abuse awareness – Naty Matos

In part two of our Thrive by The Rising Muse series on domestic violence, faith, and healing, we delve even deeper into the complexities of escaping abusive relationships. Joined again by trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook, we uncover essential strategies for survival, including how to create a safety plan, the importance of finding your voice, and the power of faith in healing.

How Can You Prepare for the Unexpected?

Tabitha shares crucial tips on how to create a personalized safety plan—from where to safely store vital documents to the simple items that could make a world of difference in a crisis (like clean underwear and a toothbrush). But more than that, she emphasizes the importance of protecting yourself emotionally and spiritually during the process of leaving an abusive relationship.

Faith as a Guide Through Darkness

As we explore the role of faith, we discuss how churches can be a source of support, but also where they sometimes fall short. Tabitha doesn’t shy away from the difficult conversations, like reconciling faith with the harsh realities of abuse and understanding God’s true intentions when it comes to divorce and protection for the vulnerable.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen

Whether you’re a survivor, a supporter, or just someone looking to learn, this episode is filled with actionable insights and heartfelt wisdom. From personal stories to professional advice, Tabitha’s passion for helping those affected by domestic violence shines through, offering hope and practical steps for anyone who may be in a dangerous situation.

Tabitha Westbrook, LMFT-S, LCMHC-QS, LPC-S, is a licensed therapist who helps people who have messy, funky pasts (and sometimes messy, funky presents) live amazing, empowered lives today. In addition to being a licensed counselor and supervisor, Tabitha is an EMDR Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Christian Trauma Care Provider.

She’s the Founder & CEO of The Journey and The Process, a private practice with offices in North Carolina and Texas, specializing in complex trauma, with a focus on domestic abuse and coercive control. Tabitha is a nationally known expert and speaker on domestic abuse & coercive control, providing training to churches, therapists, and agencies. She also helps train domestic abuse advocates through Called to Peace Ministries’ faith-based advocacy training, and she co-facilitates the G5 Men’s Batterer Intervention Group. Tabitha is the author of the forthcoming book Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control.

Listen to part two of this compelling conversation on domestic violence, faith, and recovery now. Don’t forget to subscribe for more important discussions like this one, and share it with someone who might need to hear it.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Help is available—you are not alone.

Are you ready to confront one of our most difficult yet vital conversations? In the latest episode of Thrive by The Rising Muse, we sit down with renowned trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook for an unflinching look into domestic violence and its devastating impact on families, mental health, and faith.

The Darkness of Coercive Control

Too often, domestic violence is misunderstood or oversimplified. In this eye-opening episode, Tabitha walks us through the different, often invisible, forms of abuse like coercive control—where the victim’s freedom, identity, and autonomy are systematically stripped away. It’s not always about physical harm. As Tabitha explains, it’s the slow, methodical erosion of a person’s sense of self that can be just as, if not more, damaging.

Faith and the Journey to Healing

What role does faith play in both surviving and healing from domestic violence? As a survivor herself, Tabitha shares her deeply personal story of how God walked with her through the pain and ultimately called her to help others do the same. In this episode, she offers practical advice on how faith communities can provide real, life-changing support to those in abusive situations.

The Moment of Freedom

One of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Tabitha describes the importance of regaining autonomy. She recounts stories of survivors—some of whom felt a rush of liberation in the simplest moments, like sitting in a car, knowing they finally had control over their own lives. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, freedom is possible.

Why You Can’t Miss Part 2

This episode is just the beginning. We’ve only scratched the surface of this complex and important topic. In part two, we’ll dive even deeper into the spiritual and emotional aspects of domestic violence recovery, as well as provide actionable resources for those who may be suffering in silence.

She’s the Founder & CEO of The Journey and The Process, a private practice with offices in North Carolina and Texas, specializing in complex trauma, with a focus on domestic abuse and coercive control. Tabitha is a nationally known expert and speaker on domestic abuse & coercive control, providing training to churches, therapists, and agencies. She also helps train domestic abuse advocates through Called to Peace Ministries’ faith-based advocacy training, as well as co-facilitates the G5 Men’s Batterer Intervention Group. Tabitha is the author of the forthcoming book Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control.

Listen to part one of this transformative conversation on domestic violence, faith, and mental health now, and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss the continuation of this powerful series.

If you or someone you know is in danger, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Help is available, and you are not alone.