Learning Archives

How to Change Yourself While Still Stuck in an Emotionally Abusive Marriage [Episode 256]

January 2, 2024

Sometimes your circumstances are completely outside of your control, and no matter how much you may want to leave them behind you, you simply cannot. Sometimes this is the emotionally abused woman’s situation. They may want to leave, but they can’t do that today, tomorrow, or even next year. They have to stay for whatever reason. Are they doomed to a life of misery and pain? No. Absolutely not.

Diana Swillinger has some practical strategies about how you can grow while staying. You can’t fix your circumstances, but you can fix YOU. You can learn to be happy right where you’re at. Let’s do it together.

Interrupting the Abuse Cycle [Episode 255]

December 26, 2023

Have you ever gone around in circles during a conversation with someone with no hope of ever reaching any kind of resolution? The abuse cycle is just like that — a never-ending loop of tension, an explosion, and then most confusing of all, a really “good” part of the cycle where the abuser is seemingly kind.

But how do we get off of this chaotic merry-go-round? How do we interrupt the cycle? I’m glad you asked. As a former card-carrying member of the merry-go-round, I have a few ideas for you as you work towards interrupting the cycle.

How Can I Be a Good Mom in an Emotionally Abusive Marriage? [Episode 252]

December 5, 2023

If you’ve ever flown on a plane, you know that in case of emergency, the flight attendants always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask first before you help your kids put on theirs. Healing is the same way. We can’t help our kids heal until we heal ourselves. If we stay stuck, our kids are going to suffer right along with us.

You get the opportunity to be your kids’ biggest hero, support, and safe space. But you have to be YOUR biggest hero, support, and safe space first. Let’s learn how—together.

The Shoe Always Drops

November 20, 2023

Here’s what I tell myself when I get anxious, can’t enjoy the moment, and I think I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop…

I Don’t Consider Myself to be a Victim, so How Do I Accept the Reality of my Abusive Relationship? [Episode 249]

November 14, 2023

Many emotional abuse victims have been accused of having a victim mentality—as if the abuse isn’t real. Some victims don’t like to be labeled a “victim.” It sounds weak and powerless. Recently, one of my listeners asked this question: “How do we accept the reality of abuse without living as a victim?”

How to Tell Your Kids You’re Getting Divorced [Episode 247]

October 31, 2023

“How in the world am I going to tell my kids that we’re getting divorced?” Kids + divorce = a tricky topic, but I want to help calm your fears. I want to show you some questions you can ask yourself as you contemplate this big conversation with your children, and let’s give you some practical ideas as you introduce this new change in all of your lives.

Category: Learning