In this episode of 'Healing from Toxic Abuse,' host Deb speaks with Andrea Leeb, author of 'Such A Pretty Picture.' Andrea is a survivor of incest and maternal betrayal, and her memoir offers a raw, courageous look at childhood trauma and the long road to healing from complex PTSD. Andrea discusses her journey to writing the book, the impact of the Me Too movement, and the process of breaking her silence to help others. They explore the dynamics of Andrea's family, the challenges of forgiving a mother who didn't protect her, and the importance of therapy and community support. Throughout the conversation, Andrea emphasizes the power of using one's voice to heal and inspire others. Tune in for an inspiring and emotional discussion about resilience, healing, and advocacy.
00:00 Introduction to Andrea Leeb and Her Memoir
01:02 The Inspiration Behind 'Such A Pretty Picture'
02:15 Writing and Publishing the Memoir
04:48 Challenges of Sharing Personal Trauma
10:13 The Illusion of a Perfect Family
13:31 Unspoken Rules and Silence
21:58 Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma
25:45 Healing and Support Systems
28:03 Navigating Relationships After Trauma
31:08 Struggles with Family and Addiction
31:44 Finding Stability in a Partner
32:46 Reflections on Past Relationships
34:16 The Importance of Sharing Your Story
37:05 Navigating Setbacks in Healing
42:44 Forgiveness and Family Dynamics
52:42 Encouragement for Survivors
54:20 Conclusion and Resources
To learn more about Andrea Leeb:https://www.andrealeebauthor.com/
To connect with host, Deborah Ashway: