Valerie Bertinelli took to TikTok to share a memory triggered by her denim outfit. She recounted how the sound of her pants brushing together made her laugh, reminiscent of an embarrassing moment with an ex-lover. However, this memory was once tied to a deeply distressing experience of verbal, emotional, and mental abuse, highlighting the hidden wounds such abuse inflicts.

Frustrated with the criticism she faced, Bertinelli stopped wearing the outfit as a form of defiance. But through her healing journey, she now confronts these traumas daily and moves forward.

Despite her apprehensions about criticism, Bertinelli felt compelled to share her story to underscore the importance of healing and progress, reaching out to those who may relate and reassuring them they’re not alone.

The “Hot in Cleveland” actress recently spoke about her empowering journey post-divorce, emphasizing the importance of facing complex emotions to move forward.

Bertinelli also shared on Instagram about her healing process after divorcing Tom Vitale. Despite its challenges, she expressed relief and marked the formalization of their divorce as the “second happiest day of my life,” signaling closure and liberation from toxicity. With counseling, writing, meditation, and other practices, she’s embraced healing and looks ahead with clarity and determination.