You Are Not Crazy

This episode explores how gaslighting works, highlights red flags such as constant self-doubt and the need to over-apologize, and shares practical strategies for reclaiming your sense of reality. I also unpack the manipulative DARVO tactic—where abusers deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender roles—to help you recognize when your intuition is under siege.  Support the show *Please Note: ther...

You are allowed to be a whole person—not just a performance for someone else. If you've been in an emotionally abusive relationship, you may have been taught to compromise your needs, silence your instincts, and tie your worth to someone else's happiness. In this episode, I discuss how societal expectations and manipulative dynamics teach us to ignore ourselves—and how to begin reclaimin...

In this episode, I discuss the isolating and draining reality of divorcing a narcissist. I share how constant manipulation, gaslighting, and relentless legal battles can leave you feeling lost and unheard.  I dive into the challenges of a legal system that often falls short. If you’re dealing with a high conflict divorce or post-separation abuse, join me for practical strategies and resources. Sup...

DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) is a pattern that keeps you stuck in cycles of self-doubt, confusion, and emotional turmoil. In this episode, I break down how it works, how to recognize it in real time, and—most importantly—how to start detaching from the manipulative narrative. If you’ve ever found yourself defending your actions instead of addressing the real issue, feeling lik...

This episode is a deep dive into the reality of navigating relationships with individuals who exhibit traits of Cluster B personality disorders—including narcissistic, borderline, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of confusion, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion in your relationship, this conversation will help you understand why.  I sha...

Sex can be misused as a tool for emotional regulation and control rather than genuine connection. In this episode, I take you through a story describing what initially felt like overwhelming love gradually revealed itself as a pattern of guilt-tripping, boundary violations, and emotional manipulation. I detail specific moments where my autonomy was compromised: from the pressure to engage in intim...

Intimacy can be manipulated as a tool for control and emotional regulation. She shares intimate stories of recognizing coercive patterns—from subtle guilt-tripping and boundary violations to the misuse of sex as a litmus test for emotional connection. Whether you’ve felt pressured in your relationships or questioned the true meaning of love and intimacy, this episode offers validation and guidance...

Anne Wintemute, co-founder and CEO of Aimee Says , an AI-driven companion designed to support survivors of relationship abuse, joins me to share the inspiration behind Aimee and how it serves as an emotional support tool, offering validation, guidance, and safety planning for those navigating toxic relationships. We discuss how AI can help survivors recognize red flags, document their experiences,...

This episode breaks down why conventional breakup rules don’t apply when you’re dealing with manipulation, control, and gaslighting, and offers guidance on how to reclaim your boundaries, your sanity, and your life. By focusing on patterns over promises, I provide tangible steps to help you break free from the emotional tug-of-war and start taking back control.  Whether you’ve experienced emotiona...

Can an emotionally abusive person change? Paul Colliani joins me to explore the patterns of manipulative behavior, why some people refuse to take accountability, and how anxious attachment and emotional immaturity play into abusive dynamics.  We also discuss the false hope that keeps many survivors stuck, the importance of recognizing real change versus empty promises, and the hard truth that heal...

In this episode, I break down what trauma bonding really means and why it can feel so hard to leave a toxic relationship.  Instead of being about sharing past trauma, trauma bonding happens because of a crazy cycle of ups and downs—brief moments of love and kindness that keep you holding on even when you're being hurt.  In this episode, I discuss how these roller coaster relationships work an...

Traditional breakup rules fall short when you're dealing with a partner whose only goal is to control the narrative—and why the breakup never feels like an ending at all. In this episode, I will discuss: Unpacks the Cycle: Discover how manipulative behaviors like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and isolation keep you stuck, even when you know you deserve better. Sets New Boundaries: Learn action...

"Why am I stuck?" In this episode, I unpack the layers of trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, gaslighting, and self-blame that keep survivors tethered to their abusers long after the relationship ends. I share insights from my own healing journey, including the emotional grip of intermittent reinforcement and the manipulation of vulnerability.  If you've ever found yourself strugg...

How can a fear of abandonment lead to pushing people away? In this episode, I explore the complexities of anxious attachment, traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and how self-awareness can pave the way for healthier relationships. I delve into the inner conflict often experienced by individuals with BPD—a push-pull dynamic where fear of abandonment clashes with fear of engulfment. Thi...

This episode dives into the misunderstood and rarely discussed topic of sexual coercion in relationships. I discuss recognizing coercive patterns and how emotional manipulation can slowly erode personal boundaries, leaving you feeling trapped, guilty, and ashamed. I also read heartbreaking comments from women who shared their own stories of being pressured, guilted, and manipulated into sex—especi...

Divorce coaching can transform your experience when navigating high-conflict separations, especially with a narcissistic or difficult ex. Learn why proactive coaching is more effective than crisis-mode reactions, how to build resilience during calm periods, and the practical strategies that can save you emotional and financial strain. In this episode, I share real-life success stories, highlights...

New Year’s resolutions often come with societal pressure to transform, but if you’re recovering from emotional abuse, they can feel overwhelming and triggering. In this episode, I share why it’s okay to step away from the noise and focus on what you truly need to move forward. In this episode: Why “New Year, New You” narratives can feel impossible when healing from abuse. The power of personal pro...

Holidays can be a minefield of emotions, especially when past traumas resurface. In this episode, I delve into the complexities of holiday triggers and how they amplify everything.  We explore understanding why holidays can trigger past trauma and ways to manage it, strategies for grounding yourself in the present moment amidst emotional upheaval, the importance of setting new traditions that prio...

Navigating co-parenting challenges with a high-conflict ex can feel overwhelming—especially during the holiday season. In this episode, I share practical strategies to manage last-minute schedule changes, manipulative behavior, and the emotional toll these dynamics can take. Learn how to stick to your court order, document effectively, and create new traditions that bring joy to you and your kids,...

Navigating the holidays without your kids? You're not alone, and this episode is here to support you. On this episode, I dive into the raw realities of spending holidays apart from your children due to divorce or custody arrangements.  Support the show *Please Note: there is a long intro that explains my services. If you do not want to listen, just fast-forward 5 mins past. This intro will be...

This episode dives into emotional coercion—the subtle, insidious tactics designed to control your decisions and behavior without overt aggression. From gaslighting that leaves you questioning your reality to guilt-tripping that makes you feel responsible for your partner’s happiness, I uncover the patterns that keep you stuck in toxic cycles. I also cover practical strategies to recognize red flag...

Coercive control is an invisible form of abuse that traps victims in a web of psychological manipulation and domination. In this episode, Dr. Christine—a survivor, protective parent, and advocate—unpacks the strategies abusers use to exert power without physical violence. From understanding the parallels between coercion and tactics used in totalitarian regimes to exploring the cultural and societ...

Today, we are diving into Financial Coercion with Victoria Kirilloff. Victoria helps to simplify complex financial issues that often arise during divorces involving manipulation and control. In this episode we discover how to identify signs of financial coercion, learn strategies to regain control over your finances post-divorce and understand the importance of knowing your numbers for empowerment...

We’re diving into those powerful "last straw" moments—the times when you feel that unmistakable surge of clarity that enough is truly enough. These moments don’t always come all at once; it might take several before you feel ready to fully break free. But often, they spark a deep, rising anger that fuels the decision to stand up against manipulation and control once and for all. Support...

Is it love or is it control? Often disguised as love, these relationships operate under a foundation of control. In this episode, I explore the myths surrounding relationship breakdowns, moving beyond the usual assumptions of “incompatibility” or “lost affection” to reveal a darker truth: for many narcissistic abusers, love was never the endgame—control was. By understanding this crucial distincti...