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In Episode 173, host Andrea Atherton welcomes Catherine EC, a courageous woman who shares her deeply personal story of unknowingly falling into a toxic relationship. Catherine describes how the relationship began with overwhelming affection—known as love bombing—that masked her partner’s true nature. This powerful beginning made it difficult to recognize the dangerous path she was on, and she now hopes that sharing her story will help other women identify these signs early. Through her journey, Catherine shines a light on the often-hidden stages of abuse that begin subtly but escalate in ways that can consume a person’s life.

As Catherine recounts her experience, she explains the painful phase of gaslighting, a manipulation tactic her partner used to distort her perception of reality. By making her doubt her own thoughts and experiences, her abuser tightened his control over her life, leaving her feeling isolated and trapped. She and Andrea delve into the lasting effects of this psychological abuse, which eroded her self-esteem and autonomy. Catherine shares how difficult it was to recognize the manipulation for what it was, and she highlights how powerful self-doubt can be in abusive relationships, reinforcing why it’s so essential to break free.

In the final part of their conversation, Catherine discusses the critical step of breaking away with no contact—a step that ultimately enabled her to reclaim her life. Catherine warns that leaving a toxic relationship can be difficult because of its addictive, cyclical nature, which often pulls victims back in as a source of “narcissistic supply” for the abuser. By cutting off all forms of communication, Catherine freed herself from the cycle of emotional manipulation and control that kept her trapped. Together, she and Andrea emphasize the importance of maintaining strict boundaries to protect one’s peace and mental well-being. Catherine’s story is not only a guide to recognizing the stages of abuse but also a powerful testament to the strength it takes to walk away, stay away, and reclaim one’s life.

Catherine EC
https://www.threads.net/@caecastillo 

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