Advertise on podcast: Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic & Emotional Abuse

What happens when your spouse looks like a “good guy” at church—but at home, you’re ignored, invalidated, and left carrying the whole family? In this powerful Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with Angela Coblentz (nurse and lay counselor) to share a 25‑year story of covert narcissism, emotional neglect, and the slow accumulation that finally becomes “neon.”Angela describes early deception and spiritual cover‑ups, a marriage marked by absentee parenting and chronic ignoring, and the moment she realized her children were being sacrificed on the altar of a marriage that refused accountability. You’ll hear what emotional neglect can look like (hovering, shutdown, weaponized incompetence, image management), why over‑functioning wives burn out, and how church pressure to “forgive and move on” can unintentionally enable harm.If you feel unseen, trapped by vows, or unsupported by faith communities, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a safety‑first path forward—especially when kids are affected.

What happens when a marriage becomes emotionally entangled—one partner over-functions, the other under-functions, and both lose their sense of self? In this episode of Marriage Rehab, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with relationship specialists Chuck & Ashley Elliott to unpack emotional enmeshment, identity loss, and the “cardboard cutout” spouse dynamic (emotionally present in name only).You’ll learn practical, actionable tools to rebuild connection—like how to save emotional energy for home, expand emotional language (especially for men), and interrupt conflict cycles with the Elliott’s “3 A’s to Change” (Awareness → Assess → Act). Plus, Chuck shares the powerful “buffalo vs. the storm” metaphor for leaning into hard conversations with humility and regulation—so couples can move from resentment and detachment toward healthy emotional intimacy (connection without losing individuality).

In this episode, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with counselor and author Laurel Slade-Waggoner to unpack gaslighting in everyday relationships—not only in marriage, but also in families, churches, friendships, and workplaces. Laurel shares her story, defines the “crazy cycle” (love bombing → manipulation → blow-ups → apologies → repeat), and explains why many survivors become trauma-bonded to the cycle. You’ll learn how to spot future faking, the crucial difference between mere regret and authentic repentance, and why consistency and accountability—not box-checking—signal real change. Laurel and Dr. Hawkins outline faith-safe boundary strategies (internal and external), how to exit escalating conflicts without fueling them, and practical first steps for those who feel stuck, foggy, or frozen. They also address spiritual abuse and unhelpful “stay and pray” advice, offering language to seek support wisely and rebuild a healthy inner circle. If you’re navigating narcissistic traits in a spouse, co-parent, or family member—and wondering what’s changeable and what isn’t—this conversation brings clarity, compassion, and a structured path forward. Resources mentioned: • Laurel’s books: Don’t Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy; Don’t Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy • Marriage Recovery Center programs for narcissistic & emotional abuse Need help now? Visit Marriage Recovery Center to explore assessments, intensives, and the Comprehensive Healing Pathway. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

When abuse shrinks you, how do you take up space again? In this episode of Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic and Emotional Abuse, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. David B. Hawkins sits down with Kathy Young, a trauma-informed coach and survivor of a 35-year emotionally abusive marriage. Together, they unpack the survival strategy of “playing small,” the nuances of fawning, when gray rocking helps (and when it harms), and the trauma science (nervous system, polyvagal, complex trauma) behind exhaustion, hypervigilance, and losing your voice. You’ll learn: What “playing small” looks like and how it forms under power & controlWhy fawning and gray rocking emerge as short-term survival toolsBig-T vs. little-t trauma and how chronic micro-traumas “stack” neurologicallyThe body cost of abuse (fight/flight/freeze/fawn/collapse) and first steps to reclaim choice & voicePractical, low-risk ways to take up space againGuest: Kathy Young — trauma-informed coach & educator Website: kathymcateeyoung.com Programs & Support: Marriage Recovery Center – Women’s Core & more: marriagerecoverycenter.com If this episode resonates, you’re not alone. Healing is possible—one clear choice, one safe step, one reclaimed word at a time. For more on Kathy’s work, visit her website at www.kathymcateeyoung.com or follow her on Instagram @kathyyoungcoaching. This episode offers invaluable insights and encouragement for anyone seeking hope and transformation. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover tackle the  dynamics of therapist-client relationships in a special installment of "Dr. Hawkins’ Reacts!" With Katie Buckley as the producer, they dive into real-life Reddit stories that highlight common struggles in therapy, including clients repeatedly canceling sessions, the concept of therapist neutrality, and maintaining healthy boundaries between clinicians and clients. Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan share their professional insights, offering guidance on how both therapists and clients can navigate these dynamics effectively to foster growth and trust. This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of the complexities in therapy relationships and offers valuable lessons for clinicians and clients alike. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue, for an impactful conversation on challenging harmful evangelical teachings about sex and marriage. Sheila shares her journey into this work, including what inspired her to conduct the largest-ever study on evangelical women’s marital and sexual satisfaction. Together, they delve into troubling beliefs uncovered by Sheila’s research, explore how these teachings contribute to harm and dissatisfaction in relationships, and discuss actionable strategies for reclaiming sexual wholeness—particularly for survivors of narcissistic and emotional abuse. Sheila also highlights key principles from her book that empower couples to build deeper intimacy and fulfillment in their relationships while fostering a broader cultural shift within the evangelical community. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Ernest Hart, a seasoned clinician at the Marriage Recovery Center, to explore the complexities of family interventions in the context of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and emotional abuse. Together, they discuss the unique challenges families face when attempting to confront destructive dynamics and the essential steps to stage a successful and compassionate intervention. Ernest shares insights from his extensive experience working with families, offering practical advice on how to approach intervention with clarity, empathy, and firmness. This episode provides valuable tools for families seeking to create change and foster healthier relationships in even the most difficult circumstances. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes back Karla Downing, award-winning author, speaker, and founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com. In her previous episode, Karla shares powerful insights from her book 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, offering practical tools and wisdom for women navigating challenging relationships. In Part 2, Dr. Hawkins and Karla continue their conversation as they dive deeper into the topics they did not get to in the Part 1.  Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Dr. Carol Tanksley, author of Sexpectations, and MRC clinician Jill Stenerson to discuss the intersection of sexual intimacy, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors in relationships. Together, they explore what healthy intimacy looks like, how to heal from sexual harm caused by abuse, and practical steps toward sexual wholeness. Whether you're recovering from past trauma or navigating challenges in your current relationship, this episode offers hope and guidance for your journey. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Dr. John Hudson and Ernest Hart to explore the Marriage Intensive Programs offered at the Marriage Recovery Center. These intensive sessions provide high-conflict couples with focused, in-person work over the course of three transformative days. The conversation highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations, reviewing the Couple’s Readiness Document, and preparing for a productive experience. The team also addresses the common misconception that all relationship issues can be resolved in a single weekend, while explaining what clients can expect during and beyond an Intensive. Tune in to learn more about this powerful approach to healing relationships! Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes Karla Downing, award-winning author, speaker, and founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com. Karla shares powerful insights from her book 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, offering practical tools and wisdom for women navigating challenging relationships. Together, they explore transformative principles such as "changing yourself, not them," "detaching with love," and "speaking your truth in love." Karla also addresses the complexities of setting healthy boundaries and debunks common scriptural misconceptions that can hinder personal growth and relational health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope and guidance in the midst of marital challenges. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with special guest Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a psychologist and counselor specializing in neurodiverse relationships. Together, they explore the intersection of autism, neurodivergence, and emotionally abusive traits within intimate relationships. Dr. Holmes shares insights into common patterns and challenges neurodivergent couples face, often misunderstood as emotionally abusive behaviors. She highlights therapeutic strategies, the role of empathy in bridging gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent partners, and practical advice for fostering healthier, more understanding relationships. Whether you're navigating a neurodiverse relationship or looking to better understand these dynamics, this episode offers encouragement and tools for growth. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

What is the long-term impact of divorce and narcissistic abuse on children once they grow into adults? In this episode, Dr. David Hawkins speaks with Kent Darcie, founder of Adult Children of Divorce Ministries and author of Choose a Better Path: Overcoming the Impact of Your Parents’ Divorce. Together they explore: How unresolved family trauma shapes adult relationships and parentingThe connection between divorce, narcissistic abuse, and emotional woundsPractical strategies for breaking generational cycles of dysfunctionFinding hope, resilience, and healing after family breakdownThis episode offers encouragement and tools for anyone recovering from childhood trauma, divorce, or abuse. 👉 Learn more about narcissistic abuse recovery and counseling at https://www.marriagerecoverycenter.com   Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Dr. Hawkins' Reacts, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover join Katie Buckley as she reads real-life relationship stories found online. These accounts detail complex situations, and Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan weigh in to determine if there are signs of emotional abuse. With their expert analysis and compassionate approach, they break down the behaviors, offer insights into what emotional abuse looks like, and provide guidance for anyone facing similar challenges. This episode is an eye-opening and thought-provoking exploration of how toxic dynamics can manifest in relationships—and how to recognize them. Tune in for valuable advice and practical takeaways! Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Dr. Gregory Jantz, a renowned expert in mental health, to discuss the powerful intersections of anxiety, trauma, and social media. Together, they unpack how social media shapes perceptions of emotional abuse, often distorting reality and amplifying feelings of insecurity and fear. Dr. Jantz and Dr. Hawkins explore the ways anxiety and unresolved trauma can influence how individuals experience and respond to emotional abuse, as well as how the digital age complicates these dynamics. With practical insights and actionable advice, this episode sheds light on navigating these challenges in a hyperconnected world. Don't miss this timely and insightful conversation! Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email [email protected] ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***