Episode 5

full
Published on:

3rd Dec 2025

4 Hidden Forms of Abuse You May Be Living In

We often hear: “But he’s never hit me…”

If you’ve ever said that to minimize your feelings, explain away the confusion, or question what you’re living in, this episode is for you.

Hidden abuse leaves no bruises, but its impact can be just as real—and often harder to name. Your story is worthy of being validated, not minimized or dismissed. In this episode, we explore four forms of non-physical abuse that can quietly erode your sense of self:

Emotional abuse — when your feelings are dismissed, shamed, or used against you

Psychological abuse — when your memory, reality, or perception is questioned

Spiritual abuse — when faith language is misused to pressure, guilt, or silence

Economic abuse — when finances and access are controlled or limited

You’ll learn common tactics that may feel familiar, and how to start trusting your own perception again—without pressure, labels, or urgency.

You are not “too sensitive.”

You are not imagining it.


Your experience matters. 🤍

☕️ New episodes drop on Wednesdays. Follow so you never miss one.


🙏 A special welcome if you just started following — I’m grateful you’re here. 🤍

👉 Start the healing journey here:


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_cSXSdist0GYS4EL-yT9ockORATI-MY5

📓 Companion Journal (Episode 7):


If something stirred in you today, you don't have to hold it alone.


This journal gives you a private place to process at your own pace.


https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1867562/169273078818276447/share

Listen & Subscribe

🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen


📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1


🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341


🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306


🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


📓 Free Companion Journals: https://validatedpodcast.com/validated-vault

In This Episode

00:00 Introduction and Purpose


00:16 What Makes Hidden Abuse Hard to See


02:47 What’s Really Behind All Forms of Abuse


05:19 Emotional Abuse


08:18 Psychological Abuse


15:17 Spiritual Abuse


24:59 Economic Abuse


27:25 Closing Reflections + Gentle Next Steps

#Validated #OwnVoiceHeal #hiddenabuse #emotionalabuse #amioverreacting #toxicrelationshiphelp #newpodcast


Music Credit & License

Intro/Outro music: “Lofi Background Music-337568” by [Artist] — licensed via Pixabay.


Licensed under the Pixabay Content License (free for commercial use; no attribution required). Content ID registered; used with license.


Disclaimer

I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.


This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.


If you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. You are worthy of such support.

Listen for free

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About the Podcast

Validated: Own. Voice. Heal.
Faith-rooted support and practical tools for women facing hidden abuse.
Validated is a podcast for women navigating hidden psychological, emotional, spiritual, and financial abuse—especially in relationships that look “perfect.” If you're walking on eggshells, doubting your reality, or asking, “Am I overreacting?” you’re in the right place.

☕️New episodes release every Wednesday at 4:45 AM PT, starting Nov 19. Subscribe so you never miss one.

Here, you'll find:
🌱 Hope when you feel isolated – You're not alone, and you're not crazy
🌱 Tools to recognize the patterns – Finally see what's been so hard to name
🌱 Faith-rooted truth – Scripture and encouragement for your healing journey
🌱 Language for your story – Words for what you've struggled to explain
🌱 Courage for your next steps – Whether you stay, work through it, or walk away

I'm Valerie—a voice advocate who chose to leave a marriage that was breaking me emotionally and psychologically. I share my story, the truths that carried me, and practical wisdom to help you move from silence to strength.

This is where you finally get to stop pretending everything is fine...this is where God meets you in your pain and helps you find your voice.

Listen & Subscribe
🤍 Listen page: https://validatedpodcast.com/listen
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal?sub_confirmation=1
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/validated-own-voice-heal/id1850964341
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2?si=2ed341ee4c0f4306
🔗 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/validated-own-voice-heal/


Disclaimer

Just a reminder: I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories, insights, and reflections I share through the Validated podcast, website, and downloadable resources are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy.

This content is offered for support and education, not accusation, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional care. No therapeutic relationship is implied or created by your use of this content.

Every situation is unique; if you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional and/or seek wise counsel within your faith community. If you ever feel unsafe or are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a trusted crisis resource in your region. You are worthy of such support.

About your host

Profile picture for Valerie Pratt

Valerie Pratt

Valerie is a voice advocate and host of Validated: Own. Voice. Heal., a faith-rooted podcast for women navigating hidden abuse—psychological, emotional, spiritual, or financial. After walking through her own experience and choosing a different future, she blends lived wisdom, careful research, and gentle, practical tools to help women name what’s happening, make empowering choices, and move from silence to strength. Each episode offers clear teaching, real-life examples, and “tiny brave step” prompts, alongside free journals and guides in the Validated Vault. Valerie’s aim is simple: give you hope when you feel alone, truth to steady your mind, and courage for your next brave step. Validated shares education and support; it is not therapy, counseling, or legal advice.