How to Help Someone in a Trauma Bond Without Pushing Them Away

What do you do when someone you love is trapped in an abusive relationship, but they are not ready to leave?

In this episode, Melissa Rymer joins Isabelle Bridges for a conversation about trauma bonds, narcissistic abuse, love bombing, gaslighting, financial control, isolation, and the difficult process of recognizing what is really happening inside an abusive relationship.

Melissa also shares one of the most important lessons from her own experience: trying to convince someone they are being abused can sometimes push them further away. She explains how friends and family can remain a safe source of support without becoming another person the victim feels pressured to avoid.

You’ll also hear Melissa discuss:

• How trauma bonds form and why they can be so difficult to break
• Early red flags that are easy to explain away
• How isolation makes someone easier to control
• What finally caused Melissa to recognize she needed to leave
• The mistake loved ones often make when trying to help
• How one longtime friend remained a lifeline for Melissa for years
• Practical first steps toward healing and rebuilding your life

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Are They a Narcissist? Free Questionnaire
https://bio.victimtowarriormethod.com/are-they-a-narcissist

Private Victim to Warrior Facebook Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thev2w

Victim to Warrior Mobile App
https://victimtowarrior.mn.co/plans/1983667

Blood Does Not Mean Bond by Melissa Rymer
https://amzn.to/4zQ3L07

Originally recorded with Isabelle Bridges and shared with permission.

Follow The Victim to Warrior Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more conversations about narcissistic abuse recovery, healing, rebuilding, and life after abuse.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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