Ep. 53: Weaponizing Therapy, DARVO, & Coercion

Why She Stayed

#Society #Relationship #True Crime #Grace Stuart #Domestic Violence #Abusive Relationships #Narcissistic #Trauma Bonding #Domestic Abuse Survivor #Domestic Abuse #Cycle Of Abuse #Breaking The Trauma Bond #Relationship Advice

36:16

DANMMMMM…Have I got a show for you! First, a lot of Sister Wives tea - new rumors have surfaced Janelle Brown is leaving the show. Plus, Gabe Brown gives a life update after losing and tragically finding his brother Garrison dead. Sadly, Garrison took his own life in March 2024. Then we head over to discuss the new Welcome To Plathville tea. The first pictures of Micah Plath have surfaced after being beat up by his brother Issac and it doesn’t look good for the future of his modeling career. Lastly, we discuss the latest in the Justin Baldoni v Blake Lively case, Justin is back on social media and it was the perfect social media return. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Open and new Sister Wives news 00:05:43 - Janelle Brown leaving the show? Sister Wives Closet is officially closed 00:12:45 - A new pic of Micah Plath’s broken nose has surfaced 00:18:18 - Justin Baldoni back on social media and Taylor Swifts team is pissed at Justin Baldoni MY Go Big Podcasting Courses Are Here! Purchase Go Big Podcasting and learn to start, monetize, and grow your own podcast. USE CODE: MOM15 for 15% OFF (code expires May 11th, 2025) **SHOP my Amazon Marketplace - especially if you're looking to get geared-up to start your own Podcast!!!** https://www.amazon.com/shop/thesarahfrasershow Show is sponsored by: Download Cash App & sign up! Use our exclusive referral code TSFS in your profile, send $5 to a friend within 14 days, and you’ll get $10 dropped right into your account. Terms apply Horizonfibroids.com get rid of those nasty fibroids Gopurebeauty.com science backed skincare from head to toe, use code TSFS at checkout for 25% OFF your order Nutrafol.com use code TSFS for FREE shipping and $10 off your subscription Rula.com/tsfs to get started today. That’s R-U-L-A dot com slash tsfs for convenient therapy that’s covered by insurance. SkylightCal.com/tsfs for $30 OFF your 15 inch calendar Quince.com/tsfs for FREE shipping on your order and 365 day returns Warbyparker.com/tsfs make an appointment at one of their 270 store locations and head to the website to try on endless pairs of glasses virtually and buy your perfect pair Follow me on Instagram/Tiktok: @thesarahfrasershow ***Visit our Sub-Reddit: reddit.com/r/thesarahfrasershow for ALL things The Sarah Fraser Show!!!*** Advertise on The Sarah Fraser Show: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Got a juicy gossip TIP from your favorite TLC or Bravo show? Email: thesarahfrasershow@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

29 days ago 1:17:44

MP3•Episode home

On this episode, Martha shares her story of enduring an abusive relationship that included many layers of mind games, emotional abuse, triangulation, and coercion. We discuss how abuser's attempt to reverse victim and offender at every turn and cause us to act in uncharacteristic ways the more they break us down.

Martha's Instagram: @marthacgagnon

Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56 episodes

Ep. 53: Weaponizing Therapy, DARVO, & Coercion

Why She Stayed

published 29 days ago

MP3•Episode home

Martha's Instagram: @marthacgagnon

Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

56 episodes

All episodes

1
Ep. 56: Love Bombing, Illusion of Stability, & Devaluation | Lindsay Abernathy 1:10:08

13 hours ago1:10:08

1:10:08

Today I am joined by Lindsay Abernathy host of Bitch Is A Bad Word podcast as she shares her personal story of surviving domestic abuse. We discuss topics of love bombing, future faking, how control escalates over time financially, emotionally, physically, and much more. Please see links below to connect with Lindsay or to check out her podcast: Instagram: @bitchisabadwordpod Tiktok: @bitchisabadword Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bitch-is-a-bad-word-a-domestic-abuse-survivors-guide/id1780948251 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BitchIsABadWord Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 55: Lundy Bancroft Interview | Why Does He Do That? 59:11

8 days ago59:11

59:11

I am honored to have Lundy Bancroft on the show with me to talk about some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding domestic abuse and the mind of the abuser. Lundy Bancroft is the author of the book " Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" as well as many other books and has worked extensively in batterer intervention programs. He has over 30 years of experience working with abusive men and their families and is a leading voice in the field of domestic abuse and advocacy. For Lundy's books, recourses, and more visit his website at: https://lundybancroft.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 54: Red Flags, Trusting Yourself, & Dating Post- Abuse | with Ashley Maland 1:00:17

22 days ago1:00:17

1:00:17

On this episode, guest Ashley Maland and I discuss topics such as red flags, why you feel like you cannot leave, abuser's who frequently discard, healing your strong attachments to them, how to trust yourself again, and dating struggles post-abuse. Ashley's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theashleytaylorco Ashley's Podcast: https://thisiswhereweheal.com/ Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26 Lundy Bancroft Daily Wisdom Book referenced in today's show: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Wisdom-Does-That-Encouragement/dp/0425265102 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 53: Weaponizing Therapy, DARVO, & Coercion 1:17:44

29 days ago1:17:44

1:17:44

1
Ep. 52: My Story Updated- One Year of Podcasting 1:35:22

5 weeks ago1:35:22

1:35:22

On this episode, I am re-sharing my story to capture within one episode to discuss topics and themes that may help you recall things from your own experience or make new connections. Thank you to this incredible community and I look forward to this next year to come with all of you! My Instagram and Resources: Instagram: @gracestuart26 https://www.thehotline.org/ https://www.domesticshelters.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 51: Hot & Cold Behaviors and Infidelity 1:14:42

6 weeks ago1:14:42

1:14:42

Morgan shares her story of the constant mix of hot and cold behaviors of her abuser and how she did not know it was abuse for so long. We talk about the infidelity that took place and how victims are gaslit into not trusting the information that is right in front of them. We also speak about how Morgan found the strength to leave while 8 weeks pregnant with their third child and the challenges she faced post- separation. Morgan's Coaching Page: @consideritjoylifecoach Morgan's Website: https://www.consideritjoylifecoach.com/ Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 50: A Conversation About the Family Court System | Courtney Gilmartin 1:12:44

7 weeks ago1:12:44

1:12:44

On this episode, I am joined by Courtney Gilmartin who is a legal strategist and protective mom advocating for change in New Jersey & the family court system. We have a general discussion about entering the court system as a mother and provide some practical tips & resources to keep in your toolbox of information. For further information & support you can check out these links: NJ Protective Moms - Resource page has A TON of free resources https://www.njprotectivemoms.org/resources Holding Hope Foundation - offers scholarships to protective moms https://holdinghopefoundation.com/ Courtney's Booking Page https://calendly.com/courtneygilmartin Monarch Consulting Group https://www.monarchconsultinggrp.com/ Courtney's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtney.gilmartin/ Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 49: Unpacking Control, Possessiveness, & Stalking 1:12:31

8 weeks ago1:12:31

1:12:31

On this episode, Mandy shares her survivor story about how she met her abuser at a young age and was quickly swept into a relationship where possessiveness, monitoring, and the pressure to be "perfect" were constant. We will discuss what made this cycle so confusing and the challenges she faced while leaving including having to record conversations just to keep track of her own memory. Mandy's TikTok: @m__seale No Instagram Provided Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 48: "He Pretended to do a Total 180" | How She Finally Broke Free 1:16:16

9 weeks ago1:16:16

1:16:16

On this episode, Rose shares her survivor story of navigating an abusive relationship with emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual coercion, escalating physical crossing of boundaries, and leaving with children. She shares how her abuser would use shared- dreams they had of the future to keep her in the cycle including faking change in an attempt to get her to return to the relationship. If you want to connect with today's guest you can get in touch through her Instagram page: @rooted.and.blooming Guest's Instagram: @rooted.and.blooming My Instagram: @Gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 47: Understanding Coercive Control and Manipulative Behaviors | Dr. Emma Katz 1:23:18

10 weeks ago1:23:18

1:23:18

On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Emma Katz to break down some of your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Katz is a UK- based domestic violence & coercive control researcher and a Substack Bestseller. During this episode, we discuss topics such as why abusers tend to use emotional abuse & coercive behaviors as their main form of control, examples of why they are doing it on purpose, and how they attack the mother-child relationship. Dr. Katz Links & Resources: 10 Reasons Why a Coercively Controlling Man is an Unfit Father : https://dremmakatz.substack.com/p/10-reasons-why-a-coercively-controlling "She's Not Innocent Either." Actually, Yes She Is Innocent : https://dremmakatz.substack.com/p/shes-not-innocent-either-actually Browse all Dr Emma Katz's articles on Substack and find what you want to read : https://dremmakatz.substack.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Coercive-Control-Childrens-Mothers-Lives/dp/B0CM4L7HLH/ Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/emmakatz_phd/ Threads : https://www.threads.net/@emmakatz_phd LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dremmakatz/ Website: https://dremmakatz.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 46: Trusting Your Gut Instinct- with Laura Richards 1:00:59

11 weeks ago1:00:59

1:00:59

On this episode, I am joined by Criminal Behavior Analyst, Laura Richards. Laura is an expert on domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, sexual violence homicide and risk assessment. She trained at New Scotland Yard and the FBI Behavioral Analysis Units and is an advocate for victims and an author, producer and podcaster. Together, we sit down and discuss the importance of trusting your gut instincts, the reality of coercive control, the Gabby Petitio case, and much more. You can find all of Laura's links below for her podcast, recourses, trainings, and social media pages. Laura Richards Podcasts, Squad and YouTube can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@crimeanalyst https://www.crime-analyst.com www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst https://wondery.com/shows/real-crime-profile/ For more information and resources, the following sites can be accessed: www.thelaurarichards.com https://www.dashriskchecklist.com/ Socials: Crime Analyst Squad: www.patreon.com/CrimeAnalyst Facebook Crime Analyst Podcast Insta: @laurarichards999 and @crimeanalyst Threads @crimeanalyst Tiktok: @crimeanalystpod X: @laurarichards99 and @thecrimeanalyst Grace's Social Media: Instagram: @Gracestuart26 Tiktok: @gracestuart Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 45: Emotional Abuse Can Feel like Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts - with Leah Aguirre 1:03:18

12 weeks ago1:03:18

1:03:18

On this episode, I am joined by licensed therapist and author Leah Aguirre where we have an open conversation about "hidden" forms of abuse such as frequent criticism, belittling, and making you feel like nothing is ever good enough. We also discuss questions like "why does my abuser's ex say he wasn't abusive" and "how to not get confused when he starts acting nice again". Lastly, we talk about our takeaways from the Gabby Petito case and several other topics. Leah's Website, Links, & Socials: Book for pre-order: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-really-love-leah-aguirre-lcsw/1146033741 Leah's group practice website: https://www.covecounselinggroup.com/ Leah's Instagram: @leahaguirrelcsw Grace's Instagram: @gracestuart26, @whyshestayedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 44: "I Was An Advocate For Victims, But I Didn't Realize I Was One Too" 1:07:05

13 weeks ago1:07:05

1:07:05

On this episode, Naomi shares about the cognitive dissonance she experienced when she was working as a victim crime advocate not realizing that she herself was experiencing coercive control, abuse within her own marriage. We talk about her journey to gain clarity, how she left with children, and her abuser's famous words: "But I never hit you". Naomi's Instagram: @nar4124 My Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 43: Confusion Is The Hallmark Of Abuse 1:15:31

14 weeks ago1:15:31

1:15:31

On this Episode, Liadan shares her abuse story and how confusion played a huge role in struggling to break free. We talk about continuous discarding as a form of abuse, triangulation, and how efficiently the abuser will turn the blame back onto you. This episode contains topics of emotional, verbal, & physical abuse. Liadan's Instagram: @liadanmairegunter Liadan's Website: https://www.therewiringlens.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Ep. 42: "It Felt Like Whiplash" 1:05:46

15 weeks ago1:05:46

1:05:46

Nicole shares her abuse story of a 10+ year relationship/ marriage that included emotional, mental, financial, and escalating physical abuse. We discuss how the constant ups and downs felt like "whiplash" and how she ultimately left while her daughter was only 5 months old. Guest information will be kept private for now. You can follow me on Instagram @gracestuart26 and Tiktok @gracestuart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 41: Coercive Control- Dr. Christine Cocchiola 1:08:29

16 weeks ago1:08:29

1:08:29

On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Christine Cocchiola. We discuss examples of how abuse can feel both hidden & obvious, how the perpetrator frames you as the "bad" one, & the dynamic when children are involved. Dr. Cocchiola's website, books, & links: FRAMED Book: https://narcfreepress.com/ Website: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/ Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/ Instagram: @dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 40: "It Felt Like My Brain Was No Longer Mine" 1:14:24

17 weeks ago1:14:24

1:14:24

Sasha shares her story of how she found herself in an intense cycle of abuse with a man who claimed to be "trauma informed" and emotionally mature, but was actually abusing and causing massive confusion behind closed doors. We talk about feeling like they are your best friend and worst nightmare at the same time, how the stress of abuse affects your physical health, and why couples counseling can make matters worse. Sasha's Website & Social Media: www.OurSacredSpaceRiverside.com Business Instagram: @OurSacredSpaceRiverside Personal Instagram: @Lunallenawellness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 39 Psychological Abuse, Isolation, & Leaving with a Child 1:07:34

18 weeks ago1:07:34

1:07:34

On this episode, my guest Cory shares her abuse story about how she survived a cycle of fast love bombing, being hurt by the same person who "rescues you", how your body will start to reject them, and how she found the strength to leave with a young child. Follow Cory's Instagram: @coryannmichel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep 38: Can Coercive Control be Accidental? Do I Owe Him One Last Talk?- Full Q&A 1:08:51

19 weeks ago1:08:51

1:08:51

During this episode, I will be answering your most commonly asked questions about abuse and healing. We discuss questions such as: Can abuse be unintentional? Do I owe my abuser one last conversation? Best way to deal with the silent treatment How to stop comparing yourself to the next person they are with And more. See more Q&As covered through my Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 37: When He's on a Pedestal & Puts You in Lose-Lose Situations 1:02:24

21 weeks ago1:02:24

1:02:24

On this episode, Megan shares her abuse story of how isolation & accusations were slowly introduced, how abusers will put you in lose-lose situations, how it feels like we always need more "proof" to leave them, and how she eventually left for good. Next episode will air on Tuesday, January 7th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 36: Non-Fatal Strangulation: How it's Introduced and Escalates- Dr. Dana Anderson 1:09:38

22 weeks ago1:09:38

1:09:38

On this episode I am joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Dana Anderson where we discuss the dangers of non-fatal strangulation, what it is, what "counts", why it matters, and answering your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Anderson's website and social links: Instagram: dr.dana_anderson Tiktok: @killerpsychologist Website: https://psychologydr.com/doctor-of-clinical-forensic-psychology/ Further resources and videos: https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/being-choked-during-sex-is-rising-in-popularity-among-young-people https://www.familyjusticecenter.org/resources/survivors-perspective-the-impact-of-strangulation-during-sex-sexual-choking/ https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/domestic-violence-op-ed-column/after-four-strangulations-i-googled-domestic-abuse https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/strangulation-is-the-highest-predictor-of-murder https://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/non-fatal-strangulation-is-what-domestic-violence-advocates-fear-the-most-right-now/ https://www.dangerassessment.org/DA.aspx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 35: Will Trying to be Perfect Make Them Change? 1:12:43

23 weeks ago1:12:43

1:12:43

On this episode I am joined by my guest Amanda where we discuss topics of emotional abuse, coercive control, sexual coercion and more. We also discuss how abusers use things like withdrawing or demanding intimacy as a way to control you and how porn use and spiritual manipulation can play a role in the cycle of abuse. See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more on guest information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 34: Cognitive Dissonance, Euphoric Recall, and What if He's Changing? 1:15:39

24 weeks ago1:15:39

1:15:39

On today's episode, Cindy and I discuss the progression of abuse in her past relationship/ marriage and how strong cognitive dissonance can be when you are dealing with "two versions" of your partner. We also talk about their claims of change, and how intense euphoric recalls can be when you are trying walk away and what helped Cindy to overcome that. Cindy's Instagram: @cin.d.bin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 33: DV Survivor & Mass Shooting Survivor- Elle Gargano 1:08:05

25 weeks ago1:08:05

1:08:05

On this episode, I am joined by Elle Gargano speaking about enduring a 9 year abusive relationship and all of the aspects that kept her feeling stuck including surviving a mass shooting during the time when she was still with her abuser. We speak heavily about emotional and mental abuse and how the confusion kept her feeling uncertain of her experience for many years. Elle's Socials and Website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellegargano/ TikTok: @ellegargano Website: https://www.ellegargano.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 32: Coercion, Reactive Abuse, and what if it's me "causing" this? 1:16:00

26 weeks ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Morgan shares her story of escaping a relationship that included extreme phases of "love" and devaluing. We discuss topics of coercion, reactive abuse, lying to escape his accusations, the addictiveness of the cycle, and overcoming self-blame. See my Instagram @gracestuart26 for more episode clips and episode information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 31: Am I "Supposed" to Stay in an Abusive Situation?- Karen DeArmond Gardner 1:00:48

27 weeks ago1:00:48

1:00:48

On this episode I'm joined by Karen DeArmond Gardner where we talk about covert, emotional, mental, and spiritual abuse. She gives new perspectives on how to handle the intrusive thoughts and lies that tell us "but am I supposed to stay?" All Links for Karen's Socials and Website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karendearmondgardner?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Healing-Domestic-Abuse-Reaching/dp/0825446945 Website: https://anotheronefree.com/ Facebook: Another One Free Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 30: "No one will ever believe you because you look too happy"- Savannah's Story 1:16:04

28 weeks ago1:16:04

1:16:04

On this episode, Savannah shares her story about mental, verbal, and physical abuse and why it felt so hard to leave. We talk about how "smaller" physical trespasses escalate over time and how the perpetrator may pretend they are not even happening. This is an episode for anyone who is in a cycle of "good and bad" who is looking to gain new perspective. Savannah's Socials: Tiktok: @therealmessmom IG: @therealmessmom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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Ep. 29: How to Help Someone Who's in an Abusive Relationship by Holding Space for Them 52:51

29 weeks ago52:51

52:51

On this solo episode, I give all of my best tips for bridging the gap with a loved one who may be stuck in an abusive relationship. I give advice on what could be most helpful VS. harmful and how to stay hopeful in the midst of it all. Remember to always contact law enforcement in the case of an emergency, or call a DV hotline yourself for specific advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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How Abusers Weaponize Mental Health and Triangulation 1:16:30

30 weeks ago1:16:30

1:16:30

On this episode, Jess shares her story about how abusers can weaponize mental health claims as an excuse to accuse you and gain control in very covert ways. We also discuss how perpetrators who are very charismatic triangulate people around them to feed into the manipulation and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Why She Stayed

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How to Look Through the Lens of the Cycle of Abuse- Knowing Your Truth with Quinn Padilla 1:11:41

31 weeks ago1:11:41