Am I The Toxic One? Understanding Your Defensive Reactions
Episode Overview
Defensive reactions are normal survival mechanisms. Gaslighting can make you question your reality. Moral awareness is a sign you're not the abuser. Trauma responses can be misinterpreted as toxic behaviours. Forgiving yourself is key to moving forward.
The biggest sign that you are not the abuser is this: You’re questioning it.
Have you ever wondered if you were the toxic one in your past relationship? In this episode of The Emotional Abuse Recovery Podcast, host Allison K. Dagney tackles this nagging question that many survivors of emotional abuse face. With her empathetic and insightful approach, Allison helps you understand why you might feel this way and reassures you that your defensive reactions are normal survival mechanisms, not signs of toxicity.
She explains how your brain tries to make sense of the chaos by assigning blame, sometimes turning it inward. You'll learn about the impact of gaslighting, the importance of moral awareness, and how trauma responses can be misinterpreted as toxic behaviors. Allison shares a powerful story about a client who believed she was the problem in her marriage, only to realise she was reacting to years of emotional abuse.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with guilt and self-doubt after an abusive relationship. By the end, you'll have four practical tips to start releasing guilt and reclaiming your power. So, if you've ever questioned your own behaviour in a toxic relationship, this episode offers clarity and comfort. Don't miss out on the opportunity to gain peace of mind and take steps towards healing.