(Re-Release) How To Spot Coercive Control & Reclaim Your Power | Amy Polacko

This episode originally aired on September 15, 2025.

If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org

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She thought she married a charming, successful man. Instead, she ended up trapped in a controlling, emotionally abusive marriage that nearly broke her.

In this episode of Bitch Is A Bad Word, journalist and divorce coach Amy Polacko opens up about her own experience with a covert narcissist—a partner who manipulated, isolated, and gaslit her behind closed doors. She explains how smart, accomplished women like her often find themselves stuck in relationships that look perfect on the outside but feel like walking on eggshells inside.

Amy helps women spot the warning signs of abuse most people miss—especially when there are no bruises. From love bombing to emotional control, this conversation dives deep into the red flags that survivors often don’t recognize until it's too late.

Whether you’re wondering:

- “Why does my partner blame me for everything?”

- “Is it really abuse if there’s no violence?”

- “Why do I feel trapped, scared, and exhausted?”

This episode will help you name what’s happening, understand the tactics of abusers, and realize you’re not alone.

🔊 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses emotional abuse, control, manipulation, gaslighting, narcissistic relationships, and trauma.

📞 If you need immediate help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

ABOUT AMY POLACKO

Amy is a divorce coach and award-winning journalist who survived a narcissist nightmare. She empowers women to be the CEO of their own divorce. Amy has coached hundreds of women in toxic relationships and writes for national news outlets about coercive control, domestic abuse, divorce, online dating and singlehood. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, The Washington Post, Newsweek, NBC News THINK, The Independent, New York Observer and Ms. magazine. She co-authored the groundbreaking book FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld with Dr. Christine Cocchiola which exposes the gender bias in our family court system (www.narcfreepress.com). Learn more about Amy at www.freedomwarrior.info and on Instagram @freedomwarriortribe

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