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September 28, 2023 44 mins

Welcome back to the Dear Sunny Podcast! 

In this episode Tessa is sharing all about the dark world of toxic relationships as well as how to recognize, understand, and begin to heal from them. She dives deeper into her personal journey with toxic relationships in hopes that if you are or have experienced a toxic relationship(s) you can hopefully feel less alone and be positively impacted in your own healing and recovery.

Tessa candidly discusses:

  • The signs, symptoms and not-so-subtle red flags of a toxic relationship
  • The cyclical pattern that most toxic relationships follow: The repetitive nature of toxic dynamics and why it can be so difficult to break free
  • Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)
  • The profound impact of narcissistic behavior on victims and strategies to reclaim your life
  • Traits that make people more vulnerable: Exploring the qualities that may make some individuals more susceptible to toxic relationships
  • Codependency, manipulation, and trauma bonds: The complex interplays that often keep people trapped in toxic cycles
  • Her “3 Stages of Healing”: Surviving, Transformation, and Thriving


Mentioned in this episode:

Why Can't I Just Leave: A Guide to Waking Up and Walking Out of a Pathological Love Relationship by Kristen Milstead PH.D.

How to Carry What Can’t Be Fixed: Journal for Grief by Megan Devine 


Want to share your story of personal growth, healing, and turning your pain into power? Send an email to dearsunnypodcast@gmail.com


Connect with Tessa on Instagram @tessakahoun and join a community that helps lift one another up through honest storytelling and connection!

Want to share your story of personal growth, healing, and turning your pain into power? Send an email to dearsunnypodcast@gmail.com

Connect with Tessa on Instagram @tessakahoun and join a community that helps lift one another up through honest storytelling and connection!

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