In this episode of Speak Shame with Dr Connie Kerali, Dr Connie, a medical doctor, life coach, and survivor of sexual violence, shares her powerful story of overcoming shame and finding strength through vulnerability. Interviewed by her long-time friend and career change coach, Darleen Davies, Dr Connie recounts being silenced by shame for several years after being raped, and her path to healing through therapy and support from loved ones. The discussion highlights the importance of connection, sharing one's story with someone that you trust, and the impact of hearing Dr Christine Blasey Ford speak her truth about being sexually assaulted as a teenager. Dr Connie's mission is to share inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.

00:00 Introduction to Speak Shame

01:37 Dr Connie Kerali's Personal Story

04:04 The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

06:50 Struggles with Shame and Silence

11:50 The Turning Point: Dr Christine Blasey Ford

18:01 Seeking Therapy and Support

25:53 Opening Up to Friends and Family

28:57 Revealing the Trauma to Family

30:10 The Impact of Sharing on Relationships

33:48 The Healing Power of Vulnerability

34:41 Therapy and Overcoming Shame

40:24 Advice for Those Struggling with Shame

42:11 The Importance of Support Systems

44:14 Finding Purpose Through Adversity

48:39 Empowering Others Through Storytelling

53:16 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

If you need additional support after listening to this episode you can use the links below to find more information on some places to go:

In an emergency, dial 999; for non-emergencies, dial 101 (UK only)
Find your nearest NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre (England only)
Find an NHS Talking Therapy service near you (England only)
A doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
A voluntary organisation such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, or Victim Support

GET IN TOUCH
- Join the community:

@DrConnieKerali on Instagram
@SpeakShame on Instagram
Speak Shame the private group on Facebook

- Read Speak Shame: The Blog
- Learn more about Dr Connie Kerali’s Mission 100K to share over 100,000 inspiring stories of women who have faced and overcome adversity, so that others may find strength, connection, and hope in their own journeys, and so that shame itself loses its power.
- Do you want to share your story? Email Dr Connie Kerali at info@drconniekerali.com.
- If you're a remarkable woman who wants to be empowered by your own story, book a free discovery call with me, Dr Connie Kerali.