About The Author

 Teresa L’Heureux is a former competitive powerlifter/bodybuilder and a Survivor of Domestic Violence. As a Certified Personal Trainer, Teresa was always looking out for and motivating others first and putting herself last, and that had to change. Learning to put herself first was the catalyst on her path to find a new direction, mindset and a better way of life away from abuse. She writes about the heartache and despair of this journey, but the main focus is not sadness but incredible happiness! This book was written with the hope that others can dig deep and find the determination to gather strength from within… mind, body and spirit.She resides in Sacramento CA with her husband and partner since 2011, Cliff, and a menagerie of rescue huskies and cats of all shapes, sizes and attitudes!My Rock My Hard Place is Teresa’s journey from incredible darkness in her world, to the joyful light and delight that she now calls her extraordinary life! 

 My Rock My Hard Place is the true story about one woman’s heartache and pain, as well as her triumph living, once as a Domestic Violence victim, but now a strong Survivor. As a powerlifter/bodybuilder, many asked how it was even possible that another person could abuse such a seemingly strong woman physically and mentally. Unfortunately, the mind control of an abuser is so intense, and happens so fast, the victim doesn’t realize what is happening until they have totally lost themselves. Domestic Violence abuse takes many forms, and Teresa experienced them all. Fortunately, she was able to change her mindset to again find the beautiful, amazing and talented creature that had been hidden inside her for so long.

Her goal in sharing this project is to help guide you on your journey, walk with you as you navigate and grow out of abuse, or help a loved one as they get stronger. She is a firm believer that asking for help doesn’t mean that you are weak, it means that you ARE on the road to becoming STRONG!!

 As soon as I cracked open “My Rock My Hard Place,” I knew this was not going to be an easy read. Yet I found myself incapable of putting it down. Teresa brought me into her confidence, entrusting me with unfiltered access to her trauma in a way that felt at once privilege and burden. This is an immense story of suffering that needed to be told and deserved to have a compassionate witness.  

I continually grappled with how Teresa's exterior strength and athletic success belied years of domestic abuse behind closed doors. Could this happen to a family member, a friend...could it happen to me? Her book dispelled any illusion that “Strong Woman” status makes one immune to being manipulated and controlled. Teresa's vulnerability in sharing her own cognitive dissonance and self-doubt makes her message resonate on a profoundly personal level.

As I arrived at the closing chapters describing Teresa’s hard-won escape and gradual empowerment, I was left emotional yet hopeful at witnessing the resilience of the human spirit. I carry her stories of fellow survivors now too, reminded that domestic violence takes many forms and has life-long impacts. Through her nonprofit Survive Rise Thrive, Teresa transforms pain into purpose, helping other victims while never losing sight of their beloved pets and emotional support animals in the escape process.  

“My Rock My Hard Place” brings an uncompromising light to a dark reality many wish not to see. Teresa has forged an intimacy with readers through searing honesty about her unjust injuries and healing journey. This book is a moving testament to the power of the survivor spirit. My gratitude runs deep for Teresa’s bravery in sharing her story and mission to help others reclaim their lives. This is a must-read book for understanding the true toll of domestic abuse as well as the freedom found in stepping out of the shadows and asking for help.

Yours, 
John Kiss (Jonathan Kis-Lev)
Peace Activist ~ Artist ~ Author