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Chris and Lisa of BeenThereGotOut.com both survived toxic marriages with narcissistic partners and the legal and co-parenting nightmares that go hand-in-hand with all of that.If you are struggling in a high-conflict relationship, divorce, custody battle, or co-parenting hell which requires PERSONALIZED attention, let us HOLD YOUR HAND along the way, while providing EXPERT, STRATEGIC guidance based on one's years of success (representing myself in court!), coupled with the other's High Confli ...
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The term 'Narcissism' has been used increasingly to describe someone who is 'difficult' or 'unpleasant' - who treats other people badly. Narcissism is however a very real condition. Those who suffer from narcissistic personality disorder are very low in empathy and therefore particularly bad at maintaining long term personal relationships. As a consequence, those who work with couples who are separating are much more likely to encounter this particular pattern of behaviour during the work th ...
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Escape the Paradox

Helena Hickman

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Welcome to Escape the Paradox, where I expose the hidden reality of coercive control and domestic violence including psychological, emotional and physical abuse. I’m Helena, a survivor of childhood abuse. I'm a mental health nursing student and advocate, here to support you in breaking free from the confusion, fear, and isolation that abuse creates. Home should be the safest place, but for many, it becomes the most dangerous. In each episode, I share my personal story and dive into my own ex ...
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If you’ve ever thought “how the fuck did that happen” as you walked out of the Australian Family Law system and losing everything, while watching your psychopathic ex get away with the boys club trifecta of perjury, contempt, and not coughing up their financials til you’re broke, homeless, and probably couch surfing, then boy have you come to the right place! Strap on your fuck it attitude, and settle in to find out what your lawyer never told you…be prepared to feel very ducking angry 😡 and ...
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show series
 
Discover the transformative power of understanding family dynamics during high-conflict divorces in our latest episode, featuring insights from Adam Barta, a seasoned licensed clinical social worker. We promise you'll gain a new perspective on the importance of examining the entire family's environment rather than singling out a child's behavior in…
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Send us a text If you are in a relationship with a Narcissist it is highly likely that you will be subjected to some form of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse does not only refer to physical abuse but also emotional and financial abuse. The abuser will often seek to present themselves as the 'victim' - attempting to suggest that in fact they have been…
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Fraud expert Kelly Todd takes us into the shadowy world of financial betrayal and deception. As a seasoned forensic accountant, Kelly shares invaluable insights into how financial abuse often infiltrates relationships, particularly during the tumultuous time of divorce. She uncovers the psychology of a fraudster, illustrating how the dynamics of fi…
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Send us a text In this episode, I’m talking about how male privilege is used as a tool for control in abusive relationships. This isn’t just about physical violence. I focus on the subtle, everyday ways power and entitlement show up and are reflected hugely in overrepresentation of males in society, as well as the difficulties in approaching these …
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Join us as we navigate the complex world of student loans and credit management during a divorce, featuring insights from Angela Kim, known as Angela the Credit Boss. Discover how divorce can unexpectedly damage your credit score, even without a contentious split, due to shared financial responsibilities like co-signing on student loans or mortgage…
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Years ago, Susie found herself amidst the emotional storm of a high-conflict divorce, grappling with the feelings of shame and regret that came with it. Now, as a mental health coach for women, she joins us to share her learned wisdom and practical advice on navigating such tumultuous times. From establishing boundaries to focusing on what we can c…
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Trauma therapist Dr. Rebecca Vazquez joins us to unravel the intricate links between anxiety, our physical bodies, and the mind, with a special focus on the influential vagus nerve. She introduces us to the "drop three" technique, a simple yet effective method for alleviating anxiety by relaxing the jaw, shoulders, and hands to signal safety to the…
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Send us a text Watching someone you care about being subjected to emotional, financial or even physical abuse at the hands of their narcissistic partner/spouse can be heart-breaking and unbearable - particularly if the 'victim' is your child. It is so much easier to recognise the existence of narcissistic abuse when you are on the outside looking i…
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After enduring the turmoil of domestic violence, Shanay Fulton found herself navigating the unpredictable world of homelessness, a journey that ultimately led her to happiness and advocacy. She joins us to share her inspiring story, offering a raw and authentic look at the intricate challenges faced by domestic violence survivors, particularly the …
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Growing up, P and her sister faced the unimaginable reality of being separated from their mother, entangled in a web spun by their father's manipulation and control. This episode sheds light on the darker side of the family court system that often overlooks the subtle yet profound impact of legal and emotional abuse. P bravely shares her story, rev…
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Send us a text In this episode, I continue analyzing past correspondence between myself and the abuser, focusing on the tactics of minimizing, denying, and blaming. I break down how these strategies are used to distort reality, shift responsibility, and keep targets trapped in cycles of self-doubt and confusion. By examining these patterns, I aim t…
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What happens when a parent's portrayal of love is skewed by manipulation and deceit? Join us as we explore the tumultuous journey of A, a young adult who courageously shares her story of growing up amidst parental alienation, divorce, and domestic violence. A's father painted her mother in an unflattering light, affecting A's and her sister's perce…
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Transform your approach to managing your finances during a divorce by joining our insightful conversation with Nancy Rossner, our returning expert! Learn about the upsides and potential pitfalls of various tax filing options, such as filing jointly versus separately. Nancy shares her wisdom on balancing the benefits of joint filing, like larger ded…
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Send us a text If you and your partner have separated, your preference may be never to have to see or speak to them again. This will particularly be the case where your former partner is a narcissist when 'no contact' will be the ideal position. If however, you have children together, at least while your children are in their minority, that is not …
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What if navigating the often turbulent waters of divorce could actually lead to empowerment and personal growth? Join us on a transformative journey as we sit down with Chloe, a certified divorce coach from London and a key member of the Amicable Divorce Network, who unveils her new book, "Don't Screw Up Your Divorce." Chloe shares invaluable insig…
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Unlock the secrets to rebuilding your credit and safeguarding your financial future with the expert guidance of financial advisor Derrick Diksa. As life's transitions—such as leaving a toxic relationship or going through a divorce—can wreak havoc on your credit score, Derrick shares practical strategies to navigate these challenges. Learn how to av…
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Unlock the secrets to overcoming betrayal and harness the power of hypnosis with our expert guest, Leszek Erasmus. Ever wondered how a simple shift in perspective might transform your emotional landscape after a painful betrayal? Join us as Leszek, a double-certified life coach and consultant hypnotist from Portland, Oregon, shares his profound ins…
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Send us a text In this episode, I explore a message I wrote to my father in 2023, and take you through his response with me. It’s a raw and honest conversation that highlights the tactics of minimizing, denying, and blaming, which are patterns that are reflected in the power and control wheel. These dynamics are deeply familiar to many who have liv…
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What happens when unchecked emotions walk into a family courtroom? Discover the insights of Mia Poppe, a vibrant New York City matrimonial attorney, as we navigate the nuances of managing reactivity in family court settings. With a focus on strategic communication and the subtleties of body language, Mia offers critical advice on understanding cour…
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Unlock the secrets to navigating the complex world of family law with insights from Yoni Levoritz, a seasoned New York City attorney. Our conversation sheds light on the thorny issues surrounding relocations and parenting plans, including the hidden pitfalls of moving away from a noncustodial parent and how economic factors can influence custody ou…
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Join us for an insightful discussion with Jeff Kaplan, a seasoned divorce attorney from New York City, as we explore the critical dynamics of building a strong attorney-client relationship, especially in high-conflict divorce and custody cases. Jeff shares his expertise on why this relationship is sacred and how a good lawyer should know their clie…
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Join us for a powerful exploration of grief and healing from toxic relationships, featuring Jessica, a licensed clinical social worker with a wealth of experience in psychotherapy and hospice care. Together, we shed light on the complexities of grieving a toxic relationship, especially in the context of divorce. Grief is not solely tied to the deat…
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Send us a text Isolation is one of the most powerful tools of coercive control, and it goes far beyond just cutting someone off from friends and family. In this episode, we explore how abusers use suspicion, false accusations, and emotional manipulation to make their targets feel trapped and alone—even in everyday interactions. Through Maxine’s sto…
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Tara, a seasoned legal nurse consultant with 25 years of experience, sheds light on the pivotal role nurses play in legal cases, particularly those involving children with special needs. Her expertise in reviewing medical records helps attorneys make sense of complex medical terms and diagnoses, often serving as a cornerstone in disputes where pare…
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Parenting expert Clarissa joins us to unravel the myth of the perfect parent and provide a deeper understanding of how to navigate the complexities of raising children. She introduces her innovative Foundations of Connection framework, designed to aid parents in fostering better communication and building deeper connections with their children by c…
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Angela Kim, a renowned senior credit consultant and founding member of Credit Repair Boss, joins us to unravel the intricate role of credit during and after a divorce. Angela offers an expert analysis on maintaining good credit as a foundation for starting anew and achieving financial independence. She dispels common myths, such as the notion that …
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Karen McMahon, the founder of Journey Beyond Divorce, joins us to share her profound insights on breaking free from the mental hold of a high-conflict ex-spouse. We discuss how ruminating on an ex-partner's behavior can cloud one's judgment during and after divorce, hindering the path to personal empowerment. Karen emphasizes the importance of self…
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Send us a text Emotional abuse doesn’t just wound in the moment—it rewires the way we see ourselves. Over time, the insults, gaslighting, and manipulation become our own inner voice, eroding self-trust and self-worth. In Part 2, let's dive into how abuse shapes our internal narrative and what it takes to reclaim our sense of self. Most importantly,…
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Join us as we explore the nuances of child-centered divorce with our insightful guest, Tracy Ann Moore Grant, the founder of the Amicable Divorce Network. Tracy shares her expertise on how emotions can cloud judgment during divorce proceedings, leading parents to prioritize personal outcomes over the well-being of their children. Discover the innov…
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Discover the transformative journey of Ralph Beaubrun, a Haitian-born dance studio owner in France, as he shares his incredible story of using dance to heal and inspire people worldwide. Ralph's journey from a family of artists in Haiti to becoming a beacon of joy through dance will captivate your heart. We explore the powerful role dance plays in …
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Send us a text Emotional abuse leaves no visible scars, but its impact runs deep. In this episode of Escape the Paradox, I talk about how emotional abuse erodes self-worth, distorts reality, and keeps targets trapped in cycles of self-doubt. I’ll share how it manifests in both subtle and overt ways, why it’s so difficult to recognize, and how the w…
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Charlie McCready, an esteemed alienation coach from England, joins us to unpack the emotional turmoil of parental alienation, particularly during the holiday season. Often described as the "Bermuda Triangle" of holidays, these times can amplify feelings of loss and vulnerability for parents separated from their children. Our conversation offers hea…
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Mardi Winder-Adams, a seasoned divorce coach, opens up about the complexities of navigating high-conflict divorces in our latest episode. Specializing in cases involving challenging personalities like narcissists, Mardi shares her empathetic yet strategic approach to supporting women through tumultuous separations. The conversation highlights the n…
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How do you navigate the stormy seas of co-parenting after trauma?" Join us as we tackle this pressing question with Katie from the UK-based Single Mama Club. Katie's dedication to empowering single mothers resonates through our engaging conversation, shedding light on the hurdles of parental alienation and post-separation challenges. Learn practica…
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What does the term "legal abuse" really mean, and how can it empower those lost in the complexities of the legal system? Our guest, social media sensation JayDee Milo, takes us on a journey of validation and understanding, shedding light on this often-overlooked issue. Known for his comedic videos featuring wigs, JayDee brings a unique perspective …
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Send us a text In this episode, I delve into the element of intimidation in abusive relationships and how it oppresses the target, making escape incredibly challenging. I also share my personal experience with the very real tactics abusers use to discredit their targets, adding even more layers of difficulty to leaving. Sources Please see this stud…
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Can your gut health truly be influenced by trauma? Discover the profound connection between stress, gut health, and physical well-being with our special guest, Maisie Smith-Lovett, a holistic health practitioner and trauma healer. Maisie unravels how legal battles and strained relationships often keep our bodies locked in a perpetual fight-or-fligh…
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Unlock the secrets to understanding addiction and empowering recovery in our gripping conversation with addiction counselor and certified parent coach, Mary Ann Palmer. This episode promises to redefine your approach to addiction by embracing non-stigmatizing language and acknowledging the complex interplay of genetics and mental health. Mary Ann p…
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Send us a text In this episode of Escape the Paradox, let's delve into the "Coercion and Threats" section of the Power and Control Wheel. Learn how abusers use coercive tactics to instill fear and maintain control over their targets. Learn to recognize these behaviors, and understand their impact. Whether you're seeking clarity or supporting someon…
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Join us as we explore the complex and emotionally charged topics of parental alienation and false allegations in custody cases. We welcome Charles Jamieson, a highly experienced attorney from Florida, who shares his invaluable insights gathered over 40 years of practice. Charlie helps us understand how parental alienation often arises when one pare…
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Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your financial future during and after a divorce with insights from Tony Wimperis, a seasoned CPA and tax director. Learn how to navigate the intricate world of divorce-related tax issues, including the potential conflicts of interest when accountants have longstanding ties to one spouse. Tony provides invaluable …
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Send us a text In this very first episode of Escape the Paradox, I explore a common misconception: the idea that labeling an abuser—whether as a narcissist, psychopath, or anything else—somehow explains, or excuses, their behavior. Abuse isn’t about a diagnosis; it’s about actions. We dive into why focusing on labels can shift the conversation away…
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Renowned psychologist and author Dr. Josh Coleman joins us for an eye-opening conversation on the challenging realities of parental estrangement and alienation, particularly amidst high-conflict divorces. Drawing from his influential book, "Rules of Estrangement," Dr. Coleman reveals surprising statistics and societal stigmas surrounding estrangeme…
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Send us a text This podcast discusses sensitive topics, including coercive control and the emotional impact of abuse. In this introduction, I share why I believe it’s so important to learn how to verbalize the impact coercive control has. By sharing my truth, I hope to help others do the same. I’m claiming my narrative, and healing alongside you. B…
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Join us as we explore the intricate and emotionally charged issue of parental alienation with our insightful guest, Charlie McCready, a UK-based parental alienation coach. Charlie shares his personal journey as a survivor of alienation, shedding light on the concept of "pre-alienation," which he coined to describe the subtle grooming process leadin…
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Send us a text It is generally assumed that most Narcissists are male - which of course is wrong. Narcissistic Personality disorder is a condition which is not gender specific and can apply in the same way to both men and women. This podcast is intended for those who believe themselves to have become the 'victim' of the female closet narcissist. Th…
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Can anxiety be transformed from a daunting presence into a manageable part of life? Join us as we uncover the complexities of modern anxiety with Andrea Nave, a licensed therapist and creator of the "How to Beat Anxiety Blog." Andrea and I explore the reasons behind the apparent rise in anxiety levels today, from societal issues like election stres…
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Join us as we welcome back our friend, Chelsey Brooke Cole, a therapist and author specializing in narcissistic abuse and complex trauma. Chelsey shares her journey and expertise in navigating safe sharing after experiencing abuse. We explore the delicate balance between maintaining boundaries and fostering healthy relationships, emphasizing the im…
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What if the most dangerous form of abuse leaves no physical marks? Join us as we sit down with Ellen Schwartz and Maliha Janjua from Women Aware to uncover the dark reality of coercive control, a form of domestic violence that instills fear and isolates victims without physical assault. As New Jersey pioneers legal changes to recognize this insidio…
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The holidays can be a twinkling time of joy for many, but for those who've tangled with a narcissist, the season's lights may dim. Our conversation with John from Male Victims of Female Narcissists peels back the layers of this often unspoken struggle, whatever your gender. Together, we unravel the painful process of ending a toxic relationship, es…
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