Trapped by “Love”: Grooming, Gaslighting & Getting Out — Ivy’s Story
Description
At 19, Ivy thought she’d found safety in an older man who showed up for her when she was hurting. Instead, she walked straight into the perfect storm of grooming, love bombing, emotional control, and drug-fueled dependence.
In this episode, Sammi, Ashley, and Ivy sit down for a raw and vulnerable conversation about:
• The love bombing that hooked her in
• The 17-year age gap and how it created control
• Being introduced to cocaine and Adderall
• Gaslighting, manipulation, and the “I’m just trying to help you” trap
• The moments that pushed Ivy toward self-harm
• The escape, the aftermath, and the reality of healing from someone who said he’d “save” her
This is an intense but incredibly important story about grooming, coercion, and reclaiming your life after someone breaks it down piece by piece. Ivy’s honesty is powerful — and her perspective might help someone who doesn’t even realize they’re in a similar situation.
🍬 Candy of the week: Ivy’s favorite treat to get her through the chaos.
🎧 Listen with care.
Trigger Warnings: Grooming, emotional abuse, drug use, self-harm, manipulation.





