Leaving a toxic relationship is never as simple as it seems from the outside. In this episode of Her Time to Talk, producer Sydney—who is also a clinical intern at Her Time Therapy—shares her raw and deeply personal journey of navigating heartbreak, breaking free from harmful dynamics, and rebuilding her life.

She reflects on her seven-year relationship with a partner struggling with addiction, the emotional toll of trying to hold things together, and the painful process of walking away. Just when she thought she had escaped toxicity, she found herself in an even more dangerous relationship—one marked by manipulation, gaslighting, and escalating abuse. Through candid storytelling, Sydney describes the psychological traps that kept her stuck, the moment she realized she had to leave, and the support that helped her do it safely.

This episode explores:

• Why leaving a toxic relationship is so difficult, even when you know it’s unhealthy
• The emotional and social losses that make walking away feel impossible
• The insidious nature of gaslighting, control, and emotional abuse
• The power of therapy, community, and self-reflection in reclaiming your identity
• How healthy love can feel "boring" after years of chaos—and why that’s a good thing

Sydney’s story is not just about heartbreak—it’s about resilience, self-trust, and the radical act of choosing yourself. If you've ever questioned your worth in a relationship, struggled to leave, or wondered if healing is truly possible, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood yet deeply transformative topics in mental health—Feminist Therapy. We explore the history of feminism, clarify misconceptions, and discuss how feminist therapy empowers clients to navigate societal oppression, reclaim their voice, and heal in a way that honors their lived experiences. Whether you’re a woman navigating gendered pressures or a man looking to break free from toxic masculinity, this approach offers tools for a more liberated and authentic mental health journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Feminism vs. Misconceptions – Addressing the negative connotations of feminism and clarifying what it truly stands for.
• Feminism and Mental Health – How systemic issues contribute to mental health struggles and why feminist therapy shifts the focus from “what’s wrong with me?” to “what happened to me?”
• The Evolution of Feminism – Understanding the first, second, and third waves of feminism and their impact on gender equality.
• Core Principles of Feminist Therapy – Including empowerment, collaboration, intersectionality, and addressing power dynamics in therapy.
• Who Can Benefit? – How feminist therapy supports all genders in challenging oppressive societal norms and reclaiming emotional well-being.
• Case Study – A real-world example of how feminist therapy can reshape the mental health narrative for marginalized individuals.

Referenced Resources & Links:

• Emma Watson’s HeForShe Speech (2014, United Nations)
• Books & Theorists Mentioned:
  • In a Different Voice – Carol Gilligan
  • Toward a New Psychology of Women – Jean Baker Miller

In this powerful episode, we explore the emotional aftermath of the 2024 presidential election and 2025 inauguration. For many women, this election felt deeply personal, bringing up grief, anger, and fear for what lies ahead. Together, we unpack these emotions, validate their significance, and discuss actionable strategies to move forward with resilience and purpose.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Naming Our Emotions:
   • Recognizing grief in its many forms—ambiguous, collective, and anticipatory—and understanding how it impacts us physically, emotionally, and relationally.
2. Journaling for Healing:
   • Structured prompts to process feelings and explore values, beliefs, and resilience.
3. Creative Expression:
   • Using art, music, or writing to process grief and cope with uncertainty.
4. Mindfulness Techniques:
   • Learn the grounding 5-4-3-2-1 technique and the STOP skill to regulate emotions during stressful moments.
5. Navigating Relationships:
   • Questions to reflect on maintaining or distancing relationships in a divided political climate.
6. Community and Connection:
   • The importance of fostering supportive connections and joining communities for collective action.
7. News Consumption and Balance:
   • Setting boundaries to protect your mental health while staying informed.
8. Transforming Grief into Empowerment:
   • Taking control of what you can, from small self-care steps to advocacy for causes you care about.

Grief, anger, and fear in the wake of the election are valid. By naming our emotions, practicing self-compassion, and taking intentional steps toward healing and action, we can reclaim our strength and create positive change. Remember, self-care and advocacy are acts of resilience and defiance.

🎙️ Tune in now on all major podcast platforms!
💬 Share your reflections and join the conversation using #HerTimeTherapy.

Additional Resources:

Book an appointment with Rhiannon, our art therapist.

Advocacy:

• https://www.humanrightscareers.com/magazine/organizations-gender-equality/
• https://sheshouldrun.org/
• https://www.girlsinc.org/
• https://www.globalfundforwomen.org/
• https://www.wfco.org/