Hey! So Glad You're Here.
FROM SURVIVOR TO THRIVER
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Theresa Marie Villanova, the author of a soon-to-be-released book, will take you on her personal journey of childhood neglect, life with an alcoholic parent, childhood sexual assault, and a 24-year marriage that ended with domestic violence and divorce. The heartfelt reason why Theresa Marie wrote this book is to help victims of abuse understand why we make the choices we do and why we keep repeating patterns that end in heartache and/or continued abuse. It's not your fault! You will be encouraged and validated as you read about how Theresa Marie not only survived emotional, mental, and physical abuse but thrived in the face of it to become an advocate and author for victims of abuse and domestic violence. She's walked this emotional journey, both personally and professionally. This book shares raw and profound stories, life lessons, and insights with you, the victim of abuse and domestic violence, in mind.
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You may feel you are walking alone on your journey through life and abuse
but this book will help you will realize
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
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Rising Beyond Abuse will keep you engaged with firsthand accounts of Theresa Marie's life. She shares stories with you of her lowest and darkest fear-filled moments, and her ability to find courage and hope despite crippling depression, feelings of unworthiness, and a physical injury she suffered from domestic violence. Her core of spiritual strength in a higher power, God, helped her rise above and beyond any abuse inflicted upon her by a lifetime of manipulators and oppressors. In this book, you will discover your own strengths while being awakened to the power you hold within yourself—that which has been with you all along!
The journey of awakening your own inner core thinking starts with reading about Theresa Marie’s experiences and wisdom, along with factual information from data, other experts in the field and links to their websites, quotes, and profound questions for you to ponder to help you gain new insight toward finding your own inner truth so you can step out of abusive relationships.
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You will also find ...
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· Solid answers to help you get out of abuse safely
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· Enlightenment and knowledge
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· Renewed confidence
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· Inner strength
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· Encouragement
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· Hope in God or a Higher Power and knowing you are never and were never alone
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· Reasons to rise above and beyond abuse, and into the truth of your authentic self!
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Reviews
PATRICIA WOOD
LMHC, CASAC, Certified EMDR Counselor,
Certified Trauma Therapist with ITTA
"RISING BEYOND ABUSE ~ LOVE SHOULDN'T HURT is more than just a memoir of Theresa Villanova’s accounts of childhood neglect, growing up with an alcoholic parent and domestic violence in her marriage. Her advice is fresh, relevant, and solid as she draws the reader in with honest and real accounts of personal experiences of childhood trauma’s, sexual assault, and a domestic violence injury in her marriage. Which changed the trajectory of her life as she sought professional help from a domestic violence advocacy program. Who later employed her.
She has transfigured her experiences into resources to help the reader in their healing as they break free from the cycle of abuse. She has created a map for those struggling with similar issues. She empowers the reader to choose their path for healing.
This book is different from others of similar topic and therapists and others in the field of advocacy could confidently recommend it to their clients. It’s well researched, written with compassion and understanding of the abused, and contains helpful charts and questions throughout for the reader to ponder and further self-reflect for recovery from abuse."
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Patricia Wood
PATRICK KELLEY
Gulf War Veteran, World Trade Center Responder, Sifu Jeet Kune Do, Musician
"I am honored to write this recommendation for Theresa Marie, a truly remarkable individual whose resilience, growth, and dedication to helping others have deeply inspired me. I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand her incredible journey from a place of uncertainty and fear to becoming the powerhouse she is today—an example of hope and strength for many.
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Throughout her own transformation, she has not only discovered and embraced her authentic self but did this while healing from significant emotional and physical injuries resulting from an abusive relationship. Her journey alone is a testament to her unwavering determination.
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As a survivor herself, she has first hand knowledge of what her clients are experiencing and she relates without judgement and unwavering kindness and empathy. Theresa Marie specializes in guiding individuals through the complexities of toxic relationships and helps them to break free from the cycle of abuse. Her personalized recovery plans and empowerment coaching have provided countless survivors with the tools and confidence they need to reclaim their power and rebuild their lives.
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What sets Theresa Marie apart is her relentless pursuit of justice and her commitment to creating positive change. She has advocated tirelessly not only for victims of domestic violence but also on behalf of Veterans and 9/11 First Responders as well as the incarcerated in New York State. Her successful efforts in changing protocols and systems to ensure health and safety are nothing short of commendable.
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As the author of RISING BEYOND ABUSE – LOVE SHOULDN'T HURT, and her interactive guide book BREAKING THE CHAINS of SELF-DENIAL, Theresa Marie shares her deeply personal journey of trauma, self-discovery, and healing, offering hope and inspiration to others. Her mission to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to heal and transform their lives is reflected in everything she does.
Theresa Marie is not only a highly skilled Empowerment Life Coach but also a Reiki Master, Spiritual Mentor, and Professional Domestic Violence Advocate. She approaches her work with a unique blend of compassion and an unwavering focus on the safety of her clients.
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In summary, I highly recommend Theresa Marie to anyone who's looking for a remarkably dedicated, kind, and informed advocate and life coach. She’s an invaluable asset to anyone fortunate enough to work with her. Her impact on the lives of survivors is profound, and I am confident that she will continue to inspire and create positive change wherever she goes."
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Patrick Kelley
MARGARET SULLIVAN
Consultant, Author, & Advocate
in the Field of Family Law
Dear Theresa Marie,
"Reading your article filled my heart with both empathy and gratitude. Your words echo the silent strength of countless survivors who’ve chosen the path of healing over fear, and who now stand at the threshold of possibility. Thank you for voicing what so many feel but cannot always express — the quiet pain of loneliness after leaving, and the unfamiliar yet powerful promise of hope.
Your courage to speak truth into the shadows — that abuse often hides behind fleeting moments of peace, that leaving is not an endpoint but the beginning of another hard journey — is empowering. To those of us who have walked through that same fire, your message serves as a mirror and a light. It reminds us that though the path may be winding and rough, we are not walking it alone.
Thank you for acknowledging the strength it takes to leave, to survive, to rebuild — especially when the world seems indifferent and support feels scarce. Thank you for affirming that temporary discomfort does not mean permanent defeat. Most of all, thank you for reminding us that the sun is shining beyond the storm clouds — and that rediscovery of self is not only possible, but beautiful."
In community, solidarity, and deep appreciation,
Margaret
HILDA YECHIEL
Health & Life Coach,
HCI Certified Life Coach (HCI-CLC)
"Theresa Marie Villanova is a dedicated professional advocate and Domestic Violence Empowerment & Recovery Coach for abused men and women. She’s that beacon of light who brings clarity to the confusion of emotional / physical abuse. Her compassion and intuitive understanding is boundless, creating a safe space for open communication and trust. She sees the strength within each individual, often before they see it themselves, and gently guides her clients towards recognizing their resilience and worth.
I believe what sets Theresa Marie apart from others is her ability to connect on a deep personal level, making each person feel seen, heard, and valued. Her support is a testament to the power of human kindness, and her impact is immeasurable. Having walked this path herself, she doesn’t just help women/men to overcome; she inspires them to discover their inner light and worth.
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To say she changes lives is an understatement; she transforms them and saves them. I’ve heard testimonials firsthand. I’m beyond grateful for meeting Theresa Marie, and I know countless others are as well.
She is not just a Domestic Violence Empowerment & Recovery Coach; she is a lifeline for those who have been lost in the shadows. She brings hope and love where healing can begin and the journey toward empowerment and self-discovery takes place."
Hilda Yechiel
GRACE SHILLIFF
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
"I commend Theresa on the strength and courage it takes to put her story out there. "Breaking The Chains of Self-Denial" demonstrates and provides a balance of knowledge, self-reflection, and encouragement all while being supported by someone who has been there. I will be recommending this workbook to current and future clients in my practice."
Grace Shilliff
LAURA MANEATES
Psychotherapist PHD., LMHC, MFT
"Theresa Villanova shares a unique brilliance in “Rising Beyond Abuse ~ Love Shouldn't Hurt” as she closely examines the underlying causes of domestic violence. Her broad perspective provides valuable insights into the emotional, physical, and psychological impacts of abuse, while exploring repressed causes such as trauma, secrecy, toxic shame: all shining a light on a path towards transformation. It furthermore includes self-help exercise to assist in revealing unconscious aspects of oneself. Villanova skillfully weaves her narrative of abuse into a story of healing while emphasizing the importance of embracing the mind, body, and spirit in the journey toward a revitalized life. Her bravery, resilience, and deep passion for assisting others in their healing journeys shines throughout her work."​
Laura Maneates
GLORIA CARPENTER
Empowerment Coach, Best-Selling Author - Power Up Your Dreams! Moving From Self-Defeat to Self-Belief, Performer
"This incredibly impactful book by Theresa Villanova can transform and literally save the life of someone who is in an abusive relationship or experiencing domestic violence. With a hefty dose of compassion and solid knowledge regarding the reality of what goes on in the minds of those involved with narcissists and abusers, she shares her own horrific experiences that drove her to realize she needed to take action and protect herself from future abuse. It wasn’t until she was away from the toxicity and danger of abuse that she understood the mindset behind why she stayed in harm’s way for so long, and in detail, she will educate and guide you to your own safety with helpful tools, resources and encouragement. She is now happily living free in her independent life, and as her title states, she has risen beyond abuse and is now thriving while advocating against domestic violence. She continues to help both men and women find their way out of abuse and back to themselves. This book will enlighten and inspire you to break free from the chains of domestic violence and encourage you to become whole again. She makes it clear that we need to make a choice to stand up for ourselves and move on from neglect and mistreatment. If we don’t, she states that the abusers “will smother your inner light; that uniqueness of you that is meant for your advancement in life.” As someone who was in a long-term toxic relationship myself, I related to every word she said and each bit of new information presented. For this reason, I implore those of you reading this book to heed the advice given. You will never look back and never allow yourself to ignore red flags again. And for those of you in danger now, she gives you ways to safely leave your relationship quickly with resources to help you in the back of the book. If this review is resonating with you, buy the book now…don’t wait! You CAN rise above and beyond abuse!"
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Gloria Carpenter
SANDRA AIGBOMIAN
LinkedIn Profile Manager & Optimization Expert
"Theresa is one of the smartest, most compassionate women I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Her knowledge of domestic violence dynamics and her ability to offer genuine support make her an invaluable resource for anyone dealing with abusive situations. I have witnessed her unique expertise firsthand, especially during her recent audio event with Hilda Yechiel and Veronica Lares. Her calm, insightful approach provided listeners with understanding and empowerment, addressing their needs with kindness and subtlety.
Theresa’s commitment to helping others break free from abusive environments is truly inspiring. She combines knowledge with an innate empathy, knowing exactly how to support and guide individuals towards healing and safety.
I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of guidance or professional support in this field."
Sandra Aigbomian