She Says You’re Emotionally Abusive… But Are You?
🎙️ Episode 53: She Says You’re Emotionally Abusive… But Are You?
More and more men are walking into counseling asking the same question:
“What if I’m the problem?”
Their wife or girlfriend says they’re narcissistic.
Emotionally abusive.
Controlling.
And because they’re conscientious, self-reflective men… they start to believe it.
But what if the truth is more complicated?
In this episode, Mark and Zack break down what emotional abuse actually is — and how to tell the difference between:
• Normal conflict
• Mutual dysfunction
• And real patterns of power, fear, and control
This is not about blaming women. It’s about clarity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The 5 clinical markers of emotional abuse
✅ The difference between normal conflict and abusive patterns
✅ What “power and control” actually means in a relationship
✅ How gaslighting and identity erosion show up
✅ How trauma can fuel abusive dynamics (in either direction)
✅ What to do if you recognize these patterns in yourself or your spouse
📘 Get Mark’s Free Book
Download your free copy here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
📚 Mark’s Books
Explore books & resources:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
📞 Ready for a Clarity Call?
If you need objective clarity about what’s happening in your relationship, apply here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
💬 Comment Below:
Have you ever quietly wondered if you were the villain in your own relationship?
What helped you gain clarity?
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break destructive patterns, heal from trauma, strengthen their marriages, and lead their families with courage and wisdom.
We combine clinical psychology, EMDR-informed insight, and faith-based principles to help men build strength without losing tenderness.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Break free.
Heal deep.
Become the lion God created you to be.
More and more men are walking into counseling asking the same question:
“What if I’m the problem?”
Their wife or girlfriend says they’re narcissistic.
Emotionally abusive.
Controlling.
And because they’re conscientious, self-reflective men… they start to believe it.
But what if the truth is more complicated?
In this episode, Mark and Zack break down what emotional abuse actually is — and how to tell the difference between:
• Normal conflict
• Mutual dysfunction
• And real patterns of power, fear, and control
This is not about blaming women. It’s about clarity.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
✅ The 5 clinical markers of emotional abuse
✅ The difference between normal conflict and abusive patterns
✅ What “power and control” actually means in a relationship
✅ How gaslighting and identity erosion show up
✅ How trauma can fuel abusive dynamics (in either direction)
✅ What to do if you recognize these patterns in yourself or your spouse
📘 Get Mark’s Free Book
Download your free copy here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/subscribe/
📚 Mark’s Books
Explore books & resources:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/books/
📞 Ready for a Clarity Call?
If you need objective clarity about what’s happening in your relationship, apply here:
👉 https://escapethecagenow.com/call/
💬 Comment Below:
Have you ever quietly wondered if you were the villain in your own relationship?
What helped you gain clarity?
Click here to watch a video of this episode.’
About the Lion Counseling Podcast
The Lion Counseling Podcast helps high-achieving Christian men break destructive patterns, heal from trauma, strengthen their marriages, and lead their families with courage and wisdom.
We combine clinical psychology, EMDR-informed insight, and faith-based principles to help men build strength without losing tenderness.
New episodes drop every Tuesday.
Break free.
Heal deep.
Become the lion God created you to be.
Creators and Guests
Host
Mark Odland
Founder of Lion Counseling, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist
