongside you – to answer any questions you might have and to encourage you – as you navigate the difficult journey of healing.

Common questions I address:

Survivor Questions:

Why do I feel this way? Are bad days normal years after? How can I get through difficult moments? What sort of help should I seek out? How do I move forward after abuse?

Questions from parents and loved ones:

What are the signs of abuse? Why is my child acting like this? How can I help? How do I cope with my feelings?
More FAQs

There is hope after trauma

Meeting With Pope Benedict XVI

Joyfully Anticipating

Birth of a beautiful Baby

Baby Baptism

Read the Advice
Faith Hakesley

A Troubling Appointment

This is especially true for survivors of clerical abuse. The Vatican’s decision raises serious concerns about the Vatican’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the dignity of survivors. Sadly, this is a recurring theme with the Vatican.

Read More »
Learn More

Meet:

Faith Hakesley

I am a Catholic wife, homeschooling mother, and author. As the moderator of The Ruth Institute’s Advice From a Survivor Blog, my goal is to provide:

  • Information
  • Inspiration
  • Awareness
to issues surrounding trauma, victimization, and the healing process.

There truly is always hope! You can learn to live with the pain and not in it. It is possible to thrive rather than just survive.

Most of all, I want to bring you a message of hope – hope that healing is possible and that, no matter what you have suffered, achieving peace, healing, and freedom after trauma is possible.

Have a question? Ask away.

You are not alone. We are building a community of people who want to speak out to provide encouragement to others. We’ll tackle your tough questions, and we’re committed to providing you with the tools to understand and build from there.
To submit your question, please provide the details below. Submissions work well at around 700 words or less.

We also provide an online platform for those who are ready to share their story. Yours might inspire others or help them avoid the same pain. Read other survivor stories (or submit your own) on our “Tell Ruth the Truth” blog.

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