The Unseen Wounds — Psychological Abuse, Self-Trust & the Path to Advocacy

"Is Anybody Out There?” is a powerful and heartfelt podcast co-hosted by Patti Collins and Andrea Langefeld, empowered by Women Helping Women. Dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence, the show creates a safe and supportive space where survivors, advocates, and allies can speak, be heard, and find connection. Each episode shines a light on the many forms of abuse—emotional, physical, financial, and psychological—through unfiltered survivor stories, expert perspectives, and practical resources for healing and empowerment. Through survivor stories, expert conversations, musical guests, and open listener call-ins, each episode builds a community of hope, strength, and understanding. Whether you’re surviving, healing, or supporting someone who is, this podcast reminds you: you are not alone. Join Patti Collins and her guests as they break the silence, end the stigma, and empower women everywhere. In this episode, Patti and Andrea sit down with Chris Gerrard, the first male survivor to share his story on the show. His experience shines a powerful light on a form of domestic violence that often goes unnoticed, unnamed, and unvalidated — psychological abuse. Chris, a staff member from Is Anybody Out There Podcast?, whose life revolves around logic, precision, and clarity, found himself unraveling under the weight of manipulation, isolation, and emotional control. Abuse that left no bruises… but left deep wounds. In this conversation, Chris opens up about how psychological abuse began and slowly eroded his confidence, the moment he realized what he was experiencing was abuse, the challenges men face when seeking help in a system that rarely sees them as victims, the long and difficult process of rebuilding self-trust after emotional manipulation, and how he turned his pain into purpose through dedicated advocacy work. This episode is a reminder that abuse is abuse, whether or not it leaves scars. And that men, too, deserve safety, validation, and support. Music Guest: Kristen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@k_sings_loud If you are a survivor, a supporter, or someone who believes in the power of purpose-driven art — this episode is your reminder that healing can come from unexpected places… and that you are never alone.