Years ago while working with a local self-help center, I became aware of the shortage of
speakers who were also survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The center had hosted a
two-day event for counselors, school nurses, emergency room personnel; in short, anyone
who might be on the front line of childhood sexual abuse. When the featured speaker had to
leave because of a family medical emergency, she turned to me and said, "You can take
my place. You can tell them as much about what they can do to help their patients as I can
because you've been there."
It was my first experience at speaking on childhood sexual abuse
and I knew right then and there that someday I would devote all my energies to reaching
people, giving them a message of hope and healing, shedding understanding where there was
confusion, and bringing encouragement where there was hopelessness.
Few things give me as much joy as the opportunity to connect face-to-face with women who suffered the pain of childhood sexual abuse and are now working their way toward healing. For whatever reason, I was given the gift of being able to deeply connect with people. They listen to me and they know that I know how they’re feeling. Then when they see the joy that’s on my face these days, it gives them hope.
If your organization or self-help group would like to host Pat as their speaker for an event, you can contact her at speaker@the-journey-home.com to make arrangements and to discuss your group's particular area of interest.
Here are some of the topics you can choose from:
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget
"I Believe in God and........."?
Introduction to
"The Journey Home"
