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 distinction, listeners will be guided to reassess their past experiences, recognize the signs of toxic dynamics, and move forward with clarity, resilience, and the freedom to rebuild their lives on their terms.

Support the show

Website: Emotional Abuse Coach
Instagram: @emotionalabusecoach
Email: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com

{Substak} Blog About Recovering from Abuse
{E-Book} How to Break Up with a Narcissist
{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal
{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

This episode dives into the fascinating (and frustrating) phenomenon of euphoric recall, where our brains play favorites with our memories, shining a spotlight on those rare “happy” moments while tucking away the pain and manipulation that came with them. We'll explore why this happens—from the brain chemistry behind it to the psychological factors that make euphoric recall so powerful in keeping us emotionally attached.

Support the show

Website: Emotional Abuse Coach
Instagram: @emotionalabusecoach
Email: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com

{Substak} Blog About Recovering from Abuse
{E-Book} How to Break Up with a Narcissist
{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal
{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

Sexual coercion is often misunderstood or overlooked in conversations about consent. It involves pressuring or manipulating someone into sexual activity through verbal, emotional, or physical means. These actions are frequently hidden behind societal norms that wrongly portray sex as an obligation in relationships.

In this episode, Nat joins me to break down the harmful misconceptions about sex and consent. We explore how coercion shows up in relationships—whether it's through anxiety around intimacy, unwanted touching, guilt-tripping (like misusing love languages), or interpreting a partner’s refusal as rejection. Together, we identify the signs of coercive dynamics and discuss the steps toward recognizing and reclaiming your own boundaries.

You can learn more about him here: https://alwaysmending.com/maritalcoercion

Support the show

Website: Emotional Abuse Coach
Instagram: @emotionalabusecoach
Email: jessica@jessicaknightcoaching.com

{Substak} Blog About Recovering from Abuse
{E-Book} How to Break Up with a Narcissist
{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal
{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner