logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
40m 55s

Is it Reactive Abuse or Reactive Defense...

Abuse Survivor Network
About this episode

Brandon discusses Reactive Defense & the Reactive Defense Response, why it's significant, and how it's manipulated by abusers to shift blame onto their victims. You'll learn how these tactics are used to frame the abuser as the innocent party, manipulate victims into feeling guilt and shame, and even blackmail victims. We also shine a light on the widespread misconception of mutual abuse, and the importance of recognizing signs of Reactive Defense and Coercive Control as a whole. Join us as we navigate through these challenging topics, providing clarity and support along the way.

If you want to be a guest on our survivor story podcast, please click here or send us an email at narcissistapocalypse@gmail.com

To help out our podcast, please fill out our listener survey, click here.


Thank you to our sponsor BETTERHELP. If you need online counseling from anywhere in the world, please do go to https://www.betterhelp.com/nap Get started today and enjoy 10% off your first month.

Thank you to our sponsor FACTOR. To get delicious fresh healthy meals delivered to your door and ready in 2 minutes, go to Factor at https://www.factormeals.com/nap50 and use promo code NAP50 to get 50% off.

If you or someone you know are experiencing abuse, you are not alone. DomesticShelters.org offers an extensive library of articles and resources that can help you make sense of what you're experiencing, connect you with local resources and find ways to heal and move forward. Visit www.domesticshelters.org to access this free resource. 

If you need help moving due to domestic violence, Shelter Movers may be able to help you. They operate by referral. Clients may be referred by any person of authority (social worker, doctor, police, crisis counselor, teacher, etc.) or public agency (shelter, hospital, school, workplace, place of worship, sexual assault centre, etc.).  To reach them, click here.


Join our new Community Social Network at https://community.narcissistapocalypse.com/


Join our Instagram Channel at https://www.instagram.com/narcissistapocalypse


Join our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpTIgjTqVJa4caNWMIAJllA


Misogyny, Empathy, Controller, Imposter syndrome, Validation, Relationship, Psychopath, Personality types, Narcissistic, Narcissism, Jealous, Infidelity, Domestic violence, Cptsd, Child abuse, Psychotherapist, Codependency, Verbal abuse, Trauma therapy, Stalking, Sexual abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Personality disorder, Narcissistic abuse, Manipulation, Financial abuse

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jul 7
Kristin & The Jealous Raging Narcissist | Domestic Violence & Narcissistic Abuse
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Kristin shares her harrowing experience with a narcissistic partner, detailing their tumultuous relationship and the impact on her life and children. Initially, Kristin was drawn to his charm and kindness, but soon faced his controlling b ... Show More
1h 40m
Jul 4
Rerelease: Janet, The Abusive Family, & The Predator | Domestic Violence
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Janet about growing up in an abusive household, which led her into the hands of a predator. It’s a story of trauma, addiction, grooming, physical & sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, identity, manipulation, gaslighting, s ... Show More
1h 30m
Jun 30
Gary & The Lying Physical Abuser | Domestic Violence
In this episode of Narcissist Apocalypse, Brandon talks with Gary about his marriage to a lying physical abuser. Gary met his future wife at university. They were quickly attached at the hip and eventually moved countries together when school finished. However, red flags were alr ... Show More
1h 28m
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2021
Healing From Abuse: Narcissists, Red Flags and Self Forgiveness w/ Doctor Nahla
In the words of Lydia Elle: You have to be heard to heal. Trigger Warning: When discussing narcissists, it tends to go hand in hand with the topic of abuse. Within this discussion we cover traits of a narcissistic partner while also touching upon the various forms of abuse. In to ... Show More
1h 8m
Aug 2023
Surviving Attempted Murder-Suicide
CW: This episode contains descriptions of DV, SA, suicide, and attempted murder. The cycle of abuse involves four stages: tension building, an explosive incident of abuse, a reconciliation or honeymoon phase, and a calm period. It's a pattern that repeats, making it difficult for ... Show More
1h 45m
Feb 2022
S11 E5: [Nina] There’s a Gun in the Car
This week survivor Nina shares her story. *Content warning: This episode includes descriptions of emotional, sexual and physical violence, gun violence, and murder.**Resources:The Domestic Violence Hotline offers free and confidential support, 24/7 at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), text ... Show More
1h 4m
Jul 2019
Safety + Coping Strategies for Leaving Abusive Relationships
In today’s episode, I interview Holistic Psychotherapist, Isaac Smith, MAT, LCSW, NTP to discuss why leaving an abusive relationship safely is important, the cycle of domestic abuse, creating a safety plan, resources available to all, and how others can best support those in an a ... Show More
27m 27s
Dec 2022
Psychothérapie
Bibliographie : Chambon, O., & Marie-Cardine, M. (2019). Les bases de la psychothérapie-3e éd.: Approche intégrative et éclectique. Dunod.Chemin, A. (2002). Quand commence la thérapie?. Cahiers de Gestalt-therapie, 11(1), 12-21.Colonomos, F. (2020). Qu’est-ce qui guérit dans la p ... Show More
28m 17s
Feb 2020
Domestic Violence: From Victim to Survivor
*Trigger warning: We discuss domestic violence in length throughout this episode. If you feel the content discussed may be triggering, please either proceed with caution or feel free to listen to any one of our previous episodes.* In our first episode of Season Two, we are joined ... Show More
1h 57m
May 2023
5 Mind Games Narcissists Play - The Psychology of a Narcissist
Welcome to our closing episode for the mental health month! We are often drawn to narcissists due to a combination of complex psychological factors. Their charismatic charm, confidence, and seemingly larger-than-life presence can initially captivate us. Unfortunately, this attrac ... Show More
35m 39s
Mar 2020
Mental Health, Boundaries + Self-Care during the COVID19 Crisis | Ft Ilyse Kennedy LPC, LMFT-A, PMH-C
Tiffany interviews Ilyse Kennedy, LPC, LMFT-A, PMH-C, to discuss how to talk with ourselves and kids about COVID19, how to make sure we are taking care of our mental health, prioritizing foundational self-care and setting proper boundaries during this unprecedented time. Some oth ... Show More
49m 45s
Jan 2024
From Victim to Victor: How to Kick Some Toxic Ass | Mariel Buque PT 2
Welcome back for part 2 of this mind-blowing conversation on Women of Impact, where my homie, trauma-informed psychologist, Mariel Buque PhD continues to expose the world of manipulation. Stick around and dive deep with us into the idea of holding a relationship funeral to ensure ... Show More
47m 43s
Mar 2024
To Forgive or Forget the Narcissist
Healthy//ToxicHealthy versus Toxic is a podcast where licensed mental health professionals explore what makes a relationship healthy or unhealthy. Our hosts aim to provide a scientifically informed perspective on what factors go into making healthy relationships, how to build sec ... Show More
15m 47s