Episode 7

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Published on:

17th Dec 2025

You're Not Crazy—Here's What's Actually Happening in Hidden Abuse

Hidden Abuse Cycle Explained:

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a loop where things get tense, then explode, then get smoothed over like nothing happened, you’re not imagining it. There is a pattern. And once you can see it, you can start to step out of it.

There is also a brief section in this episode where I share a personal theory I’ve developed from lived experience and common patterns. This is not a clinical diagnosis or a statement about any one individual—just an interpretive insight that helps explain why the cycle can feel so predictable and exhausting.

In this episode, I walk you through the Endless Carousel™—a repeating cycle commonly found in emotional, psychological, and spiritual abuse. This cycle keeps you emotionally off balance and struggling to trust your own reality.

We explore the four repeating stages of the cycle:

– The Build-Up™

– The Blow-Up™

– The Spin Cycle™

– The Peace Put-On™

This conversation isn’t about blame—it’s about clarity. Understanding the cyclical pattern helps you trust your perception, name what’s happening, and take your next brave step toward stepping off the Endless Carousel.

You are not alone. And there is a way forward.

Listen & Subscribe:

https://validatedpodcast.com/listen

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ownvoiceheal

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

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MPNnTAWX2VsoMR9Lek2r2

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

Disclaimer

I’m not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or attorney. The stories and insights I share are based on my personal experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Identifying details have been changed or omitted to protect privacy. This content is for education and support, not diagnosis or treatment. No therapeutic relationship is created by listening. If you’re in crisis or need personalized help, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional or trusted support. You are worthy of such care.

Trademark Notice

The Endless Carousel™ cycle and stage names—The Build-Up™, The Blow-Up™, The Spin Cycle™, and The Peace Put-On™—are trademarks of Validated Media LLC (common-law). All rights reserved.

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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

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.