When Love Becomes a Trap: Understanding the Hidden Nature of Domestic Abuse

About the EpisodeIn this episode of Midlife Reclaimed, I’m joined by Kim — a survivor of domestic abuse, a mother, an author, and a fierce advocate for truth-telling.This is a deeply important conversation.We explore the often unseen and misunderstood nature of domestic abuse — particularly the gradual ways it can unfold over time. The kind that doesn’t always look obvious from the outside, and can leave someone questioning their reality, their worth, and their sense of self.Kim shares her story with honesty and courage — speaking to the complexity of these experiences, the patterns that can develop, and what it takes to begin seeing things more clearly.A gentle note: this episode discusses domestic abuse and may feel heavy or activating for some listeners. Please take care as you listen, and pause or step away if you need.If this conversation brings up anything for you, or if you are in need of support, you’ll find links to international support services below.Support ServicesAustralia: 1800RESPECT — National Domestic Violence SupportLifeline Australia — 13 11 14USA: National Domestic Violence Hotline — thehotline.orgUK: National Domestic Abuse Helpline — refuge.org.ukAbout the Guest — KimKim is a survivor of domestic abuse, a mother, an author and a passionate advocate for truth-telling. She is also a trauma-informed energy practitioner, supporting others on their path to healing and recovery through a compassionate, lived-experience-informed approach. Through her work and her voice, Kim creates space for awareness, resilience, and hope.Kim’s ResourcesThe Boiling Water: When Love Becomes a TrapA collection of stories from survivors of domestic abuse, offering insight into the often subtle and gradual nature of abuse, and validating the lived experience of those who have been through it.Link: https://www.amazon.com/Boiling-Water-When-love-becomes/dp/1764133218Capacity for ConnectionA resource discussed in this episode, exploring how our emotional and nervous system capacity shapes our ability to connect — particularly in the context of parenting but can be applied to other challenging areas of life. Download https://drive.google.com/file/d/18RBmsnVALIbYZjm77Yko-8RHWdX4KEmh/view?usp=sharingHost: Shannon Swales: Clinical Psychologist, award-winning author, and midlife woman who’s walked through burnout and come out the other side. Shannon combines clinical wisdom with lived experience to support others navigating chronic stress, burnout, and big life transitions. Through gentle conversations and evidence-based insights, she helps women reconnect with themselves, reclaim their energy, and grow through what once felt like breaking points.If you enjoy the Midlife Reclaimed Podcast, join our community:• Midlife Reclaimed Online Community - a place to come back home to self - https://midlife-reclaimed.mn.co/• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn @shannon.a.swales• 1:1 Therapy: www.shannonaswales.com/therapy• Midlife Reclaimed Coaching for Women: www.shannonaswales.com/coaching• Reflective Supervision for Psychologists: www.shannonaswales.com/supervision-for-psychologistsSubscribe to my Mailing List: www.shannonaswales.com/subscribe and receive a free eJournal to assist in coming back to yourself.Disclaimer: This podcast does not create a therapist-client relationship with Shannon A Swales. The views expressed are general & not a substitute for personalised therapy. If in distress, seek professional help. Remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone.DisclaimerEngaging with this podcast does not intend to create, nor does it create, a therapist-client relationship between you and Shannon A Swales. All views, opinions, and tips expressed by me or my guests are general in nature and not a replacement for personalised therapy. As I have done for myself, I encourage anyone experiencing distress to seek professional support. In Australia, if you are in a life-threatening emergency, please dial 000. For immediate counselling, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or 13YARN (13 92 76) for First Nation Australians. Stay safe, and remember—you don’t have to face your struggles alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.