Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic & Emotional Abuse

Growing up with an emotionally abusive or narcissistic parent doesn’t stop impacting you when you turn 18—it often shows up as guilt, anxiety, people‑pleasing, and painful family estrangement. In this episode of Marriage Rehab, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Ernest Hart (family interventionist) to unpack what happens to adult children inside a family culture built on denial, image management, and “pretending everything is fine.”

You’ll hear why many families get trapped in a shared fantasy—quickly moving past hurt to “let’s have lunch” while real pain goes unacknowledged—and how that shapes emotional maturity, em...

Why do so many men believe they love their partner—yet she feels emotionally alone?

In this Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins talks with counselor and author Dr. Eddie Capparucci about the “relational blind spots” that keep men stuck in emotional immaturity, defensiveness, and shutdown.

You’ll learn why fear and emotional discomfort drive avoidance, why many men connect as “doers” or through physicality instead of emotional intimacy, and how attachment wounds from the family of origin can show up as minimizing, fixing, or dismissing.

If you’re tired of the cycle—her needs → his...

Adult children of narcissistic or emotionally abusive families often learn to survive by pretending everything is fine. In this Clarity After the Conversation episode, Dr. David Hawkins explains why guilt, self-doubt, and silence take root—and the first boundary that helps you stop the cycle.
This episode focuses on three core patterns many listeners recognized in their own families:
- Pretending (acting as if nothing happened)
- The “shared fantasy” of a happy image
- Learning to make yourself small to survive

If you’ve ever wondered:
“Am I being disrespectful—or finally bein...

What happens when your spouse looks like a “good guy” at church—but at home, you’re ignored, invalidated, and left carrying the whole family? In this powerful Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with Angela Coblentz (nurse and lay counselor) to share a 25‑year story of covert narcissism, emotional neglect, and the slow accumulation that finally becomes “neon.”

Angela describes early deception and spiritual cover‑ups, a marriage marked by absentee parenting and chronic ignoring, and the moment she realized her children were being sacrificed on the altar of a marriage that refused accountability. You’ll hear what...

What happens when a marriage becomes emotionally entangled—one partner over-functions, the other under-functions, and both lose their sense of self? In this episode of Marriage Rehab, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with relationship specialists Chuck & Ashley Elliott to unpack emotional enmeshment, identity loss, and the “cardboard cutout” spouse dynamic (emotionally present in name only).

You’ll learn practical, actionable tools to rebuild connection—like how to save emotional energy for home, expand emotional language (especially for men), and interrupt conflict cycles with the Elliott’s “3 A’s to Change” (Awareness → Assess → Act). Plus, Chuck shares the powerful “buffalo vs...

In this episode, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with counselor and author Laurel Slade-Waggoner to unpack gaslighting in everyday relationships—not only in marriage, but also in families, churches, friendships, and workplaces. Laurel shares her story, defines the “crazy cycle” (love bombing → manipulation → blow-ups → apologies → repeat), and explains why many survivors become trauma-bonded to the cycle.

You’ll learn how to spot future faking, the crucial difference between mere regret and authentic repentance, and why consistency and accountability—not box-checking—signal real change. Laurel and Dr. Hawki...

When abuse shrinks you, how do you take up space again? In this episode of Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic and Emotional Abuse, clinical psychologist and bestselling author Dr. David B. Hawkins sits down with Kathy Young, a trauma-informed coach and survivor of a 35-year emotionally abusive marriage. Together, they unpack the survival strategy of “playing small,” the nuances of fawning, when gray rocking helps (and when it harms), and the trauma science (nervous system, polyvagal, complex trauma) behind exhaustion, hypervigilance, and losing your voice.

You’ll lea...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover tackle the  dynamics of therapist-client relationships in a special installment of "Dr. Hawkins’ Reacts!" With Katie Buckley as the producer, they dive into real-life Reddit stories that highlight common struggles in therapy, including clients repeatedly canceling sessions, the concept of therapist neutrality, and maintaining healthy boundaries between clinicians and clients.

Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan share their professional insights, offering guidance on how both therapists and clients can navigate these dynamics effectively to foster growth and trust. This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of the com...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue, for an impactful conversation on challenging harmful evangelical teachings about sex and marriage. Sheila shares her journey into this work, including what inspired her to conduct the largest-ever study on evangelical women’s marital and sexual satisfaction.

Together, they delve into troubling beliefs uncovered by Sheila’s research, explore how these teachings contribute to harm and dissatisfaction in relationships, and discuss actionable strategies for reclaiming sexual wholeness—particularly for survivors of narcissistic and emotional abuse. Sheila also highli...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Ernest Hart, a seasoned clinician at the Marriage Recovery Center, to explore the complexities of family interventions in the context of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and emotional abuse. Together, they discuss the unique challenges families face when attempting to confront destructive dynamics and the essential steps to stage a successful and compassionate intervention.

Ernest shares insights from his extensive experience working with families, offering practical advice on how to approach intervention with clarity, empathy, and firmness. This episode provides valuable tools for families seeking...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes back Karla Downing, best-selling author, seasoned speaker, and founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com, for Part 2 of their insightful conversation. Karla, a marriage and family therapist passionate about helping individuals and couples break free from dysfunction and scriptural misconceptions, dives deeper into some of the critical issues discussed in their previous interview.

Together, they explore how scriptural misunderstandings can perpetuate unhealthy dynamics in marriages, including topics like submission, forgiveness without boundaries, and self-sacrifice. Karla also shares valuable insights on knowing and speaking one’s truth, overcoming fears to se...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes back Karla Downing, award-winning author, speaker, and founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com. In her previous episode, Karla shares powerful insights from her book 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, offering practical tools and wisdom for women navigating challenging relationships. In Part 2, Dr. Hawkins and Karla continue their conversation as they dive deeper into the topics they did not get to in the Part 1. 

Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule y...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Dr. Carol Tanksley, author of Sexpectations, and MRC clinician Jill Stenerson to discuss the intersection of sexual intimacy, emotional abuse, and narcissistic behaviors in relationships. Together, they explore what healthy intimacy looks like, how to heal from sexual harm caused by abuse, and practical steps toward sexual wholeness. Whether you're recovering from past trauma or navigating challenges in your current relationship, this episode offers hope and guidance for your journey.

Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Dr. John Hudson and Ernest Hart to explore the Marriage Intensive Programs offered at the Marriage Recovery Center. These intensive sessions provide high-conflict couples with focused, in-person work over the course of three transformative days. The conversation highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations, reviewing the Couple’s Readiness Document, and preparing for a productive experience. The team also addresses the common misconception that all relationship issues can be resolved in a single weekend, while explaining what clients can expect during and beyond an Intensive. Tune in...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins welcomes Karla Downing, award-winning author, speaker, and founder of ChangeMyRelationship.com. Karla shares powerful insights from her book 10 Lifesaving Principles for Women in Difficult Marriages, offering practical tools and wisdom for women navigating challenging relationships. Together, they explore transformative principles such as "changing yourself, not them," "detaching with love," and "speaking your truth in love." Karla also addresses the complexities of setting healthy boundaries and debunks common scriptural misconceptions that can hinder personal growth and relational health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope and guidance in...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with special guest Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a psychologist and counselor specializing in neurodiverse relationships. Together, they explore the intersection of autism, neurodivergence, and emotionally abusive traits within intimate relationships.

Dr. Holmes shares insights into common patterns and challenges neurodivergent couples face, often misunderstood as emotionally abusive behaviors. She highlights therapeutic strategies, the role of empathy in bridging gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent partners, and practical advice for fostering healthier, more understanding relationships. Whether you're navigating a neurodiverse relationship or looking to better understand these dynamics...

What is the long-term impact of divorce and narcissistic abuse on children once they grow into adults? In this episode, Dr. David Hawkins speaks with Kent Darcie, founder of Adult Children of Divorce Ministries and author of Choose a Better Path: Overcoming the Impact of Your Parents’ Divorce.

Together they explore:

How unresolved family trauma shapes adult relationships and parentingThe connection between divorce, narcissistic abuse, and emotional woundsPractical strategies for breaking generational cycles of dysfunctionFinding hope, resilience, and healing after family breakdown

This ep...

In this episode of Dr. Hawkins' Reacts, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover join Katie Buckley as she reads real-life relationship stories found online. These accounts detail complex situations, and Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan weigh in to determine if there are signs of emotional abuse. With their expert analysis and compassionate approach, they break down the behaviors, offer insights into what emotional abuse looks like, and provide guidance for anyone facing similar challenges. This episode is an eye-opening and thought-provoking exploration of how toxic dynamics can manifest in relationships—and how to recognize them. Tune in for valuable advice an...

In this episode, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Dr. Gregory Jantz, a renowned expert in mental health, to discuss the powerful intersections of anxiety, trauma, and social media. Together, they unpack how social media shapes perceptions of emotional abuse, often distorting reality and amplifying feelings of insecurity and fear. Dr. Jantz and Dr. Hawkins explore the ways anxiety and unresolved trauma can influence how individuals experience and respond to emotional abuse, as well as how the digital age complicates these dynamics. With practical insights and actionable advice, this episode sheds light on navigating these challenges in a hyperconnected...

In this episode of Dr. Hawkins' Reacts, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover tackle a heartfelt and thought-provoking email sent in by one of our listeners. Katie Buckley reads the email aloud, sharing the listener's personal story and struggles, prompting Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan to provide their expert insights and practical advice. Together, they unpack the emotional dynamics at play, addressing key questions about narcissism, emotional abuse, and steps toward healing. With their compassionate and informed responses, this episode offers listeners valuable tools for navigating high-conflict relationships. Don’t miss this candid and impactful discussion!

Founded by Dr...

In this insightful follow-up episode, Dr. David Hawkins is joined once again by Lucas Forstmeyer to explore a high-conflict case through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, they dive into the complexities of navigating toxic relationship dynamics, breaking down how IFS can help uncover the internal parts at play in both partners. Dr. Hawkins and Lucas provide a detailed and compassionate analysis, highlighting how self-awareness and accountability are key to breaking the cycle of emotional conflict. Whether you’re new to IFS or looking for fresh insights on high-conflict relationships, this episode is packed with practical tools an...

In this episode of Dr. Hawkins' Reacts, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover dive into a fascinating discussion as Katie Buckley presents fictional character personality traits for their analysis. Together, they explore whether these characters exhibit narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) traits or simply display toxic or emotionally abusive behaviors. Through their expert insights, Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan break down the complexities of narcissistic tendencies versus full-blown NPD, providing listeners with valuable tools for identifying and understanding these patterns in real life. Packed with humor, expertise, and practical takeaways, this episode offers a unique and enlightening perspective on the challenges...

In this episode of the Mad.In.Love podcast, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by Lucas Forstmeyer, a renowned practitioner and course creator specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Together, they explore the complex dynamics of narcissism, emotional abuse, and how specific patterns of behavior impact relationships.

Lucas and Dr. Hawkins dive into the nuances of the term "narcissism," discussing when it's helpful to label behaviors and when it might be more effective to focus on specific patterns instead. They explore the concept of "Protective Parts" within IFS, which are often responsible for seemingly negative behaviors as...

In this insightful episode of the Mad.In.Love podcast, producer Katie Buckley brings real-life stories and questions from Reddit to the table, all centered around the theme of success in therapy. Joined by Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover, Katie reads a variety of posts from individuals seeking clarity on what to expect from therapy and what success should truly look like.

Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan offer their professional perspectives, drawing from years of experience as clinicians, to react to these stories. They discuss the markers of successful therapy, realistic expectations, and the unique journeys that...

In this engaging episode of the Mad.In.Love podcast, Katie Buckley is joined by Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover to dive into stories and comments shared by our listeners. Katie reads aloud a selection of heartfelt and thought-provoking stories submitted by our audience, prompting Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan to provide their expert insights and reactions. Whether you're looking for guidance or simply curious to hear different perspectives, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone navigating the complexities of love and relationships.

Tune in to hear Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan tackle real-life scenarios with empathy, wisdom...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins explores the pervasive issue of loneliness in the modern world, a concern that has become increasingly prominent in the aftermath of the global pandemic. Joining him is Jack Eason, a seasoned speaker and advocate for the power of genuine human connections, who also serves as the Executive Director of Crossover CUPS Mission, making significant strides in bettering the lives of families and children across various countries.

Jack shares his extensive experience and observations on loneliness, addressing the common misconceptions about who it affects and highlighting its relevance...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins invites Kristen Jenson, the founder of Defend Young Minds and the acclaimed author behind a movement to protect children in the digital age. Kristen's commitment to safeguarding young minds from the dangers of internet pornography is both inspiring and essential in today's tech-savvy world.

Kristen opens up about the compelling reasons that drove her to address such a challenging topic through her literature, aimed at empowering children with knowledge and resilience. She underscores the importance of parents initiating conversations about internet safety early on, providing practical advice...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, we are honored to host Chuck and Ashley Elliott, a couple whose life work has touched many hearts through their engaging content and impactful collaborations with platforms like YouVersion and RightNow Media. As a pastor and a licensed counselor, respectively, their journey is one of faith, resilience, and profound insights into relational success and navigating grief.

Today, Chuck and Ashley open up about the inspiration behind their poignant book, 'I Used to Be___,' sharing personal stories of vulnerability, including their own experience with miscarriage, and the challenging path towards...

Join us in another episode of Mad.In.Love with your host Dr. David Hawkins, alongside Jonathan Glover, Jill Stenerson, and producer Katie Buckley, as they delve into real-life stories sourced from Reddit. This episode focuses on the intricate dynamics of family boundaries, a topic that resonates with many. Dr. Hawkins, Jill Stenerson, and Jonathan Glover engage in a thoughtful discussion, offering insights into the importance of maintaining personal boundaries within family relationships. They provide practical advice and healthy strategies for responding to situations where these boundaries are overlooked or violated by family members. Tune in for an enlightening...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, hosted by Dr. David Hawkins, we're thrilled to introduce Kimmy Seltzer, a renowned Confidence Therapist, Authentic Dating Strategist, and Image Expert. Kimmy's groundbreaking "confidence makeover" process has revolutionized the way individuals approach dating and relationships, helping countless people around the globe find true love and connection.

Join us as Kimmy delves into her unique methodology, sharing the development of "The Charisma Quotient" and offering actionable tips to enhance self-confidence and allure in dating and beyond. She explores the profound impact of personal style and wardrobe on one's self-image and appeal...

In this episode, we were honored to have Dr. Bob Burbee, a seasoned licensed psychologist with over 37 years of experience. Specializing in working with individuals, couples, families, and groups, Dr. Burbee brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the dynamics of relationships.

As a key therapist at the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute (FMI), he leads both Group and Private Marriage Intensives, in addition to training other therapists in Focus Marital Therapy. His involvement in Intensive programs dates back to 2000, making him a pioneer in this area. Dr. Burbee has also been an educator, teaching...

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, hosted by Dr. David Hawkins from the Marriage Recovery Center, we welcome back Dr. David Clarke, a Christian psychologist with over 35 years of experience. Dr. Clarke joins us to discuss his latest book, 'Adult Children Who Break Your Heart,' a follow-up to his renowned work, 'Enough is Enough!'

Throughout the episode, Dr. Clarke delves into the intricate dynamics of dealing with adult prodigals. He begins by defining what constitutes a prodigal in today's context and explores the reasons behind the increasing number of adult prodigals. Addressing the challenges...

Welcome to the latest episode of 'Dr. Hawkins Reacts!' hosted by Dr. David Hawkins, alongside Jonathan Glover and our producer, Katie Buckley.

In this episode, Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan delve into compelling stories from Reddit that explore the intricate layers of family dynamics, the nuances of communication, and the challenges of judgment within relationships. They also discuss practical DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) tools, offering insightful ways to reframe conversations and enhance understanding in complex familial situations.

Join us for an engaging journey through real-life scenarios, where Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan provide expert analysis and...

Join us in Episode 9 of 'Mad.In.Love' with your host Dr. David Hawkins from the Marriage Recovery Center and Emotional Abuse Institute. In this episode, we welcome Sharmen Kimbrough, one of our distinguished clinicians, as we delve into the intricate and often misunderstood concept of 'Spiritual Bypassing.'

Sharmen brings her expertise and enthusiasm to the table, unpacking what spiritual bypassing truly means. Through a series of examples and anecdotal stories, we explore how this phenomenon can unintentionally hinder the counseling process and obstruct therapeutic change.

The discussion also navigates the differences between spiritual...

Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover are back with Katie Buckley for another Dr. Hawkins' Reacts! episode! 

Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan discuss how video game addiction (and other behavioral process addictions) can lead towards emotional neglect in relationships. Listen to Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan suggest helpful tips in how to engage in clear, vulnerable, and helpful communication. 

Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email in...

In the latest episode of Mad.In.Love, we dove deep with our Core Program facilitators to explore the multi-faceted approach to emotional healing that is at the heart of the Comprehensive Core Program. Lee Kaufman, Jill Stenerson, Jonathan Glover, Dr. John Hudson, and Dr. David Hawkins gave us valuable insights into the progressive stages of this transformative program.

Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com<...