In this bitesize moment pulled from the Laura Dowling Experience back catalogue, former lawyer turned businesswoman Nikki Dwyer explains why coercive, narcissistic abuse rarely looks the way people expect — it's a slow erosion of confidence through criticism, gaslighting and isolation.

She speaks candidly about how losing nearly everything became the moment she could stop drifting and consciously choose who she wanted to be. It's honest, raw and ultimately hopeful.

🔑Key Points

• Why abusive relationships rarely look the way people expect from the outside

• How criticism, gaslighting and isolation slowly wear down confidence

• Why being capable or strong doesn't make you immune

• Turning the loss of everything into a chance to choose who you want to be

💛 If anything here feels close to home, it's not your fault. In Ireland, Women's Aid (womensaid.ie) offers free, confidential support.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here.

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