Dr. Paone is a licensed professional counselor, registered play therapist-supervisor, counselor educator, and tenured professor with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Throughout her career, she has trained future therapists, leading social justice initiatives, and supported survivors of complex traumas reclaim their lives. Dr. Paone brings a rare dual lens to her work: deep clinical expertise paired with lived experience. In her memoir, she writes with clarity, authority, and deep compassion about surviving childhood grooming, emotional neglect, a coercive marriage, and post-separation abuse. This book is more than her story - it is a mirror for those still finding their voice. Her current clinical focus centers on supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse and trauma-entrenched family systems. She is also a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator wholes work spaces therapy, education, and advocacy. Jennifer S. Gabriel is a writer, editor, and strategist with extensive experience shaping mission-driven narratives. She specializes in helping individuals and organizations translate their work into clear, accessible language without losing nuance, integrity, or emotional truth. Jennifer has served in senior leadership roles across the nonprofit, philanthropic, and higher-education sectors, including executive and board leadership positions. Her work spans strategic planning, storytelling, governance, and large-scale fundraising, with a particular focus on women's leadership, innovation, and social impact.
""Raw, unfiltered, and at times disturbing account of the abuse she endured by multiple figures throughout her life: a mother who prioritized appearances over nurturing and conditioned her daughter to believe she was the problem instead of a victim."" - Editorial Review ""Dr. Paone, a licensed therapist herself, is able to describe the abuse, the lasting damage it inflicted on her mind and body, and the healing path she continues to walk today in a manner that a layperson would be unable to replicate."" - Editorial Review ""Unbroken is not just the story of survivor, but also a guide to help other victims of abuse find their way to healing. Beautifully written, Unbroken is brave, honest, and all-around impressive."" - Editorial Review