Emotional Abuse Is Real

The podcast's toxic workplace series wraps up today with Sarene's guest, Dr. Christine Gibson. Dr. Gibson is a Canada-based family physician, trauma therapist, author of The Modern Trauma Toolkit, and TikTok influencer under the handle @TikTokTraumaDoc. Dr. Gibson also runs a company that trains professionals to manage workplace trauma called Safer Spaces Training. During our conversation, Dr. Gibson demonstrates some super-easy breathwork strategies to help people regulate their nervous systems. Connect with Dr. Gibson:TikTok (@TikTokTraumaDoc)YouTubeModern Trauma Toolkit Website ChristineGibson.netSaferSpacesTraining.comSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with Ludovica Colella, a U.K.-based therapist and life coach specializing in empowering women to overcome people-pleasing tendencies. This has become a necessary skill, especially in a toxic workplace. Ludovica offers several strategies should you find yourself in a toxic work environment, and we also delve into the importance of recognizing emotional abuse in the workplace. Connect with Ludovica:WebsiteInstagramSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene chats with Brittany Betts. Brittany is a marketing and hospitality professional, as well as a toxic workplace survivor.  As a server and bartender at a popular chain restaurant, Brittany regularly found herself judged on her appearance -- being threatened with unemployment if she didn’t maintain a specific look and weight. Now that she works in a nurturing job, Brittany also shares her insights on the differences between a healthy workplace, and a toxic one.  Connect With Brittany:LinkedInSmokymountains.comFloridapanhandle.comHawaiianislands.comSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene chats with psychotherapist Kara Kushnir, LCSW. Kara is the founder of A Work of Heart Counseling in New Jersey -- as well as a toxic workplace survivor. We discuss how her experience in a toxic workplace led her to open her own, thriving practice, and how as a clinician, she is seeing several clients coming to her with mental health issues relating to toxic workplaces.Connect with Kara:A Work of Heart Counseling WebsiteA Work of Heart Counseling InstagramSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with the author of The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health, Dr. Jennifer Fraser. We discuss how Dr. Fraser's experience in a toxic workplace inspired her brain science research, resulting in her book The Bullied Brain -- a resource for helping people to better understand how emotional abuse directly affects brain health. Dr. Fraser now helps organizations promote healthy work environments, and passes along her expertise throughout our interview. Connect with Dr. Fraser:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInXFacebookSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene continues the podcast's toxic workplace series with her guest, Vanessa Walilko. Vanessa is an artist, a PR professional, and a survivor of narcissistic abuse in both her family and the workplace. These experiences have provided Vanessa with a grounded perspective, as well as indispensable wisdom when it comes to creating a healthy work environment.  Connect with Vanessa:WebsiteInstagramSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene kicks off her brand-new series dedicated to toxic workplaces with her special guest, Dr. Diane Rosen. Dr. Rosen is an author, executive coach, lawyer, consultant, mediator, and, above all, an expert on toxic workplaces. Dr. Rosen, who spent many years working in Big Law, offers a nuanced perspective on what makes a work environment "toxic." Does it have a problematic work culture? Or is it just not the right place for you? She shares all that and more during our insightful conversation. Connect with Dr. Diane Rosen: dianerosen105@gmail.comSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene talks with CeCe Cheng, the CEO and founder of ShareWell, a peer-to-peer support platform providing affordable and accessible support groups within a digital community. CeCe is a former venture capitalist and startup executive – and an emotional abuse survivor. Since she launched ShareWell in October 2021, the platform has helped to foster over 100,000 peer-to-peer connections with groups covering emotional abuse, anxiety, depression, relationships, and more.Try ShareWell for a month with my custom promo code: SARENESUPPORTVisit sharewellnow.com to learn more.Support the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene talks with Brigit Binns, a successful culinary writer who's just released her new memoir, Rottenkid: A Succulent Story of Survival. As the daughter of Hollywood character actor Edward Binns, Brigit led, to the outside observer, a charmed life. But under that shiny California veneer was a dark secret: Brigit was being emotionally abused by her narcissistic mother. Connect With Brigit:WebsitePurchase Rottenkid: A Succulent Story of SurvivalRottenkid SubstackInstagramSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene welcomes Faith C. Echo. Faith is the author of Rising From  Ashes – A Testament of Strength and Survival After Narcissistic Abuse, a memoir recounting her four-year relationship with a narcissistic abuser, and her heart-pounding, covert escape with her young son. Faith now works as a trauma-informed recovery coach, specializing in post-narcissistic stress disorder, and is a passionate advocate for emotional and narcissistic abuse victims. Connect with Faith:WebsiteInstagramEmail: faithcecho@gmail.com Support the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene chats with Angelika Koch, a certified life and relationship coach who also serves as the breakup and relationship expert for the Taimi app, an inclusive dating app dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community. Angelika is also an abuse survivor and the author of The Asshole Pandemic: A Field Guide To ID'ing, Deleting, and Healing From Toxic Relationships.Connect With Angelika:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene chats with Dr. Hayley Nelson, a neuroscientist, tenured psychology professor, international speaker and founder of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, where she is passionate about making neuroscience approachable and accessible. Connect With Dr. Hayley:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookLinkedInSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with emotional abuse survivor and licensed clinical social worker Nina Batista. Nina and I discuss the unfortunate truth about mental health professionals, which is that not every therapist is trained in emotional and narcissistic abuse treatment. Nina, however, has undergone several trainings in these areas, and shares new developments and insights in the understanding of narcissistic abuse.Connect with Nina:InstagramTikTokFacebookSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene chats with a young woman named Emily*. Emily is an emotional abuse survivor who spent several years in a secretive, toxic relationship with a controlling, manipulative guy, and is only now starting to process what she experienced. This is the first time Emily is speaking publicly about her abuse. *Name changed to protect the survivor's privacy.  Support the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with Dr. Erika Bach. Dr. Bach is a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York, specializing in trauma, relationships, anxiety and depression. More and more, she finds herself working with emotionally abused clients, which enabled her to provide invaluable insights about emotional-abuse-adjacent  topics like generational trauma throughout our conversation. Connect with Dr. Erika Bach:WebsiteInstagramSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with Julie Keating. Julie is a mom of six, a writer and marketing professional, and an emotional abuse survivor. After losing her first husband to cancer, Julie married a man who turned out to be her worst nightmare. In our conversation, we talk about how she had to give up almost everything just to be free of her emotionally abusive husband, but, as she’ll tell you, it was absolutely worth the sacrifice. Connect with Julie:WebsiteFacebook pageSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with Sarah Jacobs, Esq. and Jamie Berger, Esq. of Jacobs Berger, LLC.  As family law attorneys who specialize in  divorces involving narcissistic abusers, Sarah and Jamie provide not only fascinating insights into the process of divorcing a narcissistic partner, but they also offer expert tips for victims contemplating separation. Connect with Sarah and Jamie:Jacobs Berger WebsiteResources for Divorcing a Partner With Narcissistic Personality DisorderFacebookInstagramYouTubeSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with Jillian Edwards Coburn. Jillian is an author, an advocate, and an abuse survivor. But Jillian is also a force of nature: She’s channeled her trauma into a memoir called My Ugly Truth: Life After Abuse, and now works tirelessly as a sexual abuse advocate. Two years ago, she served on a committee that helped get Bill 492 passed in Louisiana, which removed filing deadlines for childhood sexual abuse lawsuits. Connect With Jillian:WebsiteFacebookInstagramMy Ugly Truth: Life After Abuse, by Jillian CoburnSpicy, Cajun, With Love for Southern Louisiana Food: Quick and Easy Recipes Written by a Spicy Cajun South of I-10, by Jillian Edwards CoburnHouse Bill 492 (Louisiana)Daniel Prince v. State of LouisianaSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today’s episode, Sarene chats with Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper. Dr. Cooper is a clinical and criminal psychologist in the St. Louis area, offering her expert insights and advice for emotional abuse survivors seeking support. Connect with Dr. Cooper:WebsiteTikTokInstagramYouTubeLinkedIn"Women Staffers of Jann Wenner's Rolling Stone Get Their Turn to Speak," by Marisa KabasSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.

On today's episode, Sarene chats with Rachel Claire Farnsworth, a "transformational life changer." Rachel works with clients to help release their deeply embedded trauma through various methods, but primarily through hypnotherapy. She has a lot of experience working with emotional abuse survivors, and can empathize with her clients, because Rachel is also an abuse survivor. You can read her story in the anthology Me Too But Never Again.Connect with Rachel:Website Rachel's Facebook PageWellness With Rachel Facebook PageSupport the Show.Get my free download, "10 Things I Learned From Getting Paid to Watch TV"Follow me on InstagramListen to the podcast on YouTubePlease support the show by buying me a coffee!You can also reach me through my professional websiteIf you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please fill out this form.You can also drop me a line at hello@sareneleedswrites.com or DM me on Instagram. Be sure to follow me there while you're at it, and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast!If you are a victim of emotional abuse and need help, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988. Or, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788, or visit thehotline.orgMusic credit: "Solo Acoustic Guitar" by Jason Shaw, available through freemusicarchive.org.