80: Surviving Domestic Violence: Janice Formichella’s Story of Escape, Strength and Healing

In this deeply empowering episode of Revolutionise Your Love Life, Heather Garbutt speaks with breakup coach and podcast host Janice Formichella about her personal journey of surviving domestic violence. With honesty, clarity and compassion, Janice opens up about the cycle of emotional, financial, and physical abuse she endured—and how she finally found the strength to leave for good.

This episode explores how domestic violence can begin with love bombing, charm and seduction, and slowly escalate into isolation, control and terror. It also addresses the painful realities of victim blaming, the emotional aftermath of trauma, and how survivors can begin to rebuild their lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Love Bombing & Red Flags
   Janice breaks down the early warning signs of abuse, from overwhelming gifts and attention to the subtle erosion of independence and support networks.
   
   
2. The Reality of Leaving
   Janice explains why leaving an abuser is rarely straightforward, discussing financial control, emotional dependency, and social isolation—and offering practical advice for escaping safely.
   
   
3. Healing & Reclaiming Power
   She reflects on her journey of healing, including the role of Codependents Anonymous, trauma therapy, and the joy of finally building a healthy, independent life on her own terms.

About The Host:
Heather has been working in mental and emotional health for over 30 years. First as an Art Psychotherapist then as a Counsellor and Couples Therapist. She now specialises in love and relationship coaching.
Heather is a qualified Calling in “The One” and “Conscious Uncoupling” coach, having been trained and mentored by Katherine Woodward Thomas. In addition, she is a long-term accredited member of The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Health and Care Professions Council registered and a member of The British Association of Arts Therapists.

About Janice:
Janice Formichella is a breakup coach and the host of the podcasts Sex and the Solo Girl and Breakups, Broken Hearts, and Moving On. She is passionate about helping people from all backgrounds to beat their breakup, overcome loneliness, and make the end of a relationship the start of a powerful new beginning. She is also a survivor of domestic violence and now uses her story to support others and raise awareness about the harmful impact of victim blaming.

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