About the Book
As a survivor of sociopathic abuse, and a therapist specializing in trauma and abuse recovery, I understand firsthand the insidious nature of this form of manipulation. The experiences detailed within these pages are not fiction; they are born from lived reality, meticulously researched, and woven together with clinical expertise. The manipulation, gaslighting, and systematic erosion of self worth are not easily recognized. They are subtle, complex, and often leave victims feeling isolated, confused, and questioning their own sanity. My aim in writing Escaping Shadows is to provide a lifeline, a roadmap to freedom for those caught in the web of sociopathic control, and a resource for those who seek to understand this often misunderstood form of abuse. This book combines personal narrative with clinically-sound advice and practical tools. It is designed to empower you, the reader, to recognize the signs, create a safety plan, escape the abuse, and ultimately, rebuild your life. This is not a journey for the faint of heart, but remember, you are stronger than you think. Your recovery is possible, and your future is waiting.
About the Author :
Jennifer is a therapist licensed in several states whose work is grounded in compassion, respect, and dedication to her clients' well-being. She specializes in trauma, addiction, personality disorders, and suicide prevention, while also addressing a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges, career stress, grief, and bullying. Jennifer's therapy style is warm and interactive, fostering collaboration with clients to help them reach their treatment goals in a safe and accepting environment. With over 11 years of experience as a therapist, Jennifer skillfully adapts her approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. She integrates psychodynamic, humanistic, and existential principles, alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Therapy, and Inner Child Analytical Psychotherapy. Additionally, she is trained in advanced techniques such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This diverse expertise enables her to guide her clients through life's challenges, helping them rediscover their emotional intelligence, inner wisdom, and capacity for self-compassion. Jennifer's career includes extensive service to Veterans, Active Duty Military members, and their families through her work in the Federal government. She has received numerous awards for her dedication, including the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama, a VA Commendation from Secretary Robert McDonald, and the Making a Difference in the Community Spotlight from KGNS News, the Laredo Police Department, and the Laredo City Council. Jennifer has also been recognized with the Certificate of Special Recognition from Command Master Chief and the Certificate of Commitment from VCB VA Director Joe Perez, among many others. These accolades reflect her tireless efforts to improve the lives of Veterans and their communities. Jennifer has delivered impactful clinical presentations at prominent conferences. Beyond her professional life, Jennifer is a devoted and busy mother of five boys-Nicholas, William, Michael Anthony, Matthew, and Johnny. She finds immense joy and purpose in balancing her family life with her passion for helping others heal and thrive. Jennifer is actively involved in numerous professional organizations. Jennifer believes that the process of psychotherapy is about exploring thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors to uncover strategies for change. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how actions, influenced by deeply held thoughts, impact oneself and others. She inspires courage by helping clients face their fears, work through them, and conquer them, all while creating a space for growth, healing, and transformation.
