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 AbuseManipulationSelf-DoubtRecording EvidenceVictim MentalityResistance to Ending RelationshipReaction SuppressionGuilt TrippingFear of Saying No/Enforcing BoundariesBody Language DiscrepanciesSexual CoersionSupport the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

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 within a legal system that often fails to safeguard them or their children against abusers adept at manipulating proceedings.Courtney shed light on how domestic abuse isn’t always recognized by those entrusted with justice due to gaps in training regarding coercive control—a subtler form of abuse than physical violence yet equally damaging.  Courtney has a wealth of information on her website: https://www.njprotectivemoms.org/This is the resource list mentioned on the podcast:  https://www.njprotectivemoms.org/resourcesFollow her on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/courtney.gilmartin/Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

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 episode unpacks Gaslighting a little further based on recent questions from listeners.Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

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 learn more about Ben here: https://www.rawmotivations.com/Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

When Dr. Gary Chapman introduced the concept of the Five Love Languages, many embraced it as a revolutionary way to enhance communication and intimacy within relationships. These languages – words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch – have helped countless couples express their affection more effectively. However, what happens when these love languages are used to control a partner? Today, we're unraveling how the Five Love Languages can be twisted by abusive partners. Support the showWebsite: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

In today's episode, we delve into a profound concept known as "the Teddy Bear Effect," which provides insight into manipulative expectations within abusive relationships.The "Teddy Bear Effect" stems from Patricia Evans' analogy in her book Controlling People. It's about how abusers create an unrealistic version of their partner, treating them as if they were a teddy bear - compliant and devoid of personal needs or feelings. This pretend relationship ignores the authentic person's identity and imposes unfair standards that serve only the abuser's sense of control.Key points discussed include:The non-reciprocal nature of abusive relationships where expectations are one-sided.How controllers project their own narrative onto their partners, ignoring true emotions and reactions.The damaging impact on victims who feel unseen and unappreciated for who they truly are.Here are the two books mentioned on the podcast:Controlling PeopleThe Verbally Abusive RelationshipSupport the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Are you struggling to figure out what is going on in your relationship? In this episode, I unpack emotional immaturity and its connection to abusive behaviors in relationships. Key Points Discussed:Self-Doubt vs. Self-Work: Many individuals question their sanity due to others not doing their work; it's essential for everyone to examine their behavior.Emotional Maturity Misconceptions: Smart or successful people can still be emotionally immature; intelligence does not equate to maturity.Signs of Emotional Immaturity: Lack of boundaries, difficulty with conflict resolution, inability to regulate emotions appropriately – these traits often present themselves subtly at first but are indicative of deeper issues.Impact Over Intentions: The true measure is not what was intended but the actual impact a person's actions have on others.Empathy Deficit: A lack of empathy can lead an emotionally immature individual to justify harmful behaviors without considering others' feelings.Boundary Respect & Resolution Skills: Healthy relationships require respected boundaries and mature conflict resolution – something emotionally immature individuals struggle with.Patterns vs. Moments: Distinguishing between occasional moments versus consistent patterns is critical when assessing someone’s emotional maturity level.Cycle of Abuse: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1916632/10300770Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Have you ever found yourself questioning your reality within a relationship? If so, you're not alone. Many individuals struggle to reconcile the conflicting words and actions of their partners, especially when those partners are skilled manipulators or abusers. In today's episode, we delve into these discrepancies and offer insights on how to navigate through them.Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Emmy Marie joins me to dive into trauma responses—how they develop from abusive relationships and ways to manage them. It's crucial to know ourselves better without the weight of judgment or guilt.We delve into how triggers can remind our bodies of past threats and activate our fight-flight-freeze-fawn responses. Recognizing these patterns allows us to seek safety cues that bring us back to a state of peace instead of shame or blame.Emmy shares her journey as an abuse survivor turned coach for others healing from similar experiences. With certifications in somatic approaches and complex trauma recovery, she offers one-on-one coaching, courses, and validating socialYou can learn more about Emmy here: https://www.instagram.com/bloomingwithemmySupport the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Today's episode provides an assessment tool for understanding emotional abuse. Often, abusers distort our reality, making us question ourselves. This tool offers clarity and validation to identify what's truly happening in your relationship. Understanding context, intent, and effect is crucial as they reveal whether actions are part of systemic abuse or isolated incidents.Remember that it’s not about individual behaviors but recognizing ongoing manipulation or exploitation patterns. These insights can empower you to make informed decisions about your relationship moving forward. The assessment tool is available on my website: emotionalabusecoach.comSupport the showWebsite: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Coercive control is psychological and emotional abuse involving manipulation and oppression—it often goes unnoticed as it disguises itself as care but undermines autonomy. Understanding it is crucial and this episode seeks to better understand this topic.Key Points Discussed:Definition and understanding of coercive controlThe relationship between coercive control, traumatic bonding, and intermittent reinforcementHow victims may experience pressure to conform to an abuser's demandsRecognizing signs such as limiting autonomy, technological surveillance, health-related pressures, sexual coercionSupport the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Christina Pierce is a single mother who was stripped of parental rights following her daughter’s heart-wrenching reports of abuse. With each court appearance and every legal document filed, Christina faced an uphill battle against not just her ex-partner but, the judge on her case. Christina's story is one that resonates with too many. As she navigated the turbulent waters of custody battles in Boston, Massachusetts, her journey has become emblematic of a system fraught with challenges.Christina walks us through her story and the fight to get her parenting rights back in this episode. We discuss navigating false accusations, documenting meticulously yet knowing when to act decisively, police involvement, temporary suspensions of visitation rights, and gut-wrenching decisions made under duress—all pointing towards systemic failures at safeguarding those most vulnerable: our children.Christina's fight mirrors struggles happening behind closed doors across nations.  To learn more about Christina and her story, you can follow her here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singlemamamagic/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/singlemamamagic/GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-christina-return?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customerSupport the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

How do we detach from an abusive partner?  This episode explores why detachment feels tough—it's often likened to breaking an addiction—and offer strategies for stepping back.One common obstacle is the urge to control an ex-partner's actions post-breakup—like checking if they get to work—but this hinders our own healing process. We also tend to manage how much they miss us by monitoring social media interactions or ensuring visibility in their lives.Detachment isn't just about creating space between you and another person; it’s about prioritizing yourself over someone who has had too much power over you. This podcast covers how to start detaching effectively.Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

A lot of us wonder how we can be healthy after a toxic relationship. Today's guest, Ginger Dean, is a licensed psychotherapist and creator of Loving Me After We.  Ginger shares her expertise in helping women overcome toxic relationships to become their best selves. We discuss attachment trauma, abusive patterns and how to begin to heal.Understanding personal needs is crucial; often derived from what was lacking in our past relationships. It’s important not only to know these needs but also seek partners who respect them instead of repeating patterns that hinder healing. Her work includes the Inner Circle membership—a safe space for healing—and one-on-one coaching. Find her on Instagram @lovingmeafterwe or at lovingmeafterwe.com.Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

What if you could decipher the enigmatic world of personality disorders? I'm your host, and in a captivating conversation with psychologist Carrie McAvoy, we unravel the complexities of personality disorders, like narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy. Carrie's professional expertise coupled with her personal experience as a survivor of narcissistic abuse takes us deeper into understanding the profound impact of these disorders on our lives. We explore the public health implications of rising narcissism and the struggles of a family court system ill-equipped to handle abuse cases.Moving beyond the initial exploration, Carrie and I delve into psychopathic and sociopathic traits. We expose how these traits can blend seamlessly into our daily interactions, often going unnoticed. Drawing on our personal experiences, we discuss how to deal with these personalities and establish healthy boundaries. Through our conversation, we aim to empower you in recognizing these traits and fortify your defenses against them.Lastly, we underscore the role of self-awareness in managing manipulative relationships. We illustrate the importance of trusting your intuition and listening to your feelings in identifying toxic relationships. We also shed light on the societal pressures that often hinder us from speaking up for ourselves and share strategies to nurture emotional intelligence. By the end of our conversation, you'll have a toolkit of insights to navigate tricky relationships and spot manipulative behaviors. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation and join us as we break the cycle together.Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Are you drowning in your High Conflict Divorce? Todays guest, Tori, a Family Court Strategist, shares expert strategies to navigate the turbulent waters of family court. Tori unravels the complexity of the family court system and illuminates the path to a smoother divorce process. Through her story, you'll learn how high-conflict divorces are often mislabeled domestic violence cases, why abusers prolong court cases, and the importance of a strategic approach.We cover some key questions: How do we mediate effectively with an abuser? What tools do we need? Tori focuses on understanding your assets, knowing why you're fighting for what you want, and having a clear order of topics ready for when you're at the negotiation table. She also shares invaluable insights on documenting and categorizing instances of abuse, and the challenges that might arise during parenting time.You can connect with Tori here: https://www.onyx-arrow.com/start-hereSupport the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Ever wonder what a Narcissist is thinking? Today, we're pulling back the curtain in an enlightening conversation with Ben Taylor, a Self-Aware Narcissist. Ben guides us through narcissistic relationships, shedding light on complex dynamics like hoovering, discarding, and the head-spinning cycle of shame and blame. We also navigate through emotionally abusive behavior and discuss the crucial steps needed to break free and find a clear understanding of reality.You can learn more about Ben here: https://www.rawmotivations.com/Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Emotional abuse is often depicted as a stark, unmistakable force in relationships. However, many suffer from a more insidious form that whispers and weaves itself into their lives with such subtlety that it's almost invisible. It can make victims doubt their sanity when they feel dismissed after trying to be heard. Today's episode dives into subtle emotional abuse by intelligent abusers who mask their manipulation as caring or rational explanations. Support the showWebsite: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Do you find yourself confused by the terminology around Narcissistic Abuse? Katherine Kleis returns to unravel the complexities of narcissistic abuse. She helps us decipher the often bewildering lingo associated with Narcissistic relationships. We explore terms like bread crumbing and word salad and understand their role in the larger cycle of abuse. You can learn more about Katherine and her work here: https://www.standcoaching.com/Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

How do you heal? In this episode, I dive into the emotional turmoil we all feel and how I emerged more self-aware, resilient and hopeful. I reveal how I found strength and broke free from a cycle of unhealthy relationships. We'll explore the vital mental shifts that were pivotal in this transformation, and how I recognized my pattern of settling for abusive and emotionally immature partners. Support the Show.Website: Emotional Abuse CoachInstagram: @emotionalabusecoachEmail: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner