In this essential and honest episode, Cat and Yvette—both survivors of childhood domestic violence—confront the reality of abuse, the lasting impact of trauma, and the personal work required to finally break the cycle. They define domestic violence (DV) as much more than just physical abuse; it includes a wide spectrum of harm like coercion, financial control, and emotional abuse. They discuss the insidiousness of the cycle of abuse, including the love-bombing phase that keeps survivors trapped. This conversation offers deep insight into why survivors sometimes gravitate toward chaotic relationships, showing how that drama can feel 'normal' to a nervous system raised in it. The hosts share the powerful tools they used to heal: • Forgiveness as Release: Understanding that forgiveness is about releasing the burden the trauma holds on you, not justifying the abuser's actions. • Building Strength: Investing in personal growth to build self-esteem and self-love. They stress that becoming strong makes you less likely to attract abusers. • Healing the Scars: Viewing recovery as an ongoing process of "peeling back the layers" and repairing old wounds. If you are a survivor or currently experiencing a controlling relationship, this episode offers validation, hope, and the steps you need to move From Pain to Power. ➡️ Subscribe for more tools to help you think beautifully and live brilliantly! Join our Facebook Community: The Art of Beautiful Thinking podcast community page; https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Co6qi3BPh/ Free Tools & Resources: https://TheArtofBeautifulThinking.com.au #DVSurvivors #DomesticViolenceAwareness #HealingTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #ChildhoodTrauma #EmotionalAbuse #CoercionAndControl #SelfLove #PersonalGrowth #Forgiveness #RelationshipRedFlags #theartofbeautifulthinking #livebrilliantly #thinkbeautifully