Therapy Works

Olivia on Finding Freedom After Abuse


Listen Later

In this episode of the Therapy Works podcast, Olivia shares the harrowing experience of her husband being arrested in 2014 for downloading and sharing paedophilic images of children. She discusses the subsequent impact on her life and her four children, detailing the years of coercive control, emotional abuse, and manipulation she endured during her marriage. Olivia reflects on the therapy and support she received that helped her come to terms with the situation, reclaim her sense of self, and start to rebuild her life. Despite the trauma, Olivia speaks of her path to freedom, the crucial role of her support system, and how she managed to rebuild a life filled with joy and self-discovery.

00:12 The Day Everything Changed

01:22 Living Under Coercive Control

05:10 Realisations Through Therapy

10:19 The Arrest and Its Aftermath

14:14 Struggles with Shame and Guilt

31:30 Support Systems and Healing

37:46 Reflections and Moving Forward


Support Links & Further Resources

  • Understanding the Vagus Nerve – Learn more via the Polyvagal Institute
  • Carolyn Spring – Resources on trauma and recovery: carolynspring.com
  • Women’s Aid – Support for those affected by domestic abuse: womensaid.org.uk
  • Support for Families & Friends of Perpetrators – Guidance via the Survivors’ Network: Read here
  • Dr. Gwen Adshead: Reith Lecture – Listen on the BBC: Episode link

    Please subscribe and leave a review—it truly makes all the difference! Follow Julia at @juliasamuelmbe for more insights, tips, and conversations on life's challenges and how to improve your mental well-being.

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Therapy WorksBy Julia Samuel

    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5
    • 5

    5

    28 ratings


    More shows like Therapy Works

    View all
    Woman's Hour by BBC Radio 4

    Woman's Hour

    396 Listeners

    Age Better with Liz Earle by Liz Earle

    Age Better with Liz Earle

    222 Listeners

    Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

    Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

    3,851 Listeners

    Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

    Happy Place

    1,062 Listeners

    How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

    How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

    1,161 Listeners

    Postcards From Midlife by Lorraine Candy & Trish Halpin

    Postcards From Midlife

    103 Listeners

    The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan by Gabby Logan

    The Mid•Point with Gabby Logan

    185 Listeners

    The Shift with Sam Baker by sam baker

    The Shift with Sam Baker

    79 Listeners

    Conversations with Annalisa Barbieri by Annalisa Barbieri

    Conversations with Annalisa Barbieri

    21 Listeners

    Dial Emma by Emma Reed Turrell

    Dial Emma

    89 Listeners

    Off Air with Jane & Fi by The Times

    Off Air with Jane & Fi

    160 Listeners

    The Life of Bryony by Daily Mail

    The Life of Bryony

    32 Listeners

    Begin Again with Davina McCall by Begin Again

    Begin Again with Davina McCall

    589 Listeners

    What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

    What's Up Docs?

    110 Listeners

    Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball by Persephonica

    Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball

    201 Listeners