What if the most dangerous abuse leaves no bruises?

In this episode of 1 in 3, Ingrid is joined by Dr. Lisa to unpack coercive control—a form of abuse that often hides behind charm, faith language, and “helpful” or respected personas. We explore how relationships that begin with love bombing, future faking, and devotion slowly shift into gaslighting, DARVO, isolation, and financial dependence, causing even the most capable people to doubt their own reality.

This conversation breaks down why focusing on labels like narcissist or sociopath can distract from what truly matters: patterns of behavior over time. Dr. Lisa explains why couples counseling is often unsafe in abusive relationships, how therapeutic language can be weaponized, and how spiritual gaslighting keeps survivors over-functioning, compliant, and silent.

Grounded in lived experience, we name the tactics of coercive abuse—including isolation disguised as romance, submission framed as faith, and love bombing used as data mining. Most importantly, we map a way forward. You’ll learn how to recognize coercive control, document behavioral patterns, rebuild financial clarity, and measure real change through sustained actions—not apologies.

Whether you’re staying, questioning, or planning an exit, you deserve informed choices, safety, and a life aligned with your values.

If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs language for what they’re experiencing. Subscribe, leave a review, and help others find these life-saving conversations.

Dr. Lisa’s links:

https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/dr-lisa-dawn-fox/

https://www.shadowandsoul.com/

https://www.instagram.com/shadowandsoul_

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlisadawnfox/

1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.

Contact 1 in 3:

• Send your emails to 1in3podcast@gmail.com
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Thank you for listening!

Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe