By Elizabeth Osayande

Marriage and family therapist, Adanna Okpalanma-ChikaAdanna Okpalanma-Chika over the weekend launched her debut memoir, *Broken and Unspoken: A Story of Strength and Healing. The book invites readers to confront the often unspoken traumas that shape their lives, offering hope and guidance along the way.

At the event held at Jevinik Restaurant, Victoria Island, the advocate for emotional resilience, took guests and audience on thematic areas the memoir contains.

In her words: “This book is not just a collection of words; it’s a bridge. It’s a connection between those who have endured pain and those who seek to understand it.” For instance, I delve into the profound impact of unacknowledged pain and unresolved trauma, especially that instigates silence on the victims. This is because silence can be a heavy burden, shaping not just our identities but our relationships as well. It’s crucial to acknowledge our wounds to begin healing.”

Continuing, Okpalanma-Chika shares powerful stories of individuals overcoming grief, abuse, and emotional isolation, demonstrating the incredible capacity of the human spirit to heal. “I want to highlight the stories of resilience,” she notes. “These narratives show us that we can thrive even amidst our deepest struggles.”

Again, on therapeutic tools for transformation, and drawing from her extensive experience, Okpalanma-Chika provides insights and techniques designed to empower readers in their healing journey. She believes, “Healing is an ongoing process, and the right tools can help us navigate through it more effectively.”

The author also emphasises the importance of the collective call to healing by saying: “We can’t heal in isolation. Families and communities need to create environments where emotional well-being is prioritised. Together, we can foster openness.”

Other thematic areas in the seven chapters book, published by Banter Publishers, include: “Why Broken and Unspoken Matters” and “Takeaways for Readers.

In “Why broken and unspoken matters”, the marriage counsellor explained that with today’s growing awareness of mental health, the memoir offers a compassionate guide for those facing personal challenges.

She explains, “This memoir combines intimate storytelling with therapeutic insights, making it not just a read but also a resource for transformation.”

And for the readers, she reiterated that they will gain a deeper understanding of unresolved trauma and inspiration to confront their truths. “I hope readers walk away with the courage to take steps toward emotional freedom,” Adanna shares. “This is about finding ways to navigate our pain and fostering healthier relationships.”