Welcome to Lisa's Empowering ExJW Story: She Gets It!

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 I understand the exjw challenges and traumas because I've been there myself.

Growing up as a third-generation Jehovah's Witness, I faced a lot of hardships. The pain of being shunned by my own family was overwhelming. But that wasn't the only struggle. When I was just two years old, my father's refusal of a life-saving blood transfusion cost him his life, making him the first in legal and medical history.  This event, coupled with the abuse I endured at the hands of a fellow JW, created an unhappy and unsafe childhood. 

At the age of 16, I made a courageous decision to run away, knowing that it was better to face the uncertainty of homelessness than to remain in their traumatic and controlling grip. It was during this vulnerable time being homeless that a compassionate "worldly" person showed me kindness and understanding opening my eyes that the world outside the JWs was not the enemy I was led to believe. After he rescued me from a bad situation, I got myself to safety, secured employment, and eventually found an apartment.

Life continued to test my resilience. I married a man who turned out to be even more controlling than a Jehovah's Witness elder. Despite the difficulties, we were blessed with two beautiful daughters. However, during the birth of my first daughter, I faced a life-threatening situation that required a blood transfusion. Accepting this treatment went against everything I had been taught as a former JW. However, I listened to my instincts and chose to live for the sake of my daughter.

Tragedy struck again when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, cancer of the blood, at the age of 28. After enduring gruelling treatments and a full stem cell transplant, I needed nine blood transfusions to survive. If I had remained a Jehovah's Witness, I wouldn't be here today, sharing my story and doing the work that I do.

Surviving this battle became a turning point for me. I began to examine the deep unhappiness that had plagued me for so long. Behind the facade of a seemingly content and composed woman, I carried the weight of misery and discontentment within my own home. I knew I had to break free from the toxic and abusive cycle of my marriage. It was a difficult decision, but I mustered the strength to escape.

As I embarked on a journey of self-improvement, I explored various modalities such as Jungian psychology, archetypes, mindfulness, meditation, and mindset work. These transformative practices changed my life in profound ways. I felt a deep calling to learn the professional skills, training, and qualifications required to help other exjws determined to succeed after their JW experience. So, I went back to school and university to equip myself with every qualification necessary to make a difference as an exJW therapist. 

For the past 24 years, I have dedicated my life to exjw therapy by helping exJWs find their path to complete recovery and create the happy, fulfilling lives they deserve. My journey is a testament to the power of exJW courage, healing, and growth. Today, I live on a houseboat surrounded by nature and animals that bring me joy. I am grateful for the company of my loving partner, three cheeky cats, a cute little dog, and dear friends who share in life's simple pleasures with me.

Breaking free from the conditioning of Jehovah's Witnesses was not easy, but it was undeniably worth it. I am immensely proud of the work I do and the lives of exJWs I have helped transform. Now, it's your turn to embark on a journey of self-discovery and claim your own exJW success story. Together, we can bring healing, joy, and fulfilment to your life. 

With warmth and understanding,

Lisa Magdalena