Best Marriage Boot Camp Podcasts (2025)

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Triggers 101: Understanding Your Reactions 12:34

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4d ago12:34

12:34

Send us a text You’re having a normal day—coffee in hand, scrolling your phone—and suddenly your chest tightens, your heart races, and you’re spiraling. That’s a trigger. But what exactly does it mean to be “triggered”? In this episode, I’m breaking down what triggers really are (spoiler: they’re your nervous system’s way of trying to protect you),…

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Likeability Isn’t Luck: Easy Tips to Boost Your Charisma 10:49

11d ago10:49

10:49

Send us a text Ever met someone who just has it—that mix of confidence, warmth, and magnetism that makes people lean in? That’s charisma. And good news: it’s not some magical personality trait you’re either born with or not—it’s a skill you can actually practice. In this episode, I’m breaking down what charisma really is (hint: it’s equal parts war…

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EMDR Explained: What It Is and Who It’s For 16:43

18d ago16:43

16:43

Send us a text Ever wondered what EMDR actually is—or why everyone from trauma therapists to TikTok is talking about it? In this episode, I’m breaking down Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (aka EMDR) in plain English. We’ll cover how it works, what the science says, and who it’s really for. I’ll also share how EMDR has impacted me pers…

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Are You Curious About Your Partner? 38:08

30d ago38:08

38:08

Send us a text After a summer hiatus, Jerry & Kristy are back, talking about the curiosities -- or lack of curiosities -- we have about our partners. How does this affect intimacy? Long-term relationship habits can work to erode spontaneity, a sense of discovery and wonder and all the good stuff that was there in the beginning. Can curiosity be res…

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#29 Boundary Boot Camp: From People-Pleaser to Self-Protector 17:23

1M ago17:23

17:23

Send us a text The word "boundaries" has become such a buzzword that many people throw it around without truly understanding what it means. But what exactly are boundaries, and why do so many of us struggle to set them effectively? Boundaries aren't about controlling others—they're guidelines for what you will and won't allow in your life. The key …

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BONUS: Love Island UK Season 12 — A Therapist Breaks Down Harrison, Lauren & Toni 8:51

2M ago8:51

8:51

Send us a text Ever found yourself drawn to someone who couldn't quite decide if they wanted you? The Harrison-Lauren-Tony love triangle from Love Island UK Season 12 offers a perfect case study in toxic relationship patterns that might feel eerily familiar. This captivating analysis breaks down the psychological dynamics at play when a charming bu…

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#28 Emotional Incest: When Parents Cross the Line 16:47

2M ago16:47

16:47

Send us a text Have you ever felt responsible for a parent's emotional wellbeing? Been called "the only one they can talk to" or "their rock"? That special closeness you felt might actually have been something therapists call emotional incest—a hidden form of boundary violation that shapes how we connect with others well into adulthood. Emotional i…

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#27 The Only Child – Mature, Independent… and Maybe a Little Emotionally Overloaded 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

Send us a text Were you the only child who was “so mature for your age”—but never really got to be a kid? In this episode, we dive into what it’s really like growing up without siblings and how that shapes your identity, relationships, and emotional habits as an adult. Drawing from birth order psychology and Family Systems Theory, we explore how on…

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#26 The Youngest Child – Fun, Free-Spirited, or Forever the Baby? 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

Send us a text Are you the youngest child who’s always been seen as “the fun one”—but never quite taken seriously? In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we’re breaking down the psychology of the youngest child: how being the “baby” of the family shapes your personality, relationships, and sense of identity. We explore how youngest kids often becom…

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#25 The Middle Child – Chameleon, Peacemaker, or Just Forgotten? 22:10

3M ago22:10

22:10

Send us a text Were you the middle child—the one who stayed out of the way, kept the peace, and quietly handled your own emotional needs? You’re not alone. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we dive deep into the psychology of middle child syndrome, emotional distancing, and why so many middle children become chronic people-pleasers or “distanc…

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Episode 55 Before God and These Witnesses-A Message at FBC Massillon 33:25

3M ago33:25

33:25

This Episode is a recording of a message delivered at First Baptist Church of Massillon on Sunday, May 4th, 2025. Notes No guest today. In addition to my work at WeddingChaplain.com, I am also a local church pastor. In May 2025, our church went through a series called "No Ordinary Family." For the first part of the series, I discussed my passion fo…

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#24 The Eldest Child – CEO in Training or Resentful Parent #2? 22:50

3M ago22:50

22:50

Send us a text Are you the firstborn and secretly exhausted? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive deep into the eldest child experience—how being the “responsible one” often leads to perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, and emotional overfunctioning in adulthood. If you were basically a third parent growing up, this one’s for you. We’ll t…

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#23 Why Birth Order Actually Matters (Yes, Even If You’re 35 and Over It) 17:47

3M ago17:47

17:47

Send us a text Did your family birth order shape your personality? Spoiler: yep. In this episode, we explore how birth order influences your identity, temperament, and adult relationships. Whether you're the eldest child, middle child, youngest, or only child, this episode helps you understand how your role in the family still shows up in your life…

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Episode 54- Generation Tux- An Interview With Jessica Garrabrant 29:21

3M ago29:21

29:21

Generation Tux Show Notes Today’s guest is Jessica Garrabrant. She is a Showroom Manager for Generation Tux in Columbus, Ohio. Generation Tux is the leading online rental company for Tuxedos and Suits. Jessica will discuss her role in the company and how the tuxedo rental process has evolved over the years. She will share how Generation Tux strives…

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#22 Why Rest Feels Impossible: Understanding Your Productivity Addiction 15:04

4M ago15:04

15:04

Send us a text Ever feel like you're constantly running on a productivity treadmill, unable to step off without experiencing overwhelming guilt and anxiety? You're not alone. What looks like ambition and high achievement might actually be anxiety masquerading as motivation – and over time, it can evolve into something more concerning. In this revea…

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#21 Validate Yourself in 3 Steps and Build Confidence 14:19

4M ago14:19

14:19

Send us a text Ever hit a milestone and still feel... kinda hollow? Or find yourself needing everyone else’s opinion before you can trust your own? Been there. And spoiler alert: It’s not because you’re broken. It’s because most of us were raised in homes where self-validation wasn’t modeled—so now we second-guess everything from our feelings to ou…

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#20 Emotional Invalidation: Why You Feel Small In Your Own Family 16:55

4M ago16:55

16:55

Send us a text The quiet dismissal of your feelings? That sh*t cuts deeper than yelling ever could. When someone avoids eye contact, scrolls their phone mid-convo, or chuckles at your story like it’s a joke—they might not say anything cruel, but your nervous system still gets the memo: You don’t matter here. After a recent family visit left me feel…

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Episode 53- An Interview with Kayla Satava--Prestige Ballroom Dancing 33:26

4M ago33:26

33:26

Today’s guest is Kayla Satava. Kayla is a dance instructor at the family-owned Prestige Ballroom Dancing Studio in Northeast Ohio. While she teaches all kinds of dance classes and programs, today we are talking about engaged couples getting ready for their first dance. When the DJ announces at your wedding, "The bride and groom will begin their liv…

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#19 Divorced But Not Damaged: What NOT to Do If You Don’t Want to Mess Up Your Kids with Dr. Larry Waldman 54:14

4M ago54:14

54:14

Send us a text Dr. Larry Waldman brings decades of forensic psychology experience to this raw, insightful conversation about the hidden casualties of divorce – the children caught in the crossfire between warring parents. Drawing from twenty years as the expert judges called on during high-conflict custody battles, Dr. Waldman exposes the psycholog…

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#18 Career Burnout Is Real—Here’s How to Bounce Back with Dr. Jesseca Tighe 30:19

5M ago30:19

30:19

Send us a text Are you staring at your calendar wondering how you'll face another workday? That crushing exhaustion isn't just tiredness—it's burnout, and it's reached epidemic levels among high-achievers and caregivers. In this eye-opening conversation with psychologist Dr. Jessica Tai, we dive into the science behind workplace burnout, revealing …

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Controlling Your Partner 40:08

5M ago40:08

40:08

Send us a text Jerry & Kristy consider the ebbs and flow of attempted control of the other person within a relationship. What does it get you? What's so wrong about it, anyway? An epic fight about the way the other person loads the dishwasher is featured in the second half, as well as a better-way-forward illustrated.…

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Episode 52 Vows and Personal Statements 22:09

5M ago22:09

22:09

Today’s episode is super simple but very important. I take a few minutes to talk about vows and personal statements. This is the main place in the ceremony where the couple speaks, so you need to put a lot of thought into it. To read the blog article that goes along with today’s episode and to download our collection of vows, click here: https://ww…

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#17 Struggling to Be Heard? How to Improve Communication in Love + Life with Erin Darden 43:39

5M ago43:39

43:39

Send us a text Ever wondered why it's so hard to simply ask for what you need in relationships? Former attorney turned emotional intelligence coach Erin Darden brings clarity to this struggle, revealing how societal expectations, fear of rejection, and our own internalized guilt create barriers to honest communication. "You can't pour from an empty…

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#16 Emotional Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships: What You’re Missing and How to Get It Back with Amy Phillips LCSW 39:47

5M ago39:47

39:47

Send us a text Struggling to feel close to your partner in a long-term relationship? Tired of fighting about the same things over and over—like dishes, chores, or who's doing bedtime? You’re not alone—and the issue probably isn’t what you think it is. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, I sit down with couples and individual therapist Amy Philli…

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Episode 51 An Interview with Timothy Young 21:46

5M ago21:46

21:46

Today, our guest is Tim Young, who is one of our officiants at WeddingChaplain.com. In addition to being an excellent wedding minister, he is a financial coach at Financial Peace University. Money is one of the top stressors in marriage, but it does not have to be. Financial coaching helps couples get on the same page about money, set shared goals,…

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#15 Where’s the Manual? Navigating Motherhood & Finding Community with Amanda Hofmann, The Wilmington Mom 37:22

5M ago37:22

37:22

Send us a text When Amanda Hofmann became a mom in January 2020—just as the world shut down—her life took a wild turn. A seasoned event planner suddenly found herself navigating new motherhood, postpartum anxiety, and total isolation. So what did she do? She strapped her baby into a stroller, started walking the parks of Wilmington, NC… and acciden…

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When You're Both Avoidant 31:37

5M ago31:37

31:37

Send us a text So what happens when BOTH of you have patterns of avoiding conflict and want to keep the peace at all costs, even if it means staying with an unhappy status quo? Jerry & Kristy consider this (a listener-suggested topic) in light of the rewards that can come from decidedly "rocking the boat."…

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Episode 50 An Interview with Ken Blackman 34:58

6M ago34:58

34:58

Today’s guest is Ken Blackman. Ken is a relationship coach, speaker, educator, and author of the upcoming book Powerful Woman, Confident Man: The New Art of Loving Passionately and Building a Resilient, Fulfilling Relationship. Ken’s calling is to guide couples through intimate human connection. Using truth, transparency, and compassion, He shows c…

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#14 Self-Worth, Diet Culture, and Breaking Free from Food Guilt with Emma Townsin 36:42

6M ago36:42

36:42

Send us a text Your Body Isn’t the Enemy—It’s Fighting for You Diet culture has fed us a lie: that thinness equals health, worth, and discipline. But what if everything you’ve been taught about food and your body is wrong? Specialist eating disorder dietitian Emma Townsin is here to flip the script on restrictive diets, emotional eating, and why yo…

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Episode 49 People on Dating 31:46

6M ago31:46

31:46

I was a guest on another podcast called People on Dating, hosted by Will Morales. Will started his podcast because of the stories he had heard and the experiences he had while dating. He says he is no expert. Instead, he talks with experts on relationships and everyday people. However, the main idea of his show is to discuss the ups and downs of co…

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#12 Therapists Spill the Tea: What We Wish Clients Knew with Darrian Pelkey MSW, LCSWA 35:29

6M ago35:29

35:29

Send us a text Ever wonder what your therapist really thinks about you? 🤔 In this episode of Not Your Therapist Podcast, licensed therapist Darrian Pelkey, MSW, LCSWA, joins me to spill the tea on what goes on behind the scenes in therapy. We’re pulling back the curtain on the things therapists wish clients knew—from common misconceptions about the…

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#13 Desire Disasters: What Kills Your Sex Drive & How to Get It Back with Shie Benisti LCSW 39:15

6M ago39:15

39:15

Send us a text Struggling with low libido? Feeling disconnected from your partner? You're not alone. In this episode of Not Your Therapist Podcast, licensed sex therapist Shie Benisti, LCSW, CST, joins us to break down the real reasons why sexual desire fluctuates—and what you can do to bring intimacy back. We dive into the mental, emotional, and r…

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Shrink Shots: Therapy Terms 101 – Emotional Regulation – How to Stop Flipping Out (Even When They Deserve It) 7:54

6M ago7:54

7:54

Send us a text Ever feel like your emotions hijack your brain before you even have a chance to think? Emotional regulation is the key to handling stress, frustration, and overwhelm without exploding (or shutting down). In this quick Shrink Shots episode, we’re breaking down what emotional regulation actually means, why it’s so hard sometimes, and h…

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Shrink Shots: Therapy Terms 101 – Emotions – What the Hell Are They & Why Do We Have Them? 8:06

6M ago8:06

8:06

Send us a text Ever wondered why you have emotions—or why they sometimes feel like they’re running your entire life? In this quick Shrink Shots episode, we’re breaking down the science behind emotions, what they’re actually trying to tell you, and how to deal with them without letting them take over. Spoiler alert: Your emotions aren’t the enemy—th…

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Episode 48 Reset and Preview 12:33

6M ago12:33

12:33

We are back! We took a brief hiatus and turned it into a year off. I took on a new ministry position and spent much of 2024 working on my second and third books, so the podcast took a backseat, unfortunately. However, we are excited to get things back on track. Today’s episode is just a catch-up and reset, preparing us for new episodes every week. …

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#11 Rethinking Health: How to Ditch All-or-Nothing Thinking and Make Wellness Work for You with Liz Rodriguez 39:24

6M ago39:24

39:24

Send us a text Ever feel like you’re either all in on health—meal prepping, intense workouts, cutting out everything fun—or completely off the wagon? That all-or-nothing mindset is exhausting, unsustainable, and (spoiler alert) not the key to long-term health. In this episode, I sit down with health coach Liz Rodriguez to reframe what real wellness…

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Seek First to Understand 41:53

6M ago41:53

41:53

Send us a text Identifying your feelings and then talking about them isn't enough. There is another person present in the relationship and reaching to understand THEM is the very challenge that we have to master in order for any progress to take hold. Kristy and Jerry consider how the search for understanding of "the other" usually presents itself …

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Shrink Shots: Therapy Terms 101 – Reparenting – Giving Yourself the Childhood You Wish You Had 10:34

6M ago10:34

10:34

Send us a text Did your childhood leave you with some emotional gaps? Enter reparenting—the process of giving yourself the love, support, and validation you may not have received growing up. In this quick Shrink Shots episode, we break down what reparenting is, why it matters, and how you can start healing old wounds by becoming the nurturing, comp…

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Dissociation – When ‘Zoning Out’ Is Actually a Trauma Response 7:47

6M ago7:47

7:47

Send us a text Dissociation: When ‘Zoning Out’ Is Actually a Trauma Response Ever found yourself zoning out mid-conversation or realizing you don’t remember the last five minutes of your drive? You’re not alone. This might be dissociation, a psychological defense mechanism that helps protect the brain from stress and trauma. In this episode of Shri…

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#10 The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Diet Impacts Anxiety and Depression 20:03

6M ago20:03

20:03

Send us a text Did you know your gut is your “second brain”? The connection between your gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a huge role in your mental health. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we explore how what you eat can impact anxiety, depression, and your overall mood. Learn why your gut health matters, the signs of gut im…

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Cognitive Distortions – Your Brain Is Lying to You (And You Don’t Even Know It) 7:22

6M ago7:22

7:22

Send us a text Your brain is constantly filtering reality, but what if those filters are twisting the truth? Cognitive distortions are sneaky thought patterns that make you believe things that aren’t actually true—and they’re a major reason behind anxiety, relationship problems, and low self-esteem. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we’re breaking d…

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Projection – Are You Mad at Them, or at Yourself? 8:59

6M ago8:59

8:59

Send us a text Ever find yourself getting irrationally annoyed at someone, only to realize later that you were actually mad at yourself? Or maybe someone accused you of something completely off-base, and you thought, Wait… that’s not me, that’s YOU!? That, my friends, is projection, one of the sneakiest defense mechanisms that can wreck relationshi…

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#9 The Science Behind Toddler Tantrums: Understanding Triggers for Parents 22:56

6M ago22:56

22:56

Send us a text Toddler tantrums are tough, but they’re also a normal (albeit exhausting) part of parenting. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we’re diving into the chaos of meltdowns to help you survive them with your sanity intact. You’ll learn why tantrums happen, what’s going on in your child’s brain during a meltdown, and why reasoning wit…

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Boundaries – No, They’re Not Just a Buzzword (Here’s How to Use Them) 5:51

7M ago5:51

5:51

Send us a text Setting boundaries isn’t about controlling others—it’s about protecting your time, energy, and mental health. But here’s where most people get stuck: they set a boundary but don’t actually enforce it. If you say, “I won’t tolerate yelling,” but stick around when someone raises their voice, your boundary isn’t doing anything. In this …

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Differentiation – How to Stop Absorbing Everyone Else’s Crazy 5:36

7M ago5:36

5:36

Send us a text Ever feel like you’re losing yourself in a relationship? Maybe your mood depends on your partner’s mood, or you avoid conflict to keep the peace. That’s a differentiation problem—and it’s one of the biggest reasons people struggle with boundaries, emotional independence, and self-worth in relationships. In this episode of Shrink Shot…

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#8 What’s Your Attachment Style? How It Shapes Your Relationships & Emotional Connections 14:19

7M ago14:19

14:19

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why you react the way you do in relationships? Your attachment style is the blueprint for how you connect with others—shaped by early experiences and influencing everything from romantic relationships to friendships and even work dynamics. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we dive deep into the four attach…

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That Third Day of Vacation Fight 34:57

7M ago34:57

34:57

Send us a text You finally both get to the vacation destination of your dreams -- something you've been saving for the rest of the year and it seems just great. Until the third day, when you have That Big Fight. Why is this such a recognizable thing to most couples? What explains it? And what could help things be better?…

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Insight – The ‘Oh Sh*t’ Moment That Actually Changes Things 5:09

7M ago5:09

5:09

Send us a text You’ve had that oh sht* moment—where suddenly, your entire past, your relationships, or your behaviors just click. That’s insight, one of the biggest game-changers in therapy. But here’s the catch: insight alone doesn’t fix anything. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we break down: ✅ What insight actually is & why it’s crucial for gro…

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SHRINK SHOTS: Therapy Terms 101 – Validation – Why ‘Just Get Over It’ Is the Worst Advice Ever 6:02

7M ago6:02

6:02

Send us a text Ever feel dismissed when you open up about something important? Validation is more than just a "nice-to-have"—it's a core emotional need that affects how we connect with others and how we see ourselves. In this episode of Shrink Shots, we’re diving into: ✅ Why validation matters for mental health & relationships ✅ Where we often seek…

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#7 Gaslighting in Relationships: How to Handle Manipulation from Someone You Love 25:54

7M ago25:54

25:54

Send us a text Have you ever been told, “You’re overreacting” or “That never happened”? Gaslighting is a toxic form of emotional manipulation that can make you question your own reality—especially when it comes from a partner, family member, or friend. In this episode of Not Your Therapist, we’re diving deep into gaslighting in relationships—what i…