Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Larsen.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins with my family — two wonderful parents and seven siblings. I am number seven of eight. I grew up in a loving home, but because we were such a big family, it was easy for things to go unnoticed.
In January 2020, just before the pandemic began, I experienced a traumatic event that brought me to one of the lowest points in my life. It happened shortly after I had moved to a new community where, for the first time, I had found a sense of happiness that was entirely my own. Until then, much of my joy had come from external things — marriage, motherhood, travel — but in those months, living on my own, I finally felt content.
When that peace was taken from me, I realized I could no longer avoid the pain and trauma I had carried since childhood. It all resurfaced at once — a wave of emotion that affected me mentally, physically, and spiritually. But that was also the turning point. I decided it was time to truly take care of myself and start healing.
I sought therapy, joined support groups, and tried different holistic approaches like reiki and acupuncture. I was determined to do whatever it took to regain that sense of peace. It has now been almost six years of recovery. The journey has been intense, but every day has brought me closer to the person I want to be. I have always known I am strong — like my mother — and I refused to let my past define me.
Life isn’t perfect, but I feel good today. When the hard days come, I remind myself that they’re temporary and that I have the tools to care for myself.
Two years into my healing journey, I felt called to help others who, like me, had been suffering in silence. That is when I started my podcast. I knew nothing about podcasting, but with my son’s help, I learned to record and edit episodes on my computer. My only goal was to help at least one person feel less alone. Within a few weeks, my first episode had hundreds of listeners — then thousands from all over the world. I still get emotional thinking about the messages and support I have received. I’m so grateful.
A couple of years later, I wanted to do even more. That is when I decided to write my book, “UnSilenced – A Journey of Healing from Sexual Abuse”, which was published in August of this year. I may not be a professional or renowned writer, but I am proud of the results — especially because so many readers have told me that it has helped them feel seen and less alone.
My story has many layers, but what matters most to me is the transformation — from silence and pain to healing and empowerment. Through my podcast and my book, I hope to keep spreading the message that no one has to go through this alone, and that healing is truly possible.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I shared earlier, my journey has not been an easy one. Being a survivor of abuse impacts a child in profound ways — it can make you feel isolated, different, or overwhelmed by feelings that are not truly yours: shame, fear, anger, sadness, confusion, insecurity, and more. These emotions are created by the actions of perpetrators, and as children, we don’t have the understanding or tools to process them.
I carried this trauma with me for most of my life without much help. For a long time, I did not remember everything, and even now, memories sometimes surface. But I’ve learned to face them and process them in a healthy way.
Still, it’s important to recognize that trauma is only one part of my life — it does not define me. While it has affected every part of my being, it coexists with many aspects of joy and fulfillment. I have always loved nature and animals, cultivated friendships that bring me happiness, and had loving parents. Most importantly, my children are the greatest source of joy and meaning in my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I work as a Business Partner to the CEO of a software company. For many years, I worked as an executive assistant. For a long time, I wasn’t particularly happy in that role, but one day I realized that I was actually very good at it. I took a step back and asked myself why — and the answer was simple: I genuinely enjoy helping others succeed and being part of that success from behind the scenes.
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But pursuing that path would have meant staying in the country where I was born, living in the same home with my parents, and remaining within the traditional expectations of South American culture. I never truly felt I belonged there — I have always had a deep need for independence and a desire to explore life on my own terms. So, when I turned twenty, I moved to the United States. I began working at a consulate, then at an international organization, and eventually transitioned into the American business world.
Through the healing work I’ve done since 2020, I’ve also discovered my creative side — something I never knew existed before. I began painting (and, according to others, I’m not too bad at it!), crocheting, and making kintsugi bowls, which I often share along with the story behind their symbolism of beauty in rebuilding. I also started practicing yoga, which I absolutely love. These creative outlets have not only supported my healing but also awakened a new part of me — one that finds joy in art, writing, and speaking.
How do you think about happiness?
My children — they’re my greatest joy. Strong, smart, kind, and loving, they fill my life with positivity.
Nature and animals — I walk my toy poodle three times a day and love our hiking trips. Being outside, breathing fresh air, seeing trees, people, and other dogs keeps me grounded and present.
Travel — especially international travel. I love discovering new places, learning from different cultures, and challenging myself with solo adventures. It reminds me how far I’ve come.
Art, film, theater, museums — there’s so much joy in human creativity. From great movies to musicals, I feel lucky to experience the beauty of our world and the creativity of others.
Pricing:
- For my book “UnSilenced – A Journey of Healing from Sexual Abuse”, the price is $14.99 on Amazon for print, and $9.99 on Kindle version
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @healing.from.sex.abuse
