You Are Not Crazy

Are you feeling crazy after a breakup? The intense emotional upheaval that follows breaking up with a manipulative partner is insane. Many people find themselves questioning their sanity and grapple with self-blame and confusion—emotions often amplified by their ex-partners' toxic behaviors. This episode explores the cycle of manipulation. I explore a few key concepts: Shifting Blame: Toxic p...

Wondering how to work with me? This episode breaks it down. 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 changed in future recordings to be shorter. I am not paid to record this podcast and it is a free offering. Offering my work is the only way I can sustain the podcast* Join the Pat...

Do toxic relationships make you mirror abusive behaviors? In this episode, I explore a common question: am I just like them? I explore whether living with a narcissist or emotionally abusive partner can make us react in ways that feel out of character, just to survive. Key Takeaways: - Understanding reactive abuse and why it happens. - Strategies for setting boundaries with yourself and others. -...

Chantal Contorines, a high conflict co-parenting coach and mentor, joins me to  delve into the complexities of "co-parenting" with a Narcissist. We discuss strategies for being the best advocate for your child. In this episode, we address:  The difficulty in truly co-parenting with a narcissist due to their inability to prioritize children over their ego. How parallel parenting often bec...

This is an emotional and Narcissistic abuse Q and A episode. In this episode, I respond to questions sent through the FanMail option on my podcast host. I listeners' questions are answered regarding patterns of abusive behavior and seeking support outside family who may not understand the situation. Support the show *Please Note: there is a long intro that explains my services. If you do not...

Today, Paul interviews me! Paul Colaianni brings his unique perspective as both a former emotionally abusive person turned healer. He shares that abusers often employ grooming tactics like mirroring their victim’s interests to gain trust before turning the tables to exert control. I recount my personal battle with emotional abuse. I describe how she lost touch with her intuition and began conflati...

On this episode, I dive into healing from narcissistic and emotional abuse. This episode covers a few various perspectives and a toolkit for recognizing manipulative behaviors, setting personal boundaries, and nurturing self-love. Key takeaways from this episode: - Strategies to begin the healing process after abusive relationships - Understanding triggers and how to navigate them positively - Tip...

Does it feel like you need to heal from multiple versions of one person? It can feel almost impossible to find acceptance and solace as you heal from a person that did not even truly exist. In this episode, I talk about healing from the love bomber, devaluer, and the unrecognizable stranger (which we sometimes see all in one day).   I will cover the intoxicating highs of the 'love bombing&apo...

This episode delves into the emotions that surface when you can't seem to "get over" an abusive partner. It is so hard to move on from an abusive partner you have an attachment to.  In this episode, I will discuss why understanding why it's challenging to move on from an abusive relationship, the societal pressures that make us feel like we should heal on a timeline and strateg...

A trauma bond is not because you have shared trauma.  On this episode, I delve into the often misunderstood concept of trauma bonds. Trauma bonds are not formed by shared traumatic experiences but rather through betrayal trauma within the cycle of abuse. This podcast aims to clarify what constitutes a trauma bond and offers insights on how you can begin the healing process. Support the show *Pleas...

Amy Fielder joins us to deep dive into the complexities of trauma, emotional abuse recovery, and reclaiming your inner voice. We explore how to identify manipulative behaviors and set healthy boundaries, strategies for healing after an abusive relationship and rebuilding self-trust and tuning into your own emotions. This is a must-listen-to episode if you are out of the relationship but still in t...

You aren't sure if they are a Narcissist or not? Are they too emotional to be a Narcissist? Are you actually not sure what or who they are? If you are asking yourself these questions, this is the podcast for you. On this episode, we dive into a topic that is often scrutinized: BPD. Recognizing these stages allows one to understand what might seem inexplicable behavior patterns — providing cla...

Emotional manipulation often wears a disguise; it's subtle, insidious, and frequently masquerades as care or concern. In this episode, I discuss how manipulators tend to play down their actions by focusing on intentions rather than consequences. But here's the TL:DR: impact trumps intent every time. If someone continually hurts you under the guise of 'not meaning it,' it’s esse...

Co-parenting with a high-conflict ex can be one of the most challenging tasks a parent may face. It requires patience, communication, and above all else, an unwavering focus on the well-being of your child. Tessa from Kind Mama Coaching joins us to discuss her new childrens book, Stella's Two Homes, and strategies for co-parenting with a difficult ex. This is a very important and informative...

In this episode, I answer pressing questions related to overcoming trauma bonds, whether abusive relationships can be salvaged post-trauma bond, recognizing final straws in leaving toxic relationships, coping with cognitive dissonance, returning items post-breakup while maintaining no contact, handling lack of accountability from abusers, interpreting friends' advice during abusive situations...

 Kerry McAvoy joins us to discuss cognitive dissonance—a complex yet crucial concept that can profoundly affect one's clarity during and after an abusive relationship. Through her personal experiences and professional expertise as a retired psychologist who has authored books on the subject, Kerry delves into what cognitive dissonance feels like, how it manifests in relationships with manipul...

Going through a divorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences, especially when it involves financial manipulation, abuse and high-conflict dynamics. Victoria, an expert in managing the financial aspects during these trying times, joins us to discuss practical tools and mindset shifts to emerge financially secure and confident, even when going through a divorce. Victoria has a weal...

Narcissists rewrite history to avoid accountability. You are not crazy.  This quote resonates because abusive individuals manipulate reality to maintain control and make us doubt ourselves. Remember that abusers target strong people who empathize deeply—this is part of their control strategy. They twist narratives to escape responsibility while making themselves victims—a tactic that keeps them in...

An update on the case of Christina Pierce. This episode was created based off pulling together a variety of public information.  If you are listening to this podcast and have $1 to donate, please donate to Christina's GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-christinas-children-home You can follow Christina here: https://www.instagram.com/singlemamamagic Support the show *Please Note:...

This episode explores the nuance of the the cycle of abuse. Abuse is not always as clear-cut as physical violence; it often wears the mask of manipulation, control, and psychological harm. It's important to understand that abuse comes in many forms – belittling comments, gaslighting (making you doubt your reality), isolation from friends or family, financial control – these are all red flags...

Social media platforms are notorious for their bite-sized content designed to grab attention quickly. However, this format often lacks nuance and depth. In the context of relationship advice like Todd's post, there’s no room to address individual circumstances or acknowledge that what works for one couple may be detrimental to another. For those entangled in abusive dynamics—where manipulatio...

In this episode, I speak openly about the red flags of abusive relationships. For anyone feeling entrapped or seeking support in such situations, remember there are resources available to help navigate these turbulent waters—reach out if needed because sometimes validation can be the first step towards unburdening oneself completely. Red Flags Discussed: Denial of Abuse Manipulation Self-Doubt Rec...

Courtney Gilmartin is at the forefront of advocating change within family courts through her organization New Jersey Protective Moms. On this episode, Courtney brings invaluable insights in navigating the Family Court System that resonate not just in New Jersey but across all states. The term "protective mom" might be unfamiliar to some; it refers to mothers who fight tooth and nail with...

Gaslighting is an insidious form of mental manipulation where one person seeks to sow seeds of doubt in another individual’s mind. The goal? To make them question their own judgment, memories, and even sanity—essentially discrediting their sense of reality. This nefarious technique can be subtle or overt but always aims to destabilize the victim and gain psychological control over them. This episo...

Ben Taylor joins us again for an in-depth discussion on one of the most bewildering and painful aspects of narcissistic relationships: The Discard. In this episode, we define the Discard, discuss the various forms it can take, and try to understand the "why" behind it. Ben, a self aware Narcissist, helps us understand the complexity of The Discard and why IT IS NOT PERSONAL. You can lear...