Why You Didn’t Know It Was Abuse with Chelli Pumphrey | S2E8

Send Lisa a question for her to reply in a future episode!“If it was really abuse, you would’ve left.” That lie has silenced survivors for decades. The truth? Most women in abusive relationships don’t know it’s abuse, because abusers work hard to make sure they don’t. Lisa sits down with trauma therapist and “Love & Trust Therapist” Chelli Pumphrey to unpack the psychology behind not knowing. They dive into gaslighting, cognitive dissonance, and how abusers weaponize your empathy, optimism, and attachment against you. Chelli also shares her own story — as both a therapist and survivor — revealing how smart, capable women can still get trapped in psychological warfare disguised as love. This conversation will help you truly understand that manipulation is by design. Naming that truth is where your healing begins.Join Lisa Sonni & Dr. Peter Salerno in Boston, MA November 13-15, 2026 here: https://lisasonni.com/unbreakable-and-irreplaceable/ Support the showThis is the podcast they don't want you listening to.👉 Find me at lisasonni.com Book A Session with LisaJoin my online survivor community called She Rises Collective where we are breaking free, rebuilding and dismantling patriarchy. Follow on IGWatch on YouTubeGet My Books HereNew episodes drop every Tuesday.Subscribe, share it with someone who needs the truth - and remember:You’re stronger than they ever wanted you to believe.