You Are Safe Now: A Survivor’s Guide to Listening to Your Gut, Healing from Abuse, and Living in Freedom

by Tricia Lott Williford

“I didn’t know I was being manipulated. I didn’t know the signs.” “I didn’t know the cycle of abuse, or that it’s normal to feel guilt for something that’s not your fault, to have complex emotions about your abuser as you heal. I learned that I could set boundaries, choose not to reconcile, and still pursue the internal freedom of forgiveness.” – Tricia Lott WillifordA seasoned author and masterful storyteller, Tricia Lott Williford encountered the public trauma of the death of her husband, but she held quietly the private trauma that happened at the same grooming, manipulation, sexual abuse, and spiritual abuse by a person of trust. Tricia and her therapist, Jana Richardson, LPC, have written a resource to help others recognize the veiled dynamics of abuse, where it starts, how it escalates, and how survivors can break free and find freedom. Peer-reviewed by mental health therapists, You Are Safe Now offers a survivor’s firsthand story of abuse in the church includingan explanation of the nature of abusers and their common tactics;compassionate, nuanced discussion of trauma responses;research, examples, and statistics to identify abusive dynamics, predation, grooming, and psychological manipulation; andpractical tools and resources to facilitate recovery.For survivors of abuse, counselors, therapists, pastors who treat survivors, and those who support survivors in their healing, You Are Safe Now is an indispensable resource.

Genres: Audiobook, Self Help, Nonfiction

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Leanne Wicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything

If you have read Tricia's work, you already know how amazing she is at telling stories. But this one takes the cake... and puts together so many of the missing pieces of her trauma and healing. Regardless of your own trauma, this book can help you see even the smallest traumas more clearly and with Jana's guidance you can begin to understand how it all happened and where to go from here. There is so much to learn here.

[Jennifer Malech · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have been through abuse of any kind, I highly recommend this book. And even if you haven’t, I believe this is a great resource for those who have people in their lives who are currently navigating their way through trauma of any kind. Such a powerful and incredibly insightful and interesting read. A book I will definitely be returning to.

[Catherine McNiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a chance to read this before it came out. Here's what I said in my official endorsement:


"I could not put this book down. I sat down to glance at the first chapter . . . and before I stood up, I had devoured it cover to cover. Tricia and Jana have done something extraordinary, unlike anything I’ve encountered before in books on trauma. I believe this honest journey about the life cycle of abusive patterns and relationships will not dysregulate your nervous system, will not retraumatize you. Instead, the authors’ honest and kind words will wrap around you like a warm blanket, speaking in the voices of trusted friends guiding you through the hardest parts. Somehow, even though the truth telling is hard, the path toward healing and healthy intimacy becomes clear. I trust that when you emerge from these pages, you will find yourself stronger."

Catherine MCNiel, author of Fearing Bravely: Risking Love for Our Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies

[Amber Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love her books..and her story! I would've given 5 stars if it weren't for the therapist writing as well. Tricia is a great writer!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book! The topic is hard, but Tricia's engaging writing and Jana's insights made this emotional book accessible and helpful.

[Lacie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is painfully beautiful and incredibly practical. The abuse story, processing with her therapist and gentle journey of healing were woven so exquisitely. I especially loved the advice in the last chapter which I’m hiding in my heart as I walk with a survivor through her grief and big future decisions. Thank you Tricia and Jana for giving us the gift of your story. I feel more equipped after reading this treasure of a book.

[Tumyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like the way Trish & Jana shared the talking.

It was interesting to see how Trish outlined what Annie did - the charms of an abuser.
This book was very helpful until the EMDR chapter. This seemed unlikely to get someone to be able to lead me through this. Apart from this, the book is very positive & helpful.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Every person should read this. Such an amazing story of control, manipulation, and healing. Manipulation is so scary. Being able to recognize it is hard. I loved that Tricia told her story along side her therapist who talked about the psychology behind it.

[Jan Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book from an incredible author

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about the quoting of Scripture passages to argue how God would feel about abusers and abuse victims, but other than that, this was a difficult but hopeful story to read.

[Bunny]

Wow, didn’t know about any of this. Sad

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader’s copy of this very valuable book. I am a counselor who works with persons who have been abused in all possible ways. This book provides excellent insights, real life stories of abuse and how they were set free. Insights into how the perpetrator uses manipulation in a way you never suspect. The therapist, Jana, provides very valuable perspectives in the mechanisms the perpetrator uses and how to over come and heal for the abused survivor. Tricia, the abuse survivor, shares how she was conned, and how she was set free from her con artist. Well written! I plan on recommending this read to my abuse survivors, to give them hope and move them towards healing!

[Anne-marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really difficult read, but far worth the uncomfort - particularly if you’re in EMDR therapy - or feel you may need it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and important memoir.