Welcome to The Mindful Haven, brought to you by Impireum Psychiatric Group. In today’s deeply moving episode, host Layla and co-host Shanti Hubbard, a licensed therapist, sit down with Nicole Beverly — a clinical social worker, advocate, mother, and survivor of harrowing domestic abuse and stalking. Nicole bravely shares her journey from outspoken, empowered young woman to someone broken down by abuse, dispelling myths about who is at risk and what domestic violence looks like beneath the surface.
Nicole details the subtle red flags she missed, the strategic psychological tactics used by her abuser, and her terrifying yet courageous path to leaving. Together, the conversation dives into safety planning, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the crucial role of trauma-informed therapy. Nicole also reflects on her advocacy work and her hope that, through sharing her story — and now, its adaptation in the feature film Finding Nicole — she can reach those suffering in silence and spark much-needed change.
This episode is a raw, honest exploration of the complexities of domestic violence, the healing journey, and the power of turning pain into purpose. Whether you're a survivor, supporter, or someone seeking greater understanding, this conversation is a vital listen — and a reminder that no one has to walk this path alone.
Timestamps:
00:00 Unexpected Path to Empowerment
03:28 "Recognizing Abuse's Subtle Onset"
07:25 Navigating the Process of Leaving Abusers
10:04 Escaping Domestic Threats
13:16 Navigating Abuse and Custody Challenges
18:47 Strategies for Combating Overthinking
22:39 Self-Love Shields Against Abuse
25:56 Recognizing Relationship Red and Green Flags
29:12 Confronting Domestic Violence in Education
32:24 Outdated Legislation Hurts Victims
34:44 Surviving Stalking: Exposing System Failures
39:31 Documenting Abuse: Essential Steps
40:23 Guide for Legal and Emotional Resilience
44:19 Nicole's Inspiring Courage and Education
Finding Nicole - On Amazon Prime Video
Finding Nicole Book - On Amazon
The Mindful Haven - Show Website - https://themindfulhavenshow.com/
Impireum Psychiatric Group - https://impireum.com/
Pierre Aristide - Impireum Co-Founder - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-aristide-impireum/
Nadia McFarlane MD, Chief Medical Officer at Impireum - https://impireum.com/nadia-mcfarlane/
TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/
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