How Faith Helped Emily Overcome Adversity
Emily, an author and advocate, shares her journey of faith, healing, and finding purpose after experiencing SA and finding herself at her lowest point. She discusses the challenges of writing about her trauma and the importance of including the personal element in her books. Emily also talks about her faith and how it played a role in her healing process. She emphasizes the need for society to break the stigma around sexual assault and believe survivors. The conversation touches on the experiences of military spouses and the systemic issues they face when reporting domestic violence.
In our recent episode of Silenced Voices of MST, I had the privilege of speaking with Emily, a remarkable author, advocate, and public speaker who has transformed her personal challenges into a beacon of hope for others. Emily’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the role that faith can play in healing even the deepest wounds.
Click to watch the interview with Emily and Rachelle.
Emily’s Journey into Advocacy and Faith
Emily began her career with dreams of working in chemistry and business, but her life changed unexpectedly following a traumatic experience that left her grappling with trust, isolation, and self-worth. When she initially shared her story, she faced disbelief, blame, and rejection from those she turned to for support. This sense of betrayal not only intensified her pain but also led her to question her value and her place in the world.
In her journey to rebuild her life, Emily reconnected with her faith. She describes this as a turning point, where she began to find strength in her relationship with God. Although faith had been part of her childhood, it was only in her most challenging moments that Emily fully leaned into it, finding a new perspective and sense of purpose.
Finding a Community and Reclaiming Self-Worth
While navigating the aftermath of trauma, Emily discovered a women’s Bible study group on her college campus. This group gave her the support she needed to start viewing herself through a compassionate lens, and she eventually became a mentor herself, helping other women find strength through faith. Emily’s transformation from student to leader ignited a desire to help others who faced similar battles with self-worth and healing.
Writing as a Path to Healing
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Emily’s advocacy work didn’t stop with her small group. Her experiences inspired her to write, resulting in her book series, Broken Lenses. Through her writing, she challenges readers to see beyond societal labels and instead focus on self-compassion and spiritual growth. While her initial reluctance to share personal stories was strong, Emily’s writing coach encouraged her to be open, sharing that vulnerability would not only enhance her message but also resonate deeply with her readers.
The Power of Sharing and Forgiveness
Emily also discussed the importance of forgiveness in healing. For her, forgiveness wasn’t about excusing what happened but about reclaiming control over her life. By forgiving, Emily found that she could move beyond the pain and live without the shadow of resentment. This step was vital in her journey toward self-acceptance and inner peace, a message she now shares openly in her public speaking engagements.
Building a Legacy of Advocacy
Today, Emily works with Reveal to Heal International, a nonprofit focused on supporting sexual assault survivors within faith communities. She believes in creating safe spaces for survivors, encouraging them to reveal their pain as a step toward healing.
“We can’t heal what we don’t reveal,” she says, a mantra that underscores her work and her commitment to advocacy.
Embracing Vulnerability and Inspiring Change
Through her books and public speaking, Emily continues to challenge societal norms surrounding trauma and mental health, pushing for a culture where survivors feel supported and understood. She sees her role as an advocate not just as a calling but as a responsibility to empower others to find their voice. Her ultimate hope is to inspire a new generation to speak out and to foster a world where trauma survivors no longer have to navigate their journey alone.
Final Thoughts
Emily’s journey shows us the power of faith, community, and resilience in overcoming trauma. Her story serves as a reminder that, while pain may change us, it doesn’t have to define us. Through sharing her experiences and guiding others, Emily exemplifies the strength of the human spirit and the peace that can come from embracing our own truths.
For more about Emily’s work or to connect with her, visit her website, Emily Bernath Author. Her books are available, and she welcomes anyone seeking support or inspiration to reach out. Her story has motivated me to continue to share our voices, inspire change, and support each other in the journey toward healing.
Remember, our voices are powerful in the fight against military sexual trauma. Share your story, connect with others, and join us in the mission to end MST once and for all.
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Self Care Secrets (Part 1): We All Float In Here
In our busy lives, "self-care" often conjures up images of bubble baths and spa days. While these are wonderful, self-care, especially for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST), encompasses much more. It's a vital part of healing and recovery, addressing deep emotional wounds and physical stress.
One groundbreaking self-care practice is sensory deprivation, or flotation therapy. This involves floating in a tank of saltwater at body temperature, in complete darkness and silence. It offers deep relaxation, mindfulness, stress relief, and improved sleep—benefits particularly valuable for MST survivors.
If you're curious about this unique method, find a local flotation therapy center and prepare for a journey of self-discovery and healing. For more innovative self-care tips, subscribe to "The Silenced Voices of MST" podcast and join our community of survivors and advocates. Share your experiences in the comments—your story could inspire others!
When we hear the term "self-care," many of us immediately envision bubble baths, spa days, or other indulgent activities that provide temporary relaxation. While these aesthetic experiences can be beneficial, self-care encompasses a far broader range of practices, many of which go beyond the surface level. For survivors of military sexual trauma, self-care is not just a luxury but a vital component of healing and recovery. This series aims to dive deeper into self-care, highlighting its importance and exploring practices that might not immediately come to mind but can have profound impacts on your well-being.
Why Self-Care is Crucial for MST Survivors
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Self-care is the act of deliberately taking steps to preserve or improve one’s health. For MST survivors, self-care is an essential part of the healing process. Trauma can take a significant toll on both mental and physical health, leading to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Engaging in self-care helps to mitigate these effects by providing necessary relief, fostering resilience, and promoting a sense of control over one’s life.
Emotional Healing: Trauma disrupts your emotional balance, often leading to feelings of fear, anger, and sadness. Self-care practices help to manage these emotions, providing a way to process and release them in a healthy manner.
Physical Health: Stress and trauma can weaken the immune system, increase blood pressure, and lead to other health issues. Self-care activities, especially those that involve physical movement, can improve overall health and contribute to a sense of well-being.
Mental Clarity: Trauma can cloud your mind and make it difficult to think clearly or make decisions. Regular self-care practices can enhance mental clarity and focus, making it easier to navigate daily challenges.
Groundbreaking Self-Care Practice: The Power of Sensory Deprivation
One innovative self-care practice that many people might not readily think of is sensory deprivation, specifically through the use of flotation therapy, also known as float tanks or sensory deprivation tanks. This practice involves floating in a tank filled with salt water at body temperature, in complete darkness and silence. Here’s why this unconventional self-care method can be particularly beneficial for MST survivors:
Deep Relaxation: The absence of sensory input allows your body and mind to enter a state of deep relaxation. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with anxiety and PTSD, as it provides a respite from constant hyper-vigilance and stress.
Enhanced Mindfulness: Floating in a sensory deprivation tank can help you achieve a meditative state, promoting mindfulness and a deeper connection with your inner self. This can facilitate emotional healing and self-discovery.
Reduced Stress and Pain: The buoyancy provided by the saltwater can alleviate physical pain and tension. This is particularly helpful for MST survivors who may experience chronic pain or physical discomfort as a result of their trauma.
Improved Sleep: Many people who use sensory deprivation tanks report improved sleep quality. For MST survivors, who often struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep, this can be a crucial benefit.
How to Get Started with Sensory Deprivation
If you’re interested in exploring sensory deprivation as a self-care practice, here’s how to get started:
1. Find a Local Facility: Search for spas or wellness centers that offer flotation therapy. Many urban areas have facilities specifically designed for sensory deprivation experiences.
2. Prepare Yourself Mentally: The idea of complete darkness and silence can be daunting. Prepare yourself by researching what to expect and starting with shorter sessions if needed.
3. Set an Intention: Before entering the tank, set a clear intention for your session. This could be to relax, to explore your thoughts, or to simply experience the sensation.
4. Stay Open-Minded: It may take a few sessions to fully acclimate to the experience. Stay open-minded and give yourself time to adjust.
5. Reflect on the Experience: After your session, take some time to reflect on how you feel. Note any changes in your stress levels, physical sensations, or emotional state.
Self-care for MST survivors is not just about surface-level relaxation; it’s about finding innovative and effective ways to support your healing journey. Sensory deprivation, through flotation therapy, offers a unique and profound method to achieve deep relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief. By exploring this unconventional self-care practice, you can uncover new paths to healing and well-being.
If you’re curious about how sensory deprivation can benefit your recovery journey, consider booking a session at a local flotation therapy center. For more groundbreaking self-care ideas and support, subscribe to "The Silenced Voices of MST" podcast and join our community of survivors and advocates at The Advocates of MST on Facebook.
Have you ever tried sensory deprivation or flotation therapy? How did it impact your mental and physical health? Share your experiences in the comments below – your insights could inspire others to explore this innovative self-care practice.