This is an example of a common relationship dilemma I encounter among many married women:
Real Voices, Real Pain: A Relationship Dilemma
“I feel trapped in a toxic marriage with three young children. My husband is violent and a serial cheat. I have no financial independence, and my family of origin is also abusive. I need to break free—without causing more harm to myself or my children.”
This is a heartbreakingly familiar scenario I encounter in many conversations with women. The pain, the helplessness, the feeling of being stuck in a life you didn’t choose—all rooted in a history of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
One woman shared her journey:
She grew up in a toxic home marked by instability, abuse, and emotional neglect. With no opportunity to finish school due to financial hardship, she married young—hoping to escape her troubled past. But ten years later, her marriage is only a reflection of what she tried to run from.
Her husband disrespects and devalues her, abuses her physically and emotionally, and disappears for days without explanation. She earns less than Ksh 5,000 per month from casual jobs. She has no savings, no support system, and no safe place to turn. Her family tells her to endure, just like her mother did.
What Can She Do? Where Can She Begin?
Coach Susan’s response:
Life Is a Mirror—Or an Echo
What many people don’t realize is that the chaos and pain we experience in adulthood often mirror the unresolved wounds of our childhood. Abuse, neglect, abandonment, rejection—if left unhealed—embed themselves deep within our subconscious minds.
These inner wounds then shape our adult relationships. We unconsciously attract situations and partners that resonate with our inner programming:
- Those who were emotionally neglected may struggle with emotional intimacy.
- Survivors of childhood abuse may find themselves in abusive adult relationships.
- Those rejected in early life may continue seeking approval in unhealthy ways.
This is not fate—it’s subconscious programming. And it can be reprogrammed.
Give Reparenting A Chance
The Power of Reparenting: A Path to Emotional Freedom
What if the answer isn’t just leaving the toxic relationship, but healing the part of you that keeps attracting and tolerating it?
That’s what we do through Reparenting and Shadow Work.
These are deep, transformative processes that address the prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal wounds that shape your adult experiences.
Instead of smashing the mirror, heal the face reflected in it.
- Heal the subconscious wounds that keep you trapped.
- Break the cycle of abuse—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
- Build strong boundaries that naturally repel violators.
- Reclaim your self-worth, power, and potential.
- Discover new confidence, careers, and business opportunities you never imagined possible.
You Are Not Powerless—You Just Need to Start Within
Once you begin this healing journey, the world around you starts to shift.
Your inner voice gets stronger. Your vision becomes clearer.
Your boundaries become firmer. And many times, even abusers sense the change—and either withdraw or shift their behavior.
But more importantly, you change.
And that’s the beginning of freedom.
Ready to Heal?
Explore our Reparenting Programs and Shadow Work sessions at https://nourishandflourish.live.
Begin the journey to wholeness—for yourself, and your children.
With Love,
Coach Susan Catherine Keter
For the HealthWise Team
