In this episode we discuss cognitive dissonance (the mental discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs) and euphoric recall as it relates to emotionally abusive relationships.

We move through the four different ways our brains try to help us cope and remove the dissonance so it can lessen the discomfort.

We also share a tool for how to begin acknowledging shame so that it can later be processed.

Please take care when listening to this episode. If you are in crisis, please contact the crisis line at 988.

Content Warning: This episode mentions of threats of suicide. If you are in crisis, please contact the crisis line at 1-800-784-2433.

In this episode we move through and explain the cycle of abuse and each of its four phases. We bring in our own experiences as examples and acknowledge that everyone's experience within the cycle of abuse is unique to them. In this episode we also demonstrate a regulation technique and invite you to follow along.

Please take care when listening to this episode as it contains heavy topics of emotional abuse.

Welcome to Journey to Growth. We are a counselling and coaching practice that supports those who have experienced emotionally abusive, toxic, and/or narcissistic abusive relationships. We work with clients as they move towards healing and rediscovering their authentic selves.