Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share EP 22: Toxic Relationships - How to Spot the Signs and Protect Yourself
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
EP 22: Toxic Relationships - How to Spot the Signs and Protect Yourself
In this episode of Relational Lives, we take a deep dive into the reality of toxic relationships - how they differ from unhealthy ones, the warning signs to look out for, and why even strong, self-aware people can find themselves trapped in them. We explore behaviours like gaslighting, love bombing, manipulation, coercive control, and isolation, as well as the underlying psychological dynamics that keep people hooked.
Whether it’s with a partner, friend, family member, or even in the workplace, understanding toxic dynamics is the first step toward reclaiming your power. If you or someone you know is in a relationship that feels harmful, this conversation could make a difference.
Shownotes:
Episode: Toxic Relationships: How to Spot the Signs and Protect Yourself
In this episode:
0:00 – Introduction & what makes a relationship toxic
1:06 – Recap: healthy vs unhealthy relationships
3:12 – The food analogy: unhealthy vs toxic
6:28 – Narcissism: traits vs personality disorder
9:45 – Gaslighting explained with example
15:20 – Why people stay in toxic relationships
20:42 – Manipulation, coercive control & love bombing
26:18 – How toxic behaviour erodes self-esteem and creates shame
30:50 – Isolation tactics & “walking on eggshells”
35:12 – Childhood patterns, boundaries & first steps toward change
📍 Resources mentioned:
Episode on healthy relationships:
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3suv8-188c4bd
Episode on unhealthy relationships:
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-b4zgq-191258e
Episode on the inner critic:
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-p5jy5-18625d5
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us and we might cover it in a future episode. Drop us a message at [email protected] or you can anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.
Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.
Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.
Credits:
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk
Music by: Stile Tree Studio
Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio
View all episodes
By relationallivesIn this episode of Relational Lives, we take a deep dive into the reality of toxic relationships - how they differ from unhealthy ones, the warning signs to look out for, and why even strong, self-aware people can find themselves trapped in them. We explore behaviours like gaslighting, love bombing, manipulation, coercive control, and isolation, as well as the underlying psychological dynamics that keep people hooked.
Whether it’s with a partner, friend, family member, or even in the workplace, understanding toxic dynamics is the first step toward reclaiming your power. If you or someone you know is in a relationship that feels harmful, this conversation could make a difference.
Shownotes:
Episode: Toxic Relationships: How to Spot the Signs and Protect Yourself
In this episode:
0:00 – Introduction & what makes a relationship toxic
1:06 – Recap: healthy vs unhealthy relationships
3:12 – The food analogy: unhealthy vs toxic
6:28 – Narcissism: traits vs personality disorder
9:45 – Gaslighting explained with example
15:20 – Why people stay in toxic relationships
20:42 – Manipulation, coercive control & love bombing
26:18 – How toxic behaviour erodes self-esteem and creates shame
30:50 – Isolation tactics & “walking on eggshells”
35:12 – Childhood patterns, boundaries & first steps toward change
📍 Resources mentioned:
Episode on healthy relationships:
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3suv8-188c4bd
Episode on unhealthy relationships:
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-b4zgq-191258e
Episode on the inner critic:
https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-p5jy5-18625d5
Connect with us:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relational_lives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/relationallives/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@relational_lives
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tempo-psychotherapy-services-33a00318/
Want to share your story or come on the show to discuss your dilemma? Write to us and we might cover it in a future episode. Drop us a message at [email protected] or you can anonymously complete our form here: https://forms.office.com/e/qcrCkbhPiT. We’d also love to hear updates if you’ve written in before.
Subscribe for future episodes on trauma, attachment and more mental health topics. If you found this episode helpful, please like this video or share it with a friend.
Disclaimer:
Please remember, this is not meant to be a replacement for personal therapy and is for information and self-reflection only. Please reach out to an appropriate professional in your area if you feel you need individualised help.
Credits:
Hosts: Alison Bickers and Ros Peckham at www.mytempo.co.uk
Music by: Stile Tree Studio
Produced by: Synergy Podcast Studio