Episode 119: Healthy relationships: Self Awareness and Understanding Trauma Bonding - a podcast by Victim Service Center

This week we are talking about trauma-based relationships and how to develop healthy connections with others. Join Hannah Jenarine, Education and Prevention Coordinator as she discusses trauma-bonds, red flags, and self-awareness with Leslie Pender. 

Leslie Pender is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida and the private practice owner of Seeds of Transition Counseling Services, LLC which is in the Metrowest area of Orlando, FL. Ms. Pender earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science with a concentration in Sociology from the University of Maryland University College and her Master of Science degree from Capella University in Mental Health Counseling. It was during her residency for licensure that Ms. Pender began to focus her research on social justice advocacy and cultural competency within the mental health counseling field. Ms. Pender’s work as a LMHC has consisted of collaborative work with the Florida Department of Children and Families and other agencies in which she has advocated for practices and policies that provide mental health services for children and families within the foster care system from a trauma-informed care and culturally competent perspective.   Ms. Pender is a member of Chi Sigma Iota (International Honor Society for Counseling Students, Counseling Educators and Professional Counselors), the American Counseling Association, the Florida Counseling Association and Black Therapists Rock in which she engages with other counseling professionals locally, nationally and internationally to help eradicate the stigma as it relates to mental health and mental illness, especially within communities of color. As the wife of an Army veteran, Ms. Pender is an advocate for increasing awareness of the impact of post-traumatic stress on the marital relationship and family dynamic of the veteran. 

In addition to providing therapy services, Ms. Pender provides and has conducted workshops on self-care, stress management, women’s empowerment and guided vision planning. Ms. Pender’s philosophy towards therapy is that one must approach therapy from a holistic perspective and that having a consistent self-care regimen is vital to achieving and maintaining optimum emotional, spiritual, physical and mental wellness.  

-----------------------------------  Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy headspace or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

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