Why You Stayed, Why You Snapped, Why You’re Still Healing

In this brutally honest episode, Jessica Perini shares how unresolved childhood trauma and codependency led her into the grip of narcissistic abuse. Through brainspotting, somatic healing, and radical self-honesty, she clawed her way out—and is now helping others do the same.

🧠 The psychology of codependency & control

🔥 What reactive abuse actually looks like

🪞 Why narcissists are drawn to high-achieving women

💔 How trauma bonding keeps you stuck in toxic love

🧬 The impact of narcissistic abuse on your body & brain

🌱 Why talk therapy isn’t enough—and what actually works

💫 The long road to forgiveness, grace, and post-traumatic growth

🎙️ What We Talk About:

• Childhood trauma as the blueprint for toxic love
• How perfectionism and people-pleasing form early survival patterns
• Being trauma bonded to someone you don’t even like
• Narcissism vs codependency: how they mirror each other
• The hell of gaslighting, silent treatment, and coercive control
• Why self-awareness alone won't save you—but it starts there
• Reprogramming your body and brain for a new reality

🔑 Key Takeaways:“Trauma bonding isn’t love—it’s chemical addiction.”“Talk therapy didn’t heal me. Somatic work did.”“Narcissists don’t choose weak women. They choose strong ones to break.”“You are not crazy. You are conditioned. And you can heal.”

🙌 Why This Episode Matters:

Too many survivors are walking around thinking they're the problem. That they're crazy. That they "should’ve known better." But narcissistic abuse is built to be confusing, soul-crushing, and invisible to the outside world.

Jessica’s story cracks the silence wide open—and offers a way through. If you’ve ever felt like you’re losing yourself in a relationship, like you’re too broken to heal, or like you’re drowning in shame—this episode will bring light to the darkness.

You’re not alone. And it really can end with you.

💬 Connect with Jessica:

• 📸 Instagram: @jessmowhoa
• 🌐 Website: www.itendswithullc.com
• 📚 The Unseen Wounds of Women – Chapter: Lather, Rinse, Repeat… Until You Don’t

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 💣 Download the Survival Mode Exit Blueprint
• 👉🏾 Join the Survival Mode Exodus Membership
• 🎧 Subscribe to Survival Mode Disrupted: The Podcast on YouTube
• ✍🏾 Subscribe to Survival Mode Disrupted: The Newsletter on LinkedIn
• 💬 Book a 1:1 Session with Leticia
• 📖 Order Survival Mode Exit Plan Book