Listen on Apple. Listen on Spotify. Listen on YouTube.

From enduring a childhood steeped in abuse to becoming a powerhouse advocate for victims, lawyer Alreen’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With 21 years of legal experience, she candidly discusses her path to healing and the importance of breaking the silence to seek justice.

Alreen also shares invaluable advice for women facing harassment or discrimination in the workplace, emphasizing the necessity of reporting incidents and documenting them. She highlights the significance of building a strong support system and finding trauma-informed professionals. Her book, Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma, not only chronicles her personal story but also underscores the transformative power of speaking out.

Alreen’s message is clear: take action now and shift your mindset to create a better future.

Summary

• Break the silence and seek justice for abuse, harassment, and discrimination.
• Report incidents and document them to protect yourself and seek support from professionals who are trauma-informed.
• Build a support system of trusted individuals who believe and support you.
• Take action now and change your thoughts to create a different experience.
• Share your story to empower others and lift the burden of secrecy.

Alreen’s story is truly inspiring and I’m so excited to dive into it. As a lawyer with over two decades of experience, she has championed the rights of women who have faced sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination.

Confronting the Past: A Childhood of Abuse

Growing up, Alreen’s father was a terrifying presence, subjecting her to sexual, physical, and verbal abuse. Her mother remained silent, which only deepened the darkness around her. This silence led to depression and multiple suicide attempts. Motivated by these painful experiences, Alreen pursued a career in law, founding her own firm, Hey Quest, right here in San Diego in 2008. Her firm has helped countless women stand up for themselves against powerful entities like the Salk Institute, Trader Joe’s, and even the San Diego Sheriff’s Department.

“As a society, we need to break the silence and help women stand up to their abusers.”

Breaking the Silence: Publishing Her Story

In 2023, Alreen broke her own silence by publishing her story in the book Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma. When asked what it took for her to finally speak out, she explained that it took a long time—over 30 years—before she could share her story. The realization that holding everything inside was only hurting herself was the turning point. She started with journaling, and eventually, writing her book became a way to empower other women by sharing her journey to healing.

“The only person who was continuing to hurt was me.”

Alreen’s experience deeply shapes her path as a lawyer. Growing up, she saw her father abuse her sisters and other family members, and her mother’s silence and support of her father added to her trauma. But witnessing this also gave her a strong sense of justice. She couldn’t remain silent as her mother did. As a child, she was terrified and sad, but as an adult, she transformed her anger into passionate advocacy for her clients.

Advocacy Fueled by Personal Experience

“I’ve never been able to keep my mouth shut because of that as an adult.”

Alreen’s passion is evident in how she channels her triggers and past trauma into fighting for her clients. This isn’t about being emotionally driven but about using her experiences to connect deeply with those she helps. I can relate to this on a personal level. Having faced my own childhood trauma, I understand how crucial it is to have a professional who truly empathizes with your struggles.

“There’s a difference in being able to find a professional that has that love, that empathy, and understanding right by your side.”

When discussing how to overcome the darkness of the past, Alreen shared that it wasn’t a linear journey. Her unresolved trauma affected her relationships, particularly with her husband. They attended couples counseling, which was a turning point. Hearing her husband say he was afraid of her was a pivotal moment. This awareness led her to therapy, where she could process her past and channel it positively.

“For somebody who loves you that much to be able to say they’re afraid of you is shocking.”

For anyone feeling stuck in their pain, Alreen emphasizes focusing on why you want things to be different. For her, it was her relationship with her husband and daughter. Recognizing that her feelings were valid, she began taking steps towards change. Therapy played a significant role in this process. It’s essential to acknowledge your feelings and focus on what you want to achieve.

“Why do you want to not be stuck? Focus on that and start taking steps.”

Building a Support System: Legal and Emotional Guidance

Alreen also highlights the importance of having support during the legal process. At her firm, they ensure clients feel heard and supported by providing a trauma-informed advocate. This approach helps prevent re-traumatization during questioning and litigation.

“Having a team of people who believe you and understand you is crucial.”

Alreen’s is a testament to the power of breaking the silence and transforming pain into purpose.

Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy and empowered. Until next time, stay unapologetically you.

Meet Alreen

Alreen Haeggquist wakes up each day with a fervent passion to advocate for women who suffer from sexual abuse, harassment or discrimination. As a lawyer with 21 years of experience, she has recovered millions of dollars for clients in cases involving sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination. Alreen has an unwavering commitment to not allow wealth, power, influence, and status to exempt anyone from the rules of society.

Alreen‘s father was a terrifying presence, who subjected her to sexual, physical and verbal abuse. Despite knowing, her mother remained silent. Darkness loomed within Alreen, leading to depression and multiple suicide attempts. From fear and shame, she stayed silent, never telling a soul. Typical victim behavior.

Motivated by the pains of her childhood, Alreen became a lawyer in order to stand up for victims of abuse. She founded her own firm, Haeggquist & Eck, LLP in San Diego in 2008. Her firm has helped hundreds of women stand up for themselves and they are the vast majority of her clients. She was challenged high profile entities including The Salk Institute, Trader Joe’s, Kaiser Permanente, the San Diego Sheriff‘s Department, and a President elect.

Alreen’s core message is as a society we need to break the silence, and help women stand up to their abusers. In 2023. Alreen broke her silence and published her story in the book, Fired Up: Fueling Triumph from Trauma.

Follow Alreen on Instagram

Connect with Alreen on LinkedIn

TALK TO A THERAPIST

If you’re feeling stuck and ready to explore these challenges more deeply, consider reaching out for professional help. Here at Outside the Norm Counseling, we’re here to support you on your journey to self-discovery and confidence. For more information, go to Outside the Norm Counselingor call us at 951-395-3288.

Thank you for joining me today. Remember, you are beautiful, you are worthy and empowered. Until next time, stay unapologetically you. Bye for now.

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

Did you enjoy this podcast? Feel free to share this podcast on social media! You can also leave a review of the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast on Apple Podcast {previously iTunes) and subscribe!