Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic & Emotional Abuse

What happens when faith is used to control instead of heal?In this Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins and Dr. John Hudson unpack spiritual abuse in marriage—how scripture can be twisted into power, how gaslighting becomes “biblical,” and why many victims are dismissed by well-meaning church leaders.You’ll learn how partial-scripture manipulation works, why spiritual maturity and emotional maturity are not the same, what servant leadership actually looks like, and how to pursue safety, advocacy, and support without abandoning your faith.If you have felt silenced, confused, or blamed in the name of faith, this conversation offers language, clarity, and a next step.

What if the real issue isn’t narcissism—but entitlement, control, and emotional abuse?In this Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with Lundy Bancroft, author of Why Does He Do That?, to unpack one of the most confusing questions women ask: Why does he act this way—and why doesn’t he change?They explore the difference between narcissism, emotional immaturity, and abusive behavior; why traditional couples counseling can make things worse; why apologies and promises are not enough; and the red flags that reveal when power and double standards are driving the relationship.In this episode, we discuss:• Emotional abuse vs narcissism: what actually matters• Why abuse is not a “two-way street”• Why boundaries alone usually don’t fix abuse• The role of entitlement, payback, and double standards• Why exhaustion is often the clearest warning sign• What real change would actually have to look likeIf you’re asking:Is he abusive or just emotionally immature?Why do I feel exhausted, confused, and like I can’t do anything right?Can an abusive partner really change?This conversation gives language, clarity, and next steps.Take the Marriage Recovery Center Relationship Assessment:https://marriagerecoverycenter.com/assessment/Lundy Bancroft:https://lundybancroft.comBook: Why Does He Do That? Amazon: https://a.co/d/0jdqkj1C

Why does a man say he loves you—yet still leave you feeling alone, unheard, and emotionally unsafe?In this Clarity After the Conversation episode of Marriage Rehab, Dr. David Hawkins unpacks one of the most painful questions women ask: How can he say he loves me and still hurt me the same way over and over again?Building on the conversation with Dr. Eddie Capparucci, Dr. Hawkins explains why many men sincerely believe they are loving well while operating from emotional immaturity. You’ll hear why men often define love through staying, providing, or doing helpful tasks—but still fail to attune to their partner’s pain.Dr. Hawkins breaks down why emotionally immature men hear criticism instead of pain, why defensiveness instantly destroys connection, why explanation is not an excuse, and why boundaries matter when a woman is carrying the emotional weight of the relationship alone.If you are trying to discern emotional immaturity, emotional abuse, or narcissistic behavior, this episode offers clarity, language, and a next step.Related Episode: Why Men Struggle to Love (Episode 63) with Dr. Eddie Capparucciinnerchild-sexaddiction.comMarriageRecoveryCenter.com | 206-219-0145Comprehensive Relationship AssessmentMen’s Programs • Couples Intensives

Why do Christian couples drift apart—even when they love God and want their marriage to work? What do you do when emotional abuse, defensiveness, or disconnection quietly take over a Christian marriage?In this episode of Marriage Rehab: Exposing Narcissistic and Emotional Abuse, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with Bob Paul of Focus on the Family’s Hope Restored to talk about why even faith-based marriages lose connection, what keeps couples stuck, and how emotional safety, boundaries, and humility create the foundation for real reconnection.Together, they explore why “trying harder” isn’t enough in marriage—because healthy relationships require training, skill-building, and personal responsibility. Bob also speaks directly to Christian couples navigating emotional abuse, explaining why boundaries are not unloving and why protecting emotional, spiritual, and mental safety can be a deeply godly act.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Christian couples drift apartWhy love and faith alone are not enough without relationship skillsThe difference between trying and trainingHow statements like “I feel like…” often hide judgment and trigger defensivenessWhy humility and self-reflection are essential to healthy intimacyHow emotional abuse damages safety in marriageWhy boundaries in Christian marriage can be biblical and necessaryWhat real reconnection requires after distance, pain, and repeated hurtIf you’ve been asking:Why does my Christian marriage feel emotionally disconnected?Can I set boundaries in a Christian marriage?What does God-honoring safety look like in an emotionally abusive relationship?How do couples rebuild trust and connection after years of hurt?This conversation offers practical, biblical insight for couples who want more than surface-level advice. It offers a clearer path toward safety, truth, responsibility, and reconnection.Learn more about Hope Restored:focusonthefamily.comLearn more about Marriage Recovery Center:marriagerecoverycenter.com

Why do so many men believe they love their partner—yet she feels emotionally alone?In this Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins talks with counselor and author Dr. Eddie Capparucci about the “relational blind spots” that keep men stuck in emotional immaturity, defensiveness, and shutdown.You’ll learn why fear and emotional discomfort drive avoidance, why many men connect as “doers” or through physicality instead of emotional intimacy, and how attachment wounds from the family of origin can show up as minimizing, fixing, or dismissing.If you’re tired of the cycle—her needs → his defensiveness → disconnection—this conversation gives language, insight, and a practical path forward.You can find Dr. Eddie Capparucci @ https://abundantlifecounselingga.comhttps://a.co/d/aMQakJV

What happens when your spouse looks like a “good guy” at church—but at home, you’re ignored, invalidated, and left carrying the whole family? In this powerful Marriage Rehab episode, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with Angela Coblentz (nurse and lay counselor) to share a 25‑year story of covert narcissism, emotional neglect, and the slow accumulation that finally becomes “neon.”Angela describes early deception and spiritual cover‑ups, a marriage marked by absentee parenting and chronic ignoring, and the moment she realized her children were being sacrificed on the altar of a marriage that refused accountability. You’ll hear what emotional neglect can look like (hovering, shutdown, weaponized incompetence, image management), why over‑functioning wives burn out, and how church pressure to “forgive and move on” can unintentionally enable harm.If you feel unseen, trapped by vows, or unsupported by faith communities, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and a safety‑first path forward—especially when kids are affected.

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover tackle the dynamics of therapist-client relationships in a special installment of "Dr. Hawkins’ Reacts!" With Katie Buckley as the producer, they dive into real-life Reddit stories that highlight common struggles in therapy, including clients repeatedly canceling sessions, the concept of therapist neutrality, and maintaining healthy boundaries between clinicians and clients.Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan share their professional insights, offering guidance on how both therapists and clients can navigate these dynamics effectively to foster growth and trust. This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of the complexities in therapy relationships and offers valuable lessons for clinicians and clients alike.Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this episode of Mad.In.Love, Dr. David Hawkins sits down with special guest Dr. Stephanie Holmes, a psychologist and counselor specializing in neurodiverse relationships. Together, they explore the intersection of autism, neurodivergence, and emotionally abusive traits within intimate relationships.Dr. Holmes shares insights into common patterns and challenges neurodivergent couples face, often misunderstood as emotionally abusive behaviors. She highlights therapeutic strategies, the role of empathy in bridging gaps between neurotypical and neurodivergent partners, and practical advice for fostering healthier, more understanding relationships. Whether you're navigating a neurodiverse relationship or looking to better understand these dynamics, this episode offers encouragement and tools for growth.Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

In this insightful episode of the Mad.In.Love podcast, producer Katie Buckley brings real-life stories and questions from Reddit to the table, all centered around the theme of success in therapy. Joined by Dr. David Hawkins and Jonathan Glover, Katie reads a variety of posts from individuals seeking clarity on what to expect from therapy and what success should truly look like.Dr. Hawkins and Jonathan offer their professional perspectives, drawing from years of experience as clinicians, to react to these stories. They discuss the markers of successful therapy, realistic expectations, and the unique journeys that each client may experience. Whether you're currently in therapy or curious about what the process entails, this episode provides valuable insights and guidance on how to define and recognize success in your own therapeutic journey.Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on what it means to achieve success in therapy and how to set yourself up for meaningful progress.Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

Join us in another episode of Mad.In.Love with your host Dr. David Hawkins, alongside Jonathan Glover, Jill Stenerson, and producer Katie Buckley, as they delve into real-life stories sourced from Reddit. This episode focuses on the intricate dynamics of family boundaries, a topic that resonates with many. Dr. Hawkins, Jill Stenerson, and Jonathan Glover engage in a thoughtful discussion, offering insights into the importance of maintaining personal boundaries within family relationships. They provide practical advice and healthy strategies for responding to situations where these boundaries are overlooked or violated by family members. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on navigating boundary challenges with wisdom and empathy.Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

Welcome to Mad.In.Love! We have a very special episode this week where we’ll be talking about the effects of emotional abuse and trauma on our physical body. To help facilitate this conversation today, Dr. David Hawkins is joined by his esteemed colleagues, whom you’ve seen before on Mad.In.Love, Sharmen Kimbrough and Dr. Lenne’ Hunt. To add to this topic, we also have a VERY special guest, Dr. Hawkins' son, Dr. Tyson Hawkins! Tyson and Dr. Hawkins co-wrote their book, In Sickness and In Health, about this very topic. Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

Welcome to Mad.In.Love! If you are new here, I’m Dr. David Hawkins from the Marriage Recovery Center! Today we have a special guest speaker on our podcast, Dr. David Clarke! If you haven’t already heard of him, he is a Christian psychologist of over 35 years and I’ve recently read his book, Enough is Enough! I am excited to discuss this book and your work! Welcome, Dr. Clarke! If you would like to learn more about Dr. Clarke's book or information, here is information: Dr. Clarke’s book, Enough is Enough, which you can find on Amazon.com or you can also visit his website, www.davideclarkephd.com to learn more about his work! Founded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Mad.in.Love!I’m your host Dr. David Hawkins, a LicensedClinical Psychologist specializing in couples crisis counseling and narcissistic and emotionalabuse at the Marriage Recovery Center (MRC). Has your spouse beengiven every opportunity to heal and change, perhaps even in counseling,and still refusing to acknowledge any wrong doing or personal responsibility? It may be time for you to withdraw from that relationship that is only offering your heart and spirit chaos anddestruction. In this episode, we will discuss the many ways that you can work toward healing yourrelationship, but we’ll also discuss what to do when you’ve tried a thousand ways to reach your partner to connect and heal and there is “nothing more to be done.” I’m joined today by Sharmen Kimbrough, MA who specializes in Christ-centered counseling. Sharmen has been a counselor since 1995 and works primarily with women and couples whoare struggling with emotional and spiritual abuse and helps them find a way to heal and buildhealthier relationships. Her work is built on her personal experience with trauma includingemotional abuse, divorce, and single parenting, and she now uses her experiences to bringhope and wisdom to others struggling to make sense of their life and relationships. Sharmen Kimbrough at MRCFounded by Dr. David Hawkins, the Marriage Recovery Center is the leading authority on the treatment of narcissistic and emotional abuse. To schedule your in-person or video session, call our team at (206) 219-0145 or email info@marriagerecoverycenter.com ***Please note that Mad.In.Love welcomes guests with diverse viewpoints. Their beliefs do not necessarily reflect our mission at the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, but we value open dialogue and exploration.***