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Breaking the Cycle: the 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma
Posted by Literary Titan

Breaking the Cycle: The 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma by Kaytlyn Gillis offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to addressing and healing from childhood trauma. Gillis, with her expertise in psychotherapy, adeptly navigates the complex terrain of family trauma, presenting it in a manner that resonates with a broad audience. The book’s structure methodically guides readers through the various stages of recognizing and confronting childhood trauma. It starts with the initial realization of its existence, progresses through understanding and acceptance, and culminates in the essential steps toward healing. Gillis enhances her narrative with practical examples and exercises, making the book a source of insight and a tool for personal growth.
From a psychological perspective, integrating family psychology principles with therapeutic practices in Gillis’s work is noteworthy. This blend results in a text that is both intellectually stimulating and universally accessible, catering to readers from diverse backgrounds and stages of life. Gillis emphasizes the equal importance of each section in understanding and resolving trauma. The book illuminates the need to recognize trauma’s presence in one’s life and the journey toward addressing it, underscoring the importance of understanding one’s family dynamics.
The distinction between functional and dysfunctional families is particularly enlightening, offering clarity on the origins of complex emotional experiences. A significant aspect of the healing process, as Gillis discusses, involves understanding the history of one’s caregivers. This exploration can reveal patterns of behavior inherited from previous generations and help in reframing personal experiences and self-worth. This process is not just about understanding but also about forgiveness and personal growth. Gillis’s work is particularly relevant in the current climate of increased awareness and openness about mental health, especially among younger generations. Her book serves as a valuable resource for those dealing with childhood trauma, mental health professionals, students, and anyone interested in exploring the human psyche.
Breaking the Cycle is an insightful read and a testament to Gillis’s contributions to psychotherapy and literature. Her ability to transform complex psychological concepts into accessible knowledge is commendable. This book is a vital resource for anyone on a journey of healing or seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition. I eagerly anticipate future works from Kaytlyn Gillis.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0C9GCYXZ3
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: abuse self-help, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Breaking the Cycle: the 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma, ebook, Emotional Self Help, goodreads, indie author, Inner Child, Kaytlyn Gillis, kindle, kobo, literature, nonfiction, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, Self-Help for Abuse, story, writer, writing
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse: The Many Types of Abuse, The Angels of My Story, Tricks Learned for Escape
Posted by Literary Titan

Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse by Mrs. Anonymous offers an insightful exploration of the psychological impacts of abuse through the lens of spiritual metaphors and personal experiences. This work uniquely combines angelic symbolism with practical advice, providing a valuable resource for individuals recovering from abusive relationships. The book begins by shedding light on the subtle yet damaging forms of abuse, including emotional and economic, along with their warning signs. Mrs. Anonymous then shares her own story, starting with her summoning of an angelic figure, symbolizing the initiation of her journey toward liberation from her abuser.
Mrs. Anonymous’s narrative is deeply personal, recounting her journey through the support of Alcoholics Anonymous and a compassionate therapist, whom she affectionately terms as the ‘medicine man’. These experiences are presented as pivotal in her healing process, offering readers a raw and intimate glimpse into her soul. Her writing style is notably approachable and empathetic, resonating with those facing similar challenges. She consistently promotes resilience and faith, encouraging readers to persevere through difficult times. A significant aspect of the book is its practical guidance for those seeking to extricate themselves from narcissistic relationships. Mrs. Anonymous outlines strategic steps and resources for a safe exit, emphasizing the importance of self-worth and professional assistance.
Descending Angels, How to Escape Abuse is a compelling read, not only for those navigating the journey from victim to survivor of abuse but also for individuals supporting others in such circumstances. It’s a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the power of seeking and accepting help.
Pages: 55 | ASIN : B0CS19HPLK
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: abuse self-help, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Descending Angels, ebook, goodreads, How to Escape Abuse, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, memoir, nonfiction, nook, novel, Personal Transformation Self-Help, read, reader, reading, Self-Help, story, survival biographies, true story, writer, writing
A Painstaking Process
Posted by Literary-Titan

Deprogramming Victims of Brainwashing and Cult-Like Mind Control provides a deep look into the world of cults and psychological manipulation and techniques that victims can use to start healing. Why was this an important book for you to write?
A person very dear to me came under the control of a manipulator. I sought
deprogramming help, but there was none anywhere. Armed with my knowledge of psychology and sociology, I was determined to undertake the deprogramming of my friend myself. But I had help. I received invaluable assistance from a fellow associate at NSA offices who had even more experience in this area and who offered his assistance. I wanted other people to have this know-how, knowing how helpless one can feel.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about brainwashing?
Most people do not differentiate between brainwashing and hypnosis. The 2 actions are totally different in function. Generally, hypnosis is the first simple step that prepares a mind to be brought under control. Brainwashing is the next step and is a much more intense, detailed, and highly physical act of taking charge of the victim.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Do not immediately blame the victim of brainwashing for his or her condition. Maybe he or she should not have gotten involved in the situation, but no one has the right to take control of another’s mind. Also, be aware that the act of brainwashing is not a mysterious power known only by those with a special, secret knowledge, but it is a process that can be and is learned like anything else. Most brainwashers are simple con men who spent years learning this “trade.” Beware of the first signs of potential brainwashing – singular interest given to one topic to the exclusion of everything else in life. This is the doorway to mind control.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from your book?
Deprogramming is a process that can be learned. A person of basic intelligence can successfully apply the methods used in deprogramming if these are closely and assiduously followed. It may take a long time to deprogram someone, depending on the stage of indoctrination in which he or she is in when you begin the process. But it can definitely be successfully performed by pretty much anyone with the desire and will to do so. But it is a painstaking process.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
THIS BOOK IS NOT ABOUT THEORY OR SPECULATION. IT SHOWS HOW IT IS DONE.
THIS COPY IS THE BASIC MANUAL. AN EXPANDED EDITION IS ALSO AVAILABLE.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: abuse, abuse self-help, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, cult, Deprogramming Victims of Brainwashing and Cult-Like Mind Control, Dylan Clearfield, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, mind control, nook, novel, Popular Psychology Pathologies, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, read, reader, reading, story, trauma, writer, writing
You are Imperfectly Perfect
Posted by Literary_Titan

Blast Radius: Shrapnel, shards and scars from the lies I lived shares with readers your story of living a lie and slowly uncovering the truth and discovering the depth of betrayal from those around you and how you rebuilt your life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I remember it like it was yesterday. In 2011, I was sitting on the porch of what used to be my grandparents’ home, and I was sad, more than sad. I was a volcano of emotion. As the tears began to come out the sadness turned to anger like I had never felt before. It was at that moment that I knew that I couldn’t sit by. I knew that I had to stop what I was going through from happening to at least one other person, and I was going to start by telling my story. That feeling stayed with me until I finally built up the courage to put pen to paper in the summer of ’22, and it’s what fuels what I will continue to do today. I have gone from wanting to stop it from happening to one person to it being my mission to create a positive change in people, and eventually, the world.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
- Just about every day in the news, we hear about someone being financially taken advantage of. What is not talked about, however, is the all-encompassing emotional turmoil that leads to being able to be manipulated, falling for such deception, and what happens after. I needed to share that.
- What emotional turmoil looks like . . . behind our masks
- What can happen to /because of you and what you can come back from
- Sometimes the worst things that are happening can turn out to be the best things to happen
- Help others discover that they are enough and realize that they are worthy of everything good in life.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
By far, when I pled guilty.
When my book went to initial revision, I was at about 37,000 words. Then someone judged me based on my background – from over 12 years prior, even though I was upfront with him about it, even though I told him about the book. At that point, my gloves came off. The book went to over 90,000 words.
I reconciled with a great many things during that jump in word count, but that one section, when I pled guilty, that’s the piece I consistently break down on. That’s the moment that encompasses all the sadness, pain, and rage I have ever felt. Whenever I focus on that moment, it’s like I’m in that courtroom all over again and I feel for the person I was.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That you are imperfectly perfect just the way you are, so trust YOU above all others.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Words spoken by the man she loved and trusted her whole life.
Moments later, Ally would face a new reality that “blew up” her life forever.
In the summer of 2009, her high school sweetheart and husband was sentenced to prison and the truth upon which her very existence was built began to shatter.
And that was just the beginning…
Each day she would discover a new lie, a new revelation of betrayal; a new challenge. Each day the obstacles grew larger.
She had trusted those around her and did things without question.
As repayment for that loyalty and trust, she would soon be standing, legs shoulder-width apart, frantic and scared, while a U.S. Probation Officer tethered the now single mother to her home for the next 6 months.
Blast Radius is a real-life story of how a life built on deception brought profound consequences engulfing not only Ally, but her children, her family, friends, and so many more. It is the story of how trying to be the perfect wife, daughter, and friend makes you ignore your internal turmoil and blinds you to the deception, abuse, and fraud surrounding you. It is a story about persevering and putting the pieces of your life back together when life throws you curveballs – even your own family is trying to stop you.
Experience the journey from deception to discovery and the scars that remain.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: abuse self-help, author, biography, Blast Radius: Shrapnel, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, memoir, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, shards and scars from the lies I lived, story, true crimes, true story, white collar crime, writer, writing
Blast Radius: Shrapnel, shards and scars from the lies I lived
Posted by Literary Titan

Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is an evocative coming-of-age story with a wonderfully nostalgic backdrop, taking readers to the vibrant world of 1985. The tale centers on Ally Graham, a high school senior, as she encounters the alluring Doyle Dumas. Their senior year becomes a canvas of deepening connections, painting a rich, heartwarming romance. Yet, the fabric of their love is stretched taut when Doyle opts to join the ROTC, casting a shadow of uncertainty on their shared future. Through trials and tribulations, the narrative poignantly delves into the resilience of love amidst adversity.
Brown’s ability to craft a world that is both vivid and relatable evident in the opening pages. Readers are treated to an authentic portrayal of young love, the intricacies of family bonds, and the looming unpredictability of what lies ahead. The decision of Doyle to enroll in the ROTC serves as a pivotal point, introducing a layer of tension and emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and commitment inherent in love and service.
The prose is rich with vivid descriptions, immersing readers into the characters’ world, making them privy to their most intimate emotions. The dialogues, in particular, are a highlight — they flow naturally, revealing the depths of the characters’ souls, their fears, hopes, and desires. The author keeps readers on their toes, intertwining conflicts and posing questions, such as the enigma surrounding Doyle’s confession.
Brown’s writing resonates on an emotional spectrum, oscillating from moments of light-hearted humor to intense concern and deep affection. The characters are fleshed out with remarkable emotional depth, making it easy for readers to empathize with them. The portrayal of family dynamics, especially the unwavering support from Ally’s kin, enriches the story, lending it an additional touch of authenticity.
Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is more than just a romance novel; it is a testament to love’s enduring spirit, the anguish of betrayal, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. With captivating character development and an engrossing narrative arc, this novel is bound to pull at readers’ heartstrings, leaving an indelible mark of warmth and nostalgia long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 337 | ASIN : B0CBKZN74D
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: abuse self-help, author, biography, Blast Radius: Shrapnel, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, ebook, goodreads, indie author, kindle, kobo, literature, memoir, nook, novel, read, reader, reading, shards and scars from the lies I lived, story, true crimes, true story, white collar crime, writer, writing






