What I Wish I Knew - by Kendall Ann Combs & Amelia Kelley (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

If a survivor of domestic violence and a trauma-informed therapist could speak to survivors of abuse, what wisdom would they provide? In this ground-breaking book, Kendall Ann Combs, a survivor of domestic violence, and Dr. Amelia Kelley, an expert in psychology, seek to answer questions and provide resources for those who have experienced abuse.

Whether you are a survivor of domestic violence or in a relationship where any type of abuse is present, this important resource will help you regain the part of yourself that you have lost and offer the support you need to thrive. Ms. Combs shares her experience of being in an abusive relationship while Dr. Kelley provides trauma-informed techniques and easy to implement strategies to support everyone who has experienced a toxic, unhealthy, abusive relationship.

Part memoir, part self-empowerment guide, this book is designed to provide resources for anyone experiencing abuse. Readers who are survivors of abuse, those struggling to recognize if their relationship is unhealthy or dangerous, and those wondering how to leave an abusive relationship safely will all benefit from this powerful book. What I Wish I Knew can also serve as a valuable resource for those in helping professions or for loved ones supporting someone in an abusive relationship.

Some of the topics explored are gaslighting, love bombing, control, red flags, stonewalling, narcissism, boundary setting, the power of isolation, consent, the effects of violence on the body, and how trauma affects the brain.

The book offers suggestions on how a survivor can thrive after an abusive relationship by offering research-backed strategies such as grounding techniques, breath work, meditation, how to repair the brain after abuse, and how to avoid future abusive relationships. Throughout the book, readers are offered prompts, lists, and other opportunities to explore their own feelings and experiences.

What I Wish I Knew is an essential read for anyone who has endured any type of abusive relationship and for those working to helping survivors overcome their experiences in those relationships.

About the Authors:

Dr. Amelia Kelley is a trauma-informed therapist who has conducted research on the effects of exercise on ADHD symptoms as well as the effects of resiliency on PTSD. She is a trained Hypno-therapist, Art therapist, HSP Therapist, EMDR-informed therapist and meditation and Yoga teacher. She is a presenter and writer in the "science-help" field focusing on relationships, Highly Sensitive Persons, trauma, motivation, healthy living, and adult ADHD. She is a guest podcast presenter focusing on women's issues and coping with the trauma of unhealthy relationships, as well as a coach and trainer for SAS's Work/Life Program in Cary, NC and a resident trainer for the NC Art Therapy Institute. Her practice is also currently part of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. www.Ameliakelley.com

Kendall Ann Combs is an activist and advocate for the rights of survivors of domestic violence. A survivor herself, she created and hosts the international hit podcast, High Heels and Heartache, where she provides listeners access to mental health experts and interviews those with inspirational stories. She has been a featured presenter at national events including the annual conference of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. www.kendallanncombs.com

Review Quotes

"Experiencing emotional or physical abuse is so isolating, and this book reads like a trusted friend. For people who are trying to figure out whether what they are experiencing is normal or toxic, to those who have managed to extricate themselves from the clutches of abuse - this is a power resource."

-Mario Guido, Executive Editor of ScaryMommy.com

"In What I Wish I Knew, the authors provide clinical and first-hand information about the perils of intimate partner violence. This combination of author experience provides thorough information on IPV. This book is a must read for survivors, clinicians, and family and friends of those impacted by IPV."

-Stephanie Moulton Sarkis PhD Psychotherapist and Author of Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People - and Break Free.