Domestic Abuse Recovery Journal

this episode discusses why it’s hard to go no contact, brain chemistry involved in unpleasant feelings when trying to leave a narcissistic partner. how abusive relationships differ from healthy relationship patterns.

this episode discusses possible debunk of why we stay with someone who’s mean to us. maybe it’s not them we’re staying for? Maybe it’s our maternal love system staying for their scared inner child? how to separate this out and find safety within yourself.

This episode discusses the amygdala, gut feelings/ intuition, and how to handle feeling lied to with no proof. Nervous system symptoms around gas lighting in relationships also discussed.

this episode discusses body image, negative inner voice triggers, and how to pull yourself out of a dark space back into peace, balance, and tranquility. the universe takes care of you naturally when you begin to love yourself and choose yourself. ❤️ for dc

This episode discusses codependency and how it takes place in abusive relationships. What it means to struggle with self worth and how being needed by a partner gives false security. Advice on how to grow out of codependent behavior and relationships, and how to navigate a healthier relationship are also covered. Part 1 of 2. For KD 💚

This episode covers how trauma bonds form psychologically and chemically in the brain. Explanation of why our abusers cannot be on a healing journey with us due to differing treatment needs and their psychological make up- discussion inspired by Dr. David Puter’s lecture on NPD. Inside your partners mind and yours, and ways to initiate breaking the bond are also covered.

This episode covers things we go through physically due to chronic stress and fatigue even when there is no physical abuse. Neuro chemistry and information on hormones and neurotransmitter dysregulation are discussed. How to take steps forward to help ourselves start feeling better physically and mentally. This is not medical advice.

This episode features Dr. Vecchione Finneran giving tips and a better understanding of what chronic toxic stress is. Ways to help yourself when burnt out.

This episode covers helpful ways to reframe distorted versions of holidays and memories we remember while we are sad and struggling. How to snap out of it and come back to your inner peace. Happy Fourth of July! ❤️

This episode discusses the 3 phases of the narcissistic abuse cycle in depth. The psychological effects of being idealized by a partner suffering from NPD. The lasting self blame patterns we develop following idealization are explained.

This episode discusses the neurobiological changes that happen in the brain after/ during trauma. How heightened emotional response develops over time and why. Feeling numb and under responsiveness is also covered.

This episode features Dr. Michelle Finneran discussing why abusive patterns are repeated through generational trauma and how the mother/ daughter dynamic effects us when our mom suffers from abuse in front of us growing up. Individualization from family origin and being the cycle breaker is also discussed. For K & M❤️

Dr. Finneran, psychotherapist drops in as guest speaker to talk about Stockholm Syndrome, trauma bonding, getting proper support, and healing after abuse. Avoiding re-engaging in another abusive dynamic is also discussed.

This episode focuses on the different stages of leaving an abuser. How to grow strength to get through withdrawals, things you’ll need within your support system, and learning how to love yourself again are discussed.

This episode focuses on gaining insight into how abusers use pity, guilt, and blame shifting to distract us from their hurtful behavior. Description of how we get to a point where we feel like we are the abusive partner, and chronically believe we are the cause and are responsible for the pain we experience with an abusive partner. How to trust yourself again, and the self forgiveness felt when yo...

This episode focuses on the trauma bond formed from triangulation. How continuous cheating creates intermittent wounding and the effects of the “reuniting” stage. Abuser’s tactics to keep the victim in the relationship, blame shifting, and gas lighting are also discussed.

This episode discusses what it feels like to leave psychologically when you’ve left an abuser physically. What it feels like to be completely done. What it feels like to be free. What it feels like to be me again.

This episode focuses on the long standing issue of abuse not being addressed in the world. Thoughts on how to respond to someone who doesn’t think you’ll be able to do anything about the silent issue that causes so many people to not fully live their life to full capacity. Contemplating pros and cons of taking legal action is also discussed.

Why do I miss someone who hurts me so much? Why we romanticize our abusive relationship. Effects of childhood trauma, attachment style, and why we associate love with unhealthy things.

This episode focuses on taking ownership of one’s struggles and actions in the recovery process. Trying to stuff things down inside and drown out traumatic memories and feelings does not work. Being in the “I don’t know what else to try” stage.

This episode focuses on the progression of developing healthy self confidence, setting goals in healing, lowering anxiety and depression, and the 4 stages of healing from abuse: recognize, accept, rise above, model. How to reframe blame and navigate forgiveness safely. A crash course in how to feel better.

This episode covers what to do with the hope survivors carry that their abuser will change or “get better”. Getting back together is never an option in recovery, but a new chapter in forgiveness and being at peace can be. Where to place your hope and what the new version of a happy ending may look like. What to say when reconciliation is brought up.

This episode discusses the power of self validation, not needing outside validation from friends or partners, self worth, insight, and education on crazy making. How to take life inventory and make positive changes for yourself. Dating to learn and grow versus dating to fill a void is also discussed.

This episode focuses on transitioning back into optimism around falling in love again, and trusting yourself enough to find the right life partner. The shift you feel after completely letting go of the fear and pain you associate with love after being abused.

This episode is focused on knowing who you are and being free of self doubt during interaction with toxic behavior and environments. Focusing on the difference between living in a state of confusion and fear from experiencing gaslighting and manipulation, compared to a state of inner peace and being grounded. How to not let anyone take away your inner light again. Being in the acceptance stage of...