In this episode, we uncover how toxic family dynamics mirror cult-like control.

Drawing on personal experiences and clinical expertise, this thought-provoking conversation with Vanessa Reiser will explore how toxic family environments resemble cults, tactics abusers use to manipulate, and the path toward reclaiming autonomy.

✅ Cult of One - the qualities that make up a psychopathic personality

✅ The power of isolation and confusion toxic relationships have on their victims

✅ Why it’s often more challenging and painful to leave a toxic family than a toxic romantic partnership

✅ Any group can take on characteristics of a cult.

✅ Often don’t know know you’re in a cult-like scenario for quite some time

✅ Families can be run as mini-cults

✅ Emotional Cannibalism

✅ How we replicate toxic patterns of behavior we learned in childhood in our romantic relationships

✅ The impact of toxic relationships and leaving them on our children

✅ Finding the will to leave and stay gone

Vanessa Reiser is a mother, author, entrepreneur, 2x Ironman, and psychotherapist licensed in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. She is also the founder of Tell a Therapist, LLC and is best known for her run across the state of New York (285 miles in 11 days) in a wedding dress to raise awareness for narcissistic abuse. She also subsequently ran across NJ, CT, and MA. Her insights are personal and professional, giving her a unique lens into this insidious form of domestic abuse.

Vanessa holds a bachelor's degree in political science and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California with a focus on community organizing.

Vanessa is also a social media influencer, sharing life-changing information that is educational and validating to those impacted by narcissistic abuse. Vanessa has been interviewed by prestigious news and media outlets like People Magazine, The New York Times, Fox News, MSN, and The New York Post.

Mentioned in the episode:

📌 [Book] Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist’s Guide to Identifying, Escaping, and Healing from Toxic and Manipulative People by Vanessa M. Reiser - https://bit.ly/3C6fGgO

Connect with Vanessa:

📌 Website: https://tellatherapist.net/

📌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessareiserlcsw/

📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.pugliese

📌 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessareiser

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NEW BOOK!!!

Adult Survivors of Emotionally Abusive Parents: How to Heal, Cultivate Emotional Resilience, and Build the Life and Love You Deserve - https://amzn.to/3UhURWI

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Books by Dr. Sherrie Campbell:

⚉ Adult Survivors of Toxic Family Members: Tools to Maintain Boundaries, Deal with Criticism, and Heal from Shame After Ties Have Been Cut. - https://amzn.to/3L3sMuA

⚉ But It’s Your Family…: Cutting Ties with Toxic Family Members and Loving Yourself in the Aftermath -