Why She Stayed
Grace Stuart
A podcast where we dive deep into what really goes on inside of domestic violence relationships that makes it so hard to simply "just leave". Through stories of survivors, and practical conversations with guests, I am going to put the microscope back on what the abuser is doing that causes us to become so trapped in the first place, and how each survivor was eventually freed. We will discuss what abusive relationships look like, sound like, and feel like for the purpose of educating and relating to one another in a much needed way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
Ep. 45: Emotional Abuse Can Feel like Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts - with Leah Aguirre
On this episode, I am joined by licensed therapist and author Leah Aguirre where we have an open conversation about "hidden" forms of abuse such as frequent criticism, belittling, and making you feel like nothing is ever good enough. We also discuss questions like "why does my abuser's ex say he wasn't abusive" and "how to not get confused when he starts acting nice again". Lastly, we talk about our takeaways from the Gabby Petito case and several other topics.Leah's Website, Links, & Socials: Book for pre-order: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/is-this-really-love-leah-aguirre-lcsw/1146033741Leah's group practice website: https://www.covecounselinggroup.com/Leah's Instagram: @leahaguirrelcswGrace's Instagram: @gracestuart26, @whyshestayedpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ep. 44: "I Was An Advocate For Victims, But I Didn't Realize I Was One Too"
On this episode, Naomi shares about the cognitive dissonance she experienced when she was working as a victim crime advocate not realizing that she herself was experiencing coercive control, abuse within her own marriage. We talk about her journey to gain clarity, how she left with children, and her abuser's famous words: "But I never hit you".Naomi's Instagram: @nar4124My Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ep. 43: Confusion Is The Hallmark Of Abuse
On this Episode, Liadan shares her abuse story and how confusion played a huge role in struggling to break free. We talk about continuous discarding as a form of abuse, triangulation, and how efficiently the abuser will turn the blame back onto you. This episode contains topics of emotional, verbal, & physical abuse. Liadan's Instagram: @liadanmairegunterLiadan's Website: https://www.therewiringlens.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 6min
Ep. 42: "It Felt Like Whiplash"
Nicole shares her abuse story of a 10+ year relationship/ marriage that included emotional, mental, financial, and escalating physical abuse. We discuss how the constant ups and downs felt like "whiplash" and how she ultimately left while her daughter was only 5 months old. Guest information will be kept private for now. You can follow me on Instagram @gracestuart26 and Tiktok @gracestuart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep. 41: Coercive Control- Dr. Christine Cocchiola
On this episode I am joined by coercive control expert Dr. Christine Cocchiola. We discuss examples of how abuse can feel both hidden & obvious, how the perpetrator frames you as the "bad" one, & the dynamic when children are involved. Dr. Cocchiola's website, books, & links:FRAMED Book: https://narcfreepress.com/Website: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/Protective Parenting Program: https://www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com/services/for-parents/Instagram: @dr.cocchiola_coercivecontrol Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 14min
Ep. 40: "It Felt Like My Brain Was No Longer Mine"
Sasha shares her story of how she found herself in an intense cycle of abuse with a man who claimed to be "trauma informed" and emotionally mature, but was actually abusing and causing massive confusion behind closed doors. We talk about feeling like they are your best friend and worst nightmare at the same time, how the stress of abuse affects your physical health, and why couples counseling can make matters worse.Sasha's Website & Social Media:www.OurSacredSpaceRiverside.comBusiness Instagram: @OurSacredSpaceRiversidePersonal Instagram: @Lunallenawellness Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
Ep. 39 Psychological Abuse, Isolation, & Leaving with a Child
On this episode, my guest Cory shares her abuse story about how she survived a cycle of fast love bombing, being hurt by the same person who "rescues you", how your body will start to reject them, and how she found the strength to leave with a young child.Follow Cory's Instagram: @coryannmichel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 9min
Ep 38: Can Coercive Control be Accidental? Do I Owe Him One Last Talk?- Full Q&A
During this episode, I will be answering your most commonly asked questions about abuse and healing. We discuss questions such as:Can abuse be unintentional? Do I owe my abuser one last conversation?Best way to deal with the silent treatmentHow to stop comparing yourself to the next person they are withAnd more. See more Q&As covered through my Instagram: @gracestuart26 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep. 37: When He's on a Pedestal & Puts You in Lose-Lose Situations
On this episode, Megan shares her abuse story of how isolation & accusations were slowly introduced, how abusers will put you in lose-lose situations, how it feels like we always need more "proof" to leave them, and how she eventually left for good.Next episode will air on Tuesday, January 7th. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 17, 2024 • 1h 10min
Ep. 36: Non-Fatal Strangulation: How it's Introduced and Escalates- Dr. Dana Anderson
On this episode I am joined by forensic psychologist Dr. Dana Anderson where we discuss the dangers of non-fatal strangulation, what it is, what "counts", why it matters, and answering your most commonly asked questions. Dr. Anderson's website and social links: Instagram: dr.dana_andersonTiktok: @killerpsychologistWebsite: https://psychologydr.com/doctor-of-clinical-forensic-psychology/Further resources and videos: https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/being-choked-during-sex-is-rising-in-popularity-among-young-peoplehttps://www.familyjusticecenter.org/resources/survivors-perspective-the-impact-of-strangulation-during-sex-sexual-choking/https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/domestic-violence-op-ed-column/after-four-strangulations-i-googled-domestic-abusehttps://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/identifying-abuse/strangulation-is-the-highest-predictor-of-murderhttps://www.strangulationtraininginstitute.com/non-fatal-strangulation-is-what-domestic-violence-advocates-fear-the-most-right-now/https://www.dangerassessment.org/DA.aspx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
