Healing After Abuse: Dr. Anna Baranowsky's Guide to Recovery and Growth
We can get incredibly stuck when we live with our fears, our stressors and troubles alone in isolation, but when we share and we dialogue and feel supported, it provides a powerful foundation for us to move forward in understanding and care, and I think this show is a really, really good example of that.
Have you ever felt trapped in a relationship that seemed perfect at first but turned into a nightmare? In this episode of the Bear Psychology Podcast, Dr. Anna Baranowsky sits down with Dr. Amelia Kelley and Kendall Ann Combs, authors of 'What I Wish I Knew: Surviving and Thriving after an Abusive Relationship'.
They share their wisdom on recognizing the signs of abuse, whether it's physical, emotional, sexual, or verbal, and offer practical advice on how to safely exit such relationships. Dr. Kelley and Combs discuss how an abusive relationship can initially appear like a fairy tale, only to spiral into a situation that's hard to escape. They emphasize the importance of pre-planning and creating a safety strategy before leaving.
The conversation doesn't stop at just leaving; it extends to healing and rebuilding your life afterward. The authors delve into the aftermath of abuse, exploring how to regain trust and find joy again. Dr. Baranowsky also touches on how the pandemic has affected relationships, shedding light on the increase in codependency and the challenges it brings. She explores the role of childhood experiences in shaping our relationship patterns and helps distinguish between unhealthy relationships and outright abuse.
If you're seeking guidance on how to navigate the complex journey of leaving an abusive relationship and finding your way back to happiness, this episode is packed with valuable insights and compassionate advice. It's not just about surviving; it's about thriving and reclaiming your life.