What if the mentor you trusted to elevate you was actually the one holding you back? Spiritual leadership should empower—not manipulate. It’s time we talk about what happens when coaching crosses the line.
In this eye-opening new series, I join Robyn McKay for a raw and vulnerable conversation about a toxic coaching experience we both went through—along with other women in our industry. This is the first of a series of episodes where we unpack the red flags, manipulative tactics, and unethical practices that took place, and how we finally broke free.
In this first episode of the series, I take the guest seat and share my experience and POV with coach "Betty". I share how I found myself in a high-control mentorship dynamic, what made me question my own judgment, and why it took time to fully recognize the emotional and psychological impact of this experience. We explore the power imbalances, coercion, and gaslighting that often go unnoticed in spiritual coaching spaces—and how to spot them before they cause harm.
This series isn’t about blame—it’s about education, empowerment, and healing. If you’ve ever felt manipulated or misled in the coaching world, or if you want to learn how to navigate mentorship with discernment, this conversation is for you.
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS
(00:00) Intro
(00:52) Welcome to the Bewitched Series
(01:53) Ethical Dilemmas and Vulnerability
(03:30) How and Why Bewitched was Born
(07:58) The Metamorphosis Method is Almost Here
(08:54) When Coaching Goes Bad...Finally Sharing My Experience
(12:47) Working with "Betty": Early Successes
(19:50) Red Flags - Manipulative Practices, Ethical Concerns, and The Snake Bite
(32:08) Coercive Control
(44:16) Retreat Experiences and High-Control Tactics
(52:20) The Concept of a Clear Channel
(52:52) Patterns of Manipulation, The San Diego Retreat Experience, Psychodrama and Altered States
(56:06) Questioning Intentions and Ethics
(01:00:05) Deciding on the Santa Fe Retreat - Manipulative Sales Tactics and Recognizing the Patterns
(01:07:53) Realizations and Reflections
(01:10:16) "Talking to You is Like Groundhog Day" - The Miracle of Getting "Fired"
(01:17:47) Questioning Myself, Healing and Moving Forward
(01:26:24) Final Thoughts and Advice
**WAYS TO ENTER MY WORLD**
- Leave a review, send us a screenshot and get a $250 credit, you can apply to anything else in my world.
- The Metamorphosis Method starts February 27th and you can still enroll. Master my proven methodology to guide your clients to rapidly and efficiently transmute lifetimes of familial and ancestral trauma. Jump on a call with me to learn more about the program and find out if this is a fit for you.
CONTACT ROBYN
- drrobynmckay.com
- Follow her on Instagram
- Or contact her directly at robyn@drrobynmckay.com
CONTACT ALYSE
- Join my FB group
- IG @alyse_breathes
- Visit alysebreathes.com
- info@alysebreathes.com
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