Today’s episode is a very powerful discussion on a very real and difficult subject. A lot of people think that they would never allow themselves to be in a toxic relationship or be mistreated, yet it happens so often and leaves people feeling so isolated and hopeless. Alison’s guest today is Sarah Sawall and she is here to graciously share her story of bravery and awakening to the fact that her abusive relationship with a narcissist was not her fault, and it was time to get out.

In this episode, Sarah talks about the moment she realized she needed to get out of her relationship, and the courage it took to take those steps. It is our hope that each person will realize we all deserve to be in a place where are thriving, not just surviving. Feelings of isolation, shame, and questioning our own sanity and actions can come from being in toxic relationships, especially when the other person has narcissistic qualities. You will learn what those signs are and that there is hope for a better and brighter future that reflects your strength, power, and courage.

Key highlights:

• Evil can’t exist without secrecy so we need to shed a light on it
• Sarah’s backstory of a near suicide attempt due to an abusive relationship
• The day Sarah finally woke up and cut off the relationship
• How she reconnected with her family after getting out of the relationship
• People who are abused carry the shame of the abuse
• Be a wise observer of your situation
• The “change back move”- the attempt of the other person to bring you back to homeostasis where you are the host of a parasite
• Forgiving yourself once you know better- an abuser has no hold of you when you forgive yourself
• How a narcissist isolates you
• How religion can sometimes play a part
• Therapy specifically for an abusive narcissist
• Recognizing problems in a relationship with a narcissist
• Not blaming ourselves for the things that happened in a relationship
• Are you benefiting your children by staying in an unhealthy relationship?
• About Sarah’s business
• How to reach out to Sarah

Quote from the episode:

• “The version that may be you now, isn’t who you actually are. Be a role model to yourself.” 

Connect with Sarah:

Website: qontevo.com

Instagram: @sarahsawall

Facebook: Sarah Sawall

Connect with Alison:

Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling

Website: LagerCounseling.com

YouTube: Alison Answers

Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac