In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores how creative outlets can become powerful tools for healing after trauma and abuse. From art and journaling to faith, movement, volunteering, and trying new experiences, Autumn shares both research and personal stories of how creativity can help survivors rediscover their voice, purpose, and joy.

You’ll hear about:

• Art as therapy: how expression through color, shape, or collage can give emotions a safe outlet.

• Journaling: prompts and practices to untangle thoughts and track healing progress.

• Faith and spirituality: grounding practices that offer hope and connection.

• New experiences: how classes like singing, cooking, or photography can unlock joy.

• Exercise and movement: the research-backed benefits of biking, yoga, and other forms of physical activity for trauma recovery.

• Volunteering and purpose: how giving back, speaking out, and creating Almost Oblivious became transformative parts of Autumn’s own healing journey.

This episode encourages survivors to explore creative paths that fit their lives, reminding each listener that healing is not about perfection — it’s about rediscovery.

🔗 Resources:

• Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

• van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.

• Malchiodi, C. A. (2015). Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children. Guilford Press.

• American Psychological Association. (2011). The Exercise Effect: Evidence on the Mental Health Benefits of Exercise. APA Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2022). The Importance of Community and Purpose in Recovery. https://www.nami.org

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Abuse doesn’t end when the relationship does. Its impact lingers—sometimes for years—reshaping the way survivors see themselves, others, and the world around them. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the long-term effects of abuse on mental health, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the invisible wounds survivors carry long after leaving.

We are also sharing exciting personal news—Zack and I are expecting our first child! With pregnancy and managing narcolepsy, the episode schedule may shift, but my passion for sharing survivor-centered conversations remains stronger than ever.

This episode covers:

• How abuse rewires the brain and nervous system.

• The connection between trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and complex PTSD.

• Invisible wounds: shame, guilt, and self-blame.

• How trauma shows up in the body and relationships long-term.

• Paths to healing: therapy, community, grounding, and self-compassion.

• A short guided reflection for survivors.

💙 Whether you’re a survivor yourself, a loved one, or simply someone who wants to understand more, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not broken, and healing is possible.

🔗 Resources:

• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). (n.d.). Domestic violence and mental health statistics. Retrieved from https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS

  • Reports that approximately 64% of women and 15% of men who experience domestic violence develop symptoms of PTSD.

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2014). Long-term mental health effects of intimate partner violence. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4282026/

  • Highlights increased risks of depression, anxiety, and PTSD among survivors of long-term abuse.

• American Psychological Association (APA). (2023). The lasting impact of trauma. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma

  • Discusses how trauma rewires the brain and nervous system.

• Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.

  • Foundational text on complex PTSD and how prolonged trauma shapes mental health.

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/trauma-violence

  • Explains the connection between trauma, physical health, and mental illness.

• Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The gut-brain connection. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection

  • Outlines how trauma and stress can trigger digestive issues.

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Violence against women prevalence estimates, 2018. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240022256

  • Global statistics on abuse and its long-term health consequences.

    
    

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
    📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
    💬 Text “START” to 88788
    🌐 thehotline.org
    24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and resources.

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Abuse is surrounded by harmful myths — ideas like “if it was really that bad, they would just leave” or “abuse only happens in certain kinds of relationships.” These misconceptions silence survivors, excuse abusers, and keep too many people stuck in unsafe situations.

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn unpacks some of the most common myths about abuse and replaces them with the reality survivors live every day. From the dangers of leaving, to abuse beyond the physical, to the stigma male victims face, this conversation is all about truth, awareness, and breaking down barriers.

If you’ve ever heard these myths — or maybe even believed them yourself — this episode will help you see the bigger picture.

🔗 Resources:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788🌐 ⁠⁠www.thehotline.org⁠⁠

• https://www.transitionsfvs.org/

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Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the hardest — and most dangerous — steps a survivor can take. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, I share some of my personal journey of leaving, blending my own story with the emotional realities, safety concerns, and aftermath that so many victims face.

From the quiet moments before the decision, to the day I walked out, to the unexpected emotional crash afterward — this is a raw, honest look at what leaving really feels like from the inside.

Whether you’re a survivor, supporting someone you love, or simply wanting to understand, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not alone, and there is life and healing on the other side.

🔗 Resources: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788🌐 ⁠www.thehotline.org⁠

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Have we been trained to overlook the signs that someone isn’t safe or manipulative? Or worse—what if we’ve never been taught what healthy love and relationships actually look like?

In this episode of Almost Oblivious, we explore the differences between red flags and green flags—not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family dynamics, and everyday connections.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify red flag behaviors like control, love bombing, and guilt-tripping

• Understand the psychological reasons why red flags can feel “normal”

• Recognize green flag qualities like emotional safety, consistency, and respect

• Compare real-life examples of toxic vs. healthy dynamics

• Rebuild your internal radar for healthy relationships—even if you’ve never seen them before

Whether you're just starting to heal or you're trying to unlearn old patterns, this episode will help you redefine what safe, healthy, and mutual love actually looks like.

Because peace isn’t boring—it’s just unfamiliar.

🔗 Resources:

• The Gottman Institute – Relationship research, tools, and blogs

• Nedra Glover Tawwab – Therapist & author focusing on boundaries and relationships

• The Holistic Psychologist (Dr. Nicole LePera) – @the.holistic.psychologist on Instagram

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – Red flag behaviors, safety planning, 24/7 support

• NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence) – U.S. domestic violence statistics and advocacy

• Journal of Social and Personal Relationships – Research studies on love bombing and relationship dynamics

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A question many survivors wrestle with — especially after betrayal, emotional harm, or abuse. In this episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker dives deep into what science, psychology, and personal experience say about real change.

We explore the difference between remorse and reform, the neuroscience of behavior, and why real transformation requires more than just words. Autumn also speaks directly to critical issues like physical abuse, infidelity, and narcissistic traits — offering grounded, trauma-informed guidance to anyone stuck between hope and reality.

Some things are forgivable.Some are survivable.But not everything deserves a second chance.

If you’ve ever asked, “Should I stay?” or “Can they really change?” — this episode is for you.

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In this survivor story, we hear from Tracey, who grew up under the control of a narcissistic and emotionally abusive mother — a kind of abuse that’s often hidden behind smiles, church functions, and perfect family photos. From subtle manipulation to overt guilt-tripping, this story explores how emotional abuse from a parent can shape your self-worth, relationships, and sense of reality.

As the survivor begins to set boundaries and ultimately go no contact, the manipulation escalates — but so does their decision. This episode offers a raw, honest look at the grief of choosing peace over family and the courage it takes to break free from generational cycles.

If you've ever been made to feel small, guilty, or like you're “too sensitive” by a family member, this episode is for you.

⚠️ Trigger warning: emotional abuse, narcissistic manipulation, parent-child estrangement.

You are not alone. You are not crazy. And you are worthy of peace.

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Episode had been re-drafted at the survivor's request. The episode is now able to be re-released.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of domestic abuse, including physical violence, gun violence, rape, kidnapping, and emotional trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

In this powerful episode of Almost Oblivious, we share the courageous story of a survivor who endured the unimaginable but found the strength to break free. They open up about the reality of living with abuse, the struggles of leaving, and the resilience it takes to rebuild a life after trauma.

This episode is a raw and honest look at survival, healing, faith and hope. Whether you’re a survivor, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand the complexities of domestic abuse, this story will leave an impact.

If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to a trusted friend, a local domestic violence organization, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You are not alone.

Tune in now and join the conversation. 💜

For more information please check out our website!

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In this honest episode, Autumn shares her personal experience with an abusive partner who twisted the truth and claimed to be the victim. She breaks down the manipulation tactic known as DARVO, highlights the damage it causes, and provides practical tools for those navigating similar experiences.

This episode is a reminder that your story matters—even when someone else tries to steal it.

DARVO:

• Deny the behavior

• Attack the victim’s credibility

• Reverse the Victim and Offender

  
  

  🔗 Resources:

  • The Hotline - Domestic Violence Resources

  • Center for Institutional Courage – DARVO Info

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In this special episode of Almost Oblivious, Autumn Baker is joined by licensed professional counselor Isaiah from Therapy Today to dive into the mental health side of healing after abuse. Together, they explore the emotional toll of toxic environments, how survivors can begin to rebuild their self-worth, and why therapy—whether trauma-focused or not—can be an essential part of the journey.

Isaiah offers practical advice on setting healthy boundaries, breaking unhealthy relationship patterns, and supporting loved ones who have left abusive situations. Whether you're in the process of healing or supporting someone who is, this episode offers guidance, validation, and hope.

Guest Info:
Isaiah, LPC, is the voice behind Therapy Today, where he brings professional insight to everyday mental health struggles.

Follow Therapy Today Here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Therapy2Day

https://www.instagram.com/therapy.2day

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