You’re exhausted from over-functioning, always managing the chaos just to make it seem okay. You feel alone. Misunderstood. Like no one sees the full story—except you. Your friends don’t get it. You question yourself constantly. You wonder if you're the problem. You're not. I understand—because I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be stuck in an emotionally abusive relationship, gaslit into silence, and walking on eggshells every day. This podcast is here to help you feel seen. To help ...
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Most survivors don’t start by asking “Is this abuse?” They ask “Why do I feel crazy?” This episode dives deep into the emotional confusion that defines so many abusive dynamics—especially when gaslighting, blame-shifting, and chronic invalidation are at play. If you’ve ever found yourself apologizing after being hurt, doubting your memory, or shrin…
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When It Was Never About Change: Understanding the Psychology Behind Cluster B Abuse
57:53
57:53
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57:53Dr. Kerry McAvoy joins me to discuss the most confusing and painful parts of surviving a relationship with someone who has Cluster B traits, including narcissistic, antisocial, borderline, and histrionic personality disorders. We explore: The neurological and psychological reasons why people with Cluster B disorders don’t change Why survivors feel …
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I’m sharing one of the most requested and emotionally charged topics: the trauma bond. This episode is part of my private podcast series Unhooked: Mapping the Cycle of Abuse, and I felt it was important to bring it here too—for anyone who’s stuck in the pain, confusion, or shame of staying in a relationship they know is harming them. We explore why…
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Healing a Trauma Bond: The Power You Still Have
17:51
17:51
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17:51Trauma Bonding—a term that’s often misunderstood and sometimes avoided because naming it means facing the abuse beneath it. In this episode, I break down what a trauma bond is (and isn’t), why it’s more than “shared trauma,” and how it functions as an emotional and physical addiction. Then, we talk about something that might feel uncomfortable: the…
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Whose Shame Are You Carrying? How Abusers Offload Pain to Avoid Accountability
26:38
26:38
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26:38This episode explores one of the most insidious aspects of emotional abuse: shame offloading. When someone can’t face their own emotional wounds—whether it’s failure, inadequacy, or internal contradictions—they often project that pain onto the person closest to them. You become the emotional scapegoat, the one who’s blamed, punished, or humiliated—…
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Why Abusers Believe Their Own Lies with Paul Colaianni
1:11:54
1:11:54
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1:11:54Why do emotionally abusive people double down on false narratives, deny reality, and convince themselves they’re the victim—even when they’re causing visible harm? I'm joined by Paul Colaianni, host of The Overwhelmed Brain and Love and Abuse podcasts and creator of The Healed Being program, one of the few resources for people who have been emotion…
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When You’re Not Allowed to Be Human: A Journal Entry from Inside the Cycle of Abuse
20:09
20:09
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20:09This episode takes you inside the lived experience of emotional abuse. The story captures how emotional dysregulation, boundary violations, and false repair cycles can slowly erode a person’s sense of self. We discuss how the classic cycle of abuse—tension, explosion, and reconciliation—can unfold in covert ways, leaving the survivor walking on egg…
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There’s a version of abuse that presents as calm and reasonable. It doesn’t look chaotic, and at first, it doesn’t even feel that way. It feels quiet and measured. It sounds like someone who wants to work through things. Someone who seems thoughtful and emotionally attuned. Under the surface, there’s control, pressure, and a constant pull to make y…
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The Manipulation I Didn’t See—Until I Did
22:43
22:43
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22:43In this episode, I share the story that shaped everything: how I ended up in an emotionally abusive relationship, how I stayed, and how I finally saw it for what it was. This is the manipulation I didn’t see—until I did. I talk about the slow unraveling of my reality, the gaslighting, the shame, the trauma bond, and the hope that kept me stuck. I e…
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If you’ve ever felt like you were stuck in a relationship that kept repeating the same painful patterns—no matter how much you tried to fix it—this episode is for you. In this episode, learn how the cycle of abuse plays out in emotionally abusive relationships—not as a clean four-part theory, but as a lived, messy, repetitive trap that keeps surviv…
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This is one of the most common—and most heartbreaking—questions I hear: Can a narcissist change? In this episode of You Are Not Crazy, I’m walking you through the reality behind that question. The short answer? Maybe—but almost never. Real change requires emotional accountability, humility, and deep psychological work… and most narcissists aren’t w…
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Why It Hurts So Much (Even After Everything)
8:09
8:09
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8:09When you're breaking a trauma bond or coming to terms with the end of a manipulative relationship, it doesn’t just bruise you—it shatters something inside. This kind of grief defies logic. You’re not just mourning a relationship. You’re grieving the version of you who believed in it, the future you imagined, and the love you gave so fully. I walk t…
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Why They Couldn’t Love You: Understanding Emotional Capacity in Toxic Relationships
18:18
18:18
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18:18What happens when the person you fought so hard to love turns out to be incapable of loving you back? What do you do with the grief, the self-doubt, and the tidal wave of confusion that follows? In this raw and deeply personal episode, I unpack what it means to love someone with traits of Cluster B personality disorders—specifically, narcissistic a…
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We dive into the Trauma Bond: how it forms, why it's so hard to leave, and what recovery really looks like. This isn't just about red flags or textbook definitions. This is about the lived experience—the confusion, the craving for relief, the grief that shows up even when you finally leave. I walk through the invisible hooks that keep survivors att…
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The Outburst That Isn’t About You: Emotional Storms and BPD Traits
11:31
11:31
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11:31What do you do when the person you love explodes—and it has nothing to do with you, but you’re the one absorbing the damage? In today’s episode, I’m talking about a very specific and disorienting experience: the emotional outbursts that often come from people with traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). These episodes are not “just” argume…
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In this episode, I unpack how abusers flip the script by dredging up unrelated past events, twisting reality, and using guilt as a weapon to derail accountability. If you've ever found yourself defending a mistake from five years ago while trying to talk about how you're hurting now, this episode is for you. You’ll learn: The difference between nam…
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The Cumulative Effect: Why It Wasn’t “Just One Thing”
11:00
11:00
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11:00I explore one of the most disorienting realities of surviving an emotionally abusive relationship: the way each incident is treated like it exists in isolation—when in reality, it all added up. I share my personal experience of slowly realizing that what felt like “stress” was actually a sustained pattern of emotional harm. I walk through the subtl…
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I share the story of a client—“Amanda”—who experienced a devastating betrayal that shattered not only her relationship but her trust in herself. What began as a hopeful, grounded connection turned into a traumatic discovery of infidelity and deception. Jessica walks through the emotional aftermath: the gaslighting, the physical symptoms of grief, t…
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Emotional Abuse Breakthrough Course: Why It Matters and How It Can Help
16:29
16:29
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16:29I’m doing something a little different — I’m walking you through my Emotional Abuse Breakthrough Course: what it is, why it matters, and how it can help if you’re stuck questioning your reality. I share the story of how I realized I was in an emotionally abusive relationship, how confusing and stuck I felt inside the trauma bond, and the turning po…
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He Controlled the Money — Now What? with Victoria Kirilloff
50:50
50:50
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50:50Vctoria Kirilloff, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and founder of Divorce Analytics, brings her sharp expertise, and personal experience leaving an abusive relationship, to help listeners navigate the financial side of divorce with clarity and strategy. Together, we break down: How to start gathering financial information even if you feel compl…
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Breaking Free from a Pathological Partner with Dr. Nae
36:22
36:22
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36:22I’m joined by Dr. Nae, trauma bond expert, author of Run Like Hell, and former wife of Jordan Belfort—better known as the Wolf of Wall Street. Dr. Nae shares her story of surviving a deeply toxic and pathological relationship, what it took to finally leave, and how she transformed her experience into a mission to help others heal from narcissistic …
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I explore how abusive partners can use therapy to reinforce blame, rewrite reality, and further control their partners. She breaks down red flags to watch for—like when therapy sessions become ammunition, or when your partner suddenly becomes an expert in your trauma but avoids accountability for their own. Jessica shares the emotional toll of navi…
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This episode explores how gaslighting works, highlights red flags such as constant self-doubt and the need to over-apologize, and shares practical strategies for reclaiming your sense of reality. I also unpack the manipulative DARVO tactic—where abusers deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender roles—to help you recognize when your intuition is…
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Choosing Yourself Isn’t Selfish—It’s Necessary
7:38
7:38
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7:38You are allowed to be a whole person—not just a performance for someone else. If you've been in an emotionally abusive relationship, you may have been taught to compromise your needs, silence your instincts, and tie your worth to someone else's happiness. In this episode, I discuss how societal expectations and manipulative dynamics teach us to ign…
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Are You Trapped in a High Conflict Divorce with a Narcissist?
17:42
17:42
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17:42In this episode, I discuss the isolating and draining reality of divorcing a narcissist. I share how constant manipulation, gaslighting, and relentless legal battles can leave you feeling lost and unheard. I dive into the challenges of a legal system that often falls short. If you’re dealing with a high conflict divorce or post-separation abuse, jo…
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DARVO: The Manipulation Tactic That Keeps You Questioning Yourself
9:33
9:33
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9:33DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) is a pattern that keeps you stuck in cycles of self-doubt, confusion, and emotional turmoil. In this episode, I break down how it works, how to recognize it in real time, and—most importantly—how to start detaching from the manipulative narrative. If you’ve ever found yourself defending your actions…
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How Cluster B Traits Show Up in Toxic Relationships
30:00
30:00
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30:00This episode is a deep dive into the reality of navigating relationships with individuals who exhibit traits of Cluster B personality disorders—including narcissistic, borderline, antisocial, and histrionic personality disorders. If you've ever felt trapped in a cycle of confusion, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion in your relationship, this conv…
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I Love You, If You Do This: A Story of Realizing Sexual Coercion
18:56
18:56
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18:56Sex can be misused as a tool for emotional regulation and control rather than genuine connection. In this episode, I take you through a story describing what initially felt like overwhelming love gradually revealed itself as a pattern of guilt-tripping, boundary violations, and emotional manipulation. I detail specific moments where my autonomy was…
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Intimacy can be manipulated as a tool for control and emotional regulation. She shares intimate stories of recognizing coercive patterns—from subtle guilt-tripping and boundary violations to the misuse of sex as a litmus test for emotional connection. Whether you’ve felt pressured in your relationships or questioned the true meaning of love and int…
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Aimee the AI Advocate: How Aimee Says Supports Survivors of Emotional Abuse
42:06
42:06
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42:06Anne Wintemute, co-founder and CEO of Aimee Says, an AI-driven companion designed to support survivors of relationship abuse, joins me to share the inspiration behind Aimee and how it serves as an emotional support tool, offering validation, guidance, and safety planning for those navigating toxic relationships. We discuss how AI can help survivors…
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This episode breaks down why conventional breakup rules don’t apply when you’re dealing with manipulation, control, and gaslighting, and offers guidance on how to reclaim your boundaries, your sanity, and your life. By focusing on patterns over promises, I provide tangible steps to help you break free from the emotional tug-of-war and start taking …
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Understanding the Capability of Emotionally Abusive People with Paul Colaianni
1:26:27
1:26:27
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1:26:27Can an emotionally abusive person change? Paul Colliani joins me to explore the patterns of manipulative behavior, why some people refuse to take accountability, and how anxious attachment and emotional immaturity play into abusive dynamics. We also discuss the false hope that keeps many survivors stuck, the importance of recognizing real change ve…
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Trauma Bonding – Understanding the Addictive Cycle in Toxic Relationships
27:03
27:03
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27:03In this episode, I break down what trauma bonding really means and why it can feel so hard to leave a toxic relationship. Instead of being about sharing past trauma, trauma bonding happens because of a crazy cycle of ups and downs—brief moments of love and kindness that keep you holding on even when you're being hurt. In this episode, I discuss how…
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Traditional breakup rules fall short when you're dealing with a partner whose only goal is to control the narrative—and why the breakup never feels like an ending at all. In this episode, I will discuss: Unpacks the Cycle: Discover how manipulative behaviors like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and isolation keep you stuck, even when you know you dese…
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"Why am I stuck?" In this episode, I unpack the layers of trauma bonding, cognitive dissonance, gaslighting, and self-blame that keep survivors tethered to their abusers long after the relationship ends. I share insights from my own healing journey, including the emotional grip of intermittent reinforcement and the manipulation of vulnerability. If…
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Fear of Abandonment vs. Pushing People Away: Breaking the Cycle of Chaos in Relationships
17:46
17:46
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17:46How can a fear of abandonment lead to pushing people away? In this episode, I explore the complexities of anxious attachment, traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and how self-awareness can pave the way for healthier relationships. I delve into the inner conflict often experienced by individuals with BPD—a push-pull dynamic where fear o…
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When "No" Isn't Respected: Understanding Sexual Coercion
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37:41This episode dives into the misunderstood and rarely discussed topic of sexual coercion in relationships. I discuss recognizing coercive patterns and how emotional manipulation can slowly erode personal boundaries, leaving you feeling trapped, guilty, and ashamed. I also read heartbreaking comments from women who shared their own stories of being p…
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Divorce Coaching is a Game-Changer for High-Conflict Situations
44:46
44:46
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44:46Divorce coaching can transform your experience when navigating high-conflict separations, especially with a narcissistic or difficult ex. Learn why proactive coaching is more effective than crisis-mode reactions, how to build resilience during calm periods, and the practical strategies that can save you emotional and financial strain. In this episo…
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Navigating New Year’s Pressure After Emotional Abuse
29:08
29:08
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29:08New Year’s resolutions often come with societal pressure to transform, but if you’re recovering from emotional abuse, they can feel overwhelming and triggering. In this episode, I share why it’s okay to step away from the noise and focus on what you truly need to move forward. In this episode: Why “New Year, New You” narratives can feel impossible …
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Holidays can be a minefield of emotions, especially when past traumas resurface. In this episode, I delve into the complexities of holiday triggers and how they amplify everything. We explore understanding why holidays can trigger past trauma and ways to manage it, strategies for grounding yourself in the present moment amidst emotional upheaval, t…
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High-Conflict Co-Parenting During the Holidays
21:15
21:15
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21:15Navigating co-parenting challenges with a high-conflict ex can feel overwhelming—especially during the holiday season. In this episode, I share practical strategies to manage last-minute schedule changes, manipulative behavior, and the emotional toll these dynamics can take. Learn how to stick to your court order, document effectively, and create n…
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Navigating the holidays without your kids? You're not alone, and this episode is here to support you. On this episode, I dive into the raw realities of spending holidays apart from your children due to divorce or custody arrangements. Support the show Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/Youarenotcrazy *New Course*: Unhooked: Map the Cycle of Abus…
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This episode dives into emotional coercion—the subtle, insidious tactics designed to control your decisions and behavior without overt aggression. From gaslighting that leaves you questioning your reality to guilt-tripping that makes you feel responsible for your partner’s happiness, I uncover the patterns that keep you stuck in toxic cycles. I als…
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Coercive Control with Dr Christine Cocchiola
40:13
40:13
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40:13Coercive control is an invisible form of abuse that traps victims in a web of psychological manipulation and domination. In this episode, Dr. Christine—a survivor, protective parent, and advocate—unpacks the strategies abusers use to exert power without physical violence. From understanding the parallels between coercion and tactics used in totalit…
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Financial Coercion with Victoria Kirilloff
47:03
47:03
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47:03Today, we are diving into Financial Coercion with Victoria Kirilloff. Victoria helps to simplify complex financial issues that often arise during divorces involving manipulation and control. In this episode we discover how to identify signs of financial coercion, learn strategies to regain control over your finances post-divorce and understand the …
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We’re diving into those powerful "last straw" moments—the times when you feel that unmistakable surge of clarity that enough is truly enough. These moments don’t always come all at once; it might take several before you feel ready to fully break free. But often, they spark a deep, rising anger that fuels the decision to stand up against manipulatio…
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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—co…
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Why we romanticize past toxic relationships
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12:47
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12:47This 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…
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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 …
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Understanding the Mindset of an Abusive Person
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11:05Have you wondered how and why they think the way they do? In this episode, I discuss why abusive individuals struggle with self-reflection and accountability. Discover how their fear of being perceived as 'the monster' fuels defensiveness and control tactics. Support the show Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/Youarenotcrazy *New Course*: Unhook…
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