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Submitted by Douglas Newsom on 21 January 2024

Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes: Finding Freedom from the Impact of Sexual Abuse with Leila Reyes

Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes: Finding Freedom from the Impact of Sexual Abuse
Show Host:
Leila Reyes, MSW

Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes: Finding Freedom from the Impact of Sexual Abuse, is a transformative talk show inspired by her influential book, "Freedom from Shame.”

Leila invites listeners to join a space dedicated to healing, compassion, and triumphing over trauma. In each episode, our discussions, rooted in the wisdom of the book, create a groundbreaking environment for survivors, allies, mental health advocates, and even those who have caused harm, to navigate the complexities of the healing process. Through candid conversations, expert interviews, and personal narratives, we illuminate the intricacies of childhood sexual abuse, weaving in the principles of restorative justice to foster understanding, empathy, and constructive dialogue.

"Courageous Conversations" is more than just a podcast; it stands as a sanctuary of support, guidance, and hope for those touched by the shadows of this deeply sensitive and impactful issue including individuals on all sides of the healing process. It serves as a beacon, providing a roadmap for resilience and the journey to reclaim one's life after such profoundly impactful experiences. Join us in this transformative journey toward healing and reclaiming lives together.

Talk Show Program Archives

Courageous Conversations, September 21, 2024 Sibling Jane Interview, Survivor Of Sibling Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations, September 4, 2024 The Complex and Hidden Realities of Sibling Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, August 21, 2024 Sibling Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, August 7, 2024 The GAP
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, July 24, 2024 Guest Sandra Cavanaugh, Spontaneous Brilliance through Radical Responsibility
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, June 26, 2024 How to Recognize and Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, June 12, 2024 Setting Boundaries as an Adult After Child Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, May 1, 2024 Evolving Beyond the Impact of Child Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, April 17, 2024 The 4-Stages of Transformation
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, April 3, 2024 Defense Mechanisms: The Cost of Denial in Child Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, March 20, 2024 Guest Kim O'Hara, No Longer Denying (child) Sexual Abuse
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, March 6, 2024 Child Sexual Abuse and Silencing the Inner Critic
Courageous Conversations with Leila Reyes, February 21, 2024 Guest Gordon Clay, Child Sexual Abuse and Suicide Prevention
Leila Reyes, MSW
CAUS
Occupation:
Trauma-Informed Relationship Coach, Author, Speaker Guide for Women Ready to Stop Repeating the Past and Create Real Love
Biography:

If you’re successful on the outside but quietly questioning why relationships still feel confusing, disappointing, or exhausting—you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

Leila Reyes works with accomplished, self-aware women who have done the therapy, read the books, and still find themselves repeating familiar relational patterns: unavailable partners, self-doubt, over-functioning, or settling for less than they want. Not because they’re choosing wrong—but because early experiences shaped an unconscious blueprint for love that’s still running the show.

On From Trauma to True Love, Leila helps listeners understand how childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or sexual abuse can quietly shape adult relationships—and, more importantly, how to interrupt those patterns without shame, self-blame, or endless healing work.

As the award-winning author of Freedom from Shame: Trauma, Forgiveness, and Healing from Sexual Abuse, Leila brings both lived experience and professional depth to this work. She holds a master’s degree in social work, is a graduate of Hakomi (somatic psychotherapy), and has spent over two decades coaching countless individuals to create relationships rooted in safety, consistency, and mutual respect.

Leila is known for her grounded presence, non-judgmental compassion, and ability to name the truth without making anyone wrong. She uses Katherine Woodward Thomas’ True You Awakening Process to help clients reclaim self-trust, worthiness, and choice—so relationships become something they create, not something they endure or manage.

In addition to her private practice, Leila previously facilitated a restorative justice program inside a California prison—bringing healing to both those who had been harmed and those who caused harm. Her work consistently returns power to the individual, where it belongs.

Leila’s message is simple and unwavering:
Your past doesn’t get the final say in your relationships. You do.

Training & Credentials

Education & Professional Training

  • Master’s Degree in Social Work
  • Graduate of Hakomi (Body-Centered Somatic Psychotherapy)
  • Master Certified Integrative Professional Coach

Certifications & Experience

  • 5 years Program Director for Katherine Woodward Thomas
  • 12 Years Lead Coach for Your Year of Miracles with Marci Shimoff
  • Conscious Uncoupling™ – Katherine Woodward Thomas
  • Calling in “The One” – Katherine Woodward Thomas
  • Spiritual Divorce – Debbie Ford
  • Best Year of Your Life – Debbie Ford