Transforming trauma and empowering people is one of the tenets of what I do. As a new feature on my podcast, I will be featuring blogs about the episodes to give more context about the episode and break down what we talked about. In our latest episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Alreen Haeggquist—an esteemed women’s rights advocate and lawyer known for her relentless pursuit of justice for women enduring sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
Alreen offers a wealth of insights, both from her professional and personal experiences, making this episode an invaluable resource for listeners navigating their complex journeys of healing and justice. You can also watch every episode this season on YouTube via my LaidOPEN Podcast page.
Meeting Alreen Haeggquist
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Alreen by highlighting her multifaceted role as both a defender of women’s rights, empowering women and a brave survivor of sexual abuse. Alreen’s memoir, which details her journey from trauma to healing, serves as a powerful testament to her advocacy. Our conversation kicked off on a poignant note, capturing the essence of Alreen’s mission: to help women speak and be heard in a world that often silences their voices.
The Importance of Trauma-Informed Legal Practices
During our conversation, Alreen delved into the ethos behind her law firm, emphasizing the significance of creating a supportive and understanding environment for both employees and clients. “I wanted a place where there was no ceiling for women to advance and where clients felt understood,” she explained. Her law firm in San Diego stands out for its trauma-informed approach, empowering women and ensuring that clients do not feel re-traumatized during legal proceedings.
Alreen also touched on the unique role of a survivor advocate within her firm, someone who is not a lawyer or therapist but a certified advocate who has undergone the litigation process herself. This advocate provides grounding techniques and emotional support, making the legal journey less daunting for clients.
Shifting Cultural Norms in Legal Settings
We further explored how trauma-informed training is gradually being integrated into legal practices. Alreen noted, “We’re seeing training on trauma-informed lawyering at conferences more regularly.” This shift underscores a growing recognition of the need for compassionate and comprehensive approaches to handling cases of trauma and discrimination.
Healing Through Storytelling
Alreen’s personal story is a cornerstone of her advocacy. Her memoir, “Fired Up, Fueling Triumph from Trauma,” not only recounts her experiences but also serves as a beacon of hope for other survivors. “For me, sharing my story was a way to stop the silence and begin the healing process,” Alreen revealed. Her memoir has profoundly impacted many of her clients, encouraging and empowering them to address their past traumas and seek justice.
Navigating Professional Hurdles
We discussed the challenges of pursuing justice within entrenched, male-dominated systems. Alreen shared instances from her career where her fierce advocacy has made a difference. Her rage, now a source of powerful advocacy, helps clients confront and challenge the sexist defenses often employed in courtrooms.
Supporting survivors against powerful figures isn’t easy. Alreen recounted her experience dealing with cases involving doctors and other professionals who misuse their positions of power. The struggle to revoke the medical licenses of abusive doctors is one highlighted challenge, illustrating the systemic issues within powerful institutions.
The Value of Persistence and Emotional Support
Our episode underscores the importance of having a strong support system. Alreen emphasized, “You need to have your people behind you to overcome the defenses thrown your way.” For survivors, knowing they are not alone and that their truth is valid provides immense strength, empowering them.
The Power of Personal Practices
A significant portion of our discussion was dedicated to the healing practices that have helped Alreen and her clients. From gratitude exercises to meditative practices inspired by Dr. Joe Dispenza, these strategies are shared as practical tools for listeners.
I enriched this segment with a practice from my mystic teacher, Brother Ishmael Tete. I suggested beginning the day with a reflection on ten positive aspects of oneself and ending the day with ten affirmations of daily accomplishments. This practice, akin to Alreen’s gratitude exercise, helps reframe negative self-talk and recognize inner strength.
Taking Action and Moving Forward
Alreen’s parting message is a call to action: “Don’t wait. Start a practice, share your story, and take inventory of your powerful experiences.” Her emphasis on immediate action and the intrinsic worth of each individual’s journey serves as a motivating closure to an empowering episode.
Connect with Us for Transforming Trauma and More
For those seeking more from me, you can follow my work on Instagram and Facebook under LaidOPEN Podcast or visit my websites, passionate.life.org, and charnacassell.com. Subscribe to my newsletter for updates on courses, blog posts, and more.
If you can, listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into Alreen Haeggquist’s inspiring journey and effective practices for self-empowerment and healing. LaidOPEN Podcast remains a vibrant resource for connecting listeners to new paths of recovery and advocacy, driven by my commitment to fostering informed and supportive communities.
As always, thank you for joining us, and may this podcast connect you to new resources for your healing.
