Shattered Silence: The Road to Healing

Written By Graham Hastie

It’s often difficult to articulate the pain and confusion of such experiences. The memories can feel like shadows, lurking just out of sight, but they linger with a weight that’s hard to shake off.

There are moments when the past rushes back in—certain smells, sounds, or conversations can become triggers that evoke those feelings of vulnerability and fear. I remind myself that healing is not linear; some days feel like progress, while others feel like I’m standing still, trapped by the echoes of what I’ve been through.

I have come to understand that abuse can take many forms, whether emotional, physical, or verbal, and each leaves its mark. The journey to reclaim my sense of self-worth has been challenging. It's a daily practice of reminding myself that the actions of others do not define me. I deserve kindness, safety, and respect—both from those around me and myself.

As I move forward, I am committed to breaking the silence that often surrounds discussions of abuse. It is a shared story, and by talking openly about our experiences, we can foster understanding and begin to dismantle the stigma associated with it.

Reflecting on my journey, I find a spark of hope. There are resources and support systems available to help navigate the aftermath of abuse. Connecting with others who have experienced similar things brings comfort. We are not alone, even when the path feels isolating.

Tomorrow will bring new challenges, but for today, I embrace the small victories. I allow myself to feel, to heal, and to grow. Each step I take, no matter how small, is a step towards reclaiming my narrative and finding my strength again.

Graham Hastie

Susan Hastie M.A.,CCAC,CCPS,CPCS,CSAT

Member of ACTA (Alberta College for Counselling Therapists)

Licenses: 15-000-686, #207AB03

Susan Hastie received her undergrad in Family Studies from the University of Manitoba with an emphasis on cognitive and behavioural development of children, and a Masters in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary. Susan is a Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (APSATS Association of Partners of Sex Addicts

trauma specialists), is a Certified Addiction Counsellor (CACCF Canadian Addictions Counselling Certification Federation) and a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (ITAP International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals). She has also completed her skills training and working towards becoming an Emotionally Focused Therapist .

She is an adjunct faculty and holds a successful private practice of more than 20 years providing individual, marital and group counselling.

Susan has professional training/certification in ART(accelerated resolution therapy), Trauma informed counselling, somatic therapy, ASSIST (Suicide Intervention Certificate), SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory certification), TJTA (Taylor Johnson Temperament Analysis certification), DiSC workplace profile certification, Marriage and Enrich certification, Gottman certification for couples, Power and Control in Abusive Relationships certificate, and DAPS Detailed Assessment of Post traumatic Syndrome.

She specializes in trauma and addictions, grief and loss, marriage relationships, self-esteem and identity, assertiveness, abuse, anxiety and depression in her counselling practice.

She supervises interns and holds the status of Certified Supervisor (PACCCP) Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapist of Canada). She is a frequent guest speaker at local and national conferences.

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Understanding and Overcoming Sexual Compulsion and Addiction