What No One Tells You About Leaving a Toxic Relationship
Wed Jan 28 2026
Leaving a toxic or narcissistic relationship is often seen as the finish line — but for many, it's only the beginning.
This episode explores why just leaving isn't the end of abuse, and how power and control can continue after separation through legal systems, finances, communication, and parenting. It also looks at how instinctive survival strategies like disengagement and gray rocking often appear long before there's language to describe them.
You'll learn why confusion and self-doubt after leaving are normal, how to recognize common forms of post-separation abuse, and what practical steps can help protect your peace and rebuild confidence.
Whether you're still in the relationship, preparing to leave, or healing after separation, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and grounded tools for moving forward — one step at a time.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Disengage Document Be Kind to Yourself
BEST MOMENTS
You learn more about someone at the end of a relationship than you do at the beginning. –Unknown
In a nutshell, a breakup is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a complete spiritual awakening. One that catapults you to a whole new level of authenticity, compassion, wisdom, depth, and – dare I say it? – even joy. –Katherine Woodward Thomas
Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear. –George Addair
A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. –Melinda Gates
VALUABLE RESOURCES
If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence.
EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT
Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving:
https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site
ABOUT THE HOST
Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward.
Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving!
Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all.
CONNECT & CONTACT
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching
IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg
Email: info@locatecoaching.com
More
Leaving a toxic or narcissistic relationship is often seen as the finish line — but for many, it's only the beginning. This episode explores why just leaving isn't the end of abuse, and how power and control can continue after separation through legal systems, finances, communication, and parenting. It also looks at how instinctive survival strategies like disengagement and gray rocking often appear long before there's language to describe them. You'll learn why confusion and self-doubt after leaving are normal, how to recognize common forms of post-separation abuse, and what practical steps can help protect your peace and rebuild confidence. Whether you're still in the relationship, preparing to leave, or healing after separation, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and grounded tools for moving forward — one step at a time. KEY TAKEAWAYS Disengage Document Be Kind to Yourself BEST MOMENTS You learn more about someone at the end of a relationship than you do at the beginning. –Unknown In a nutshell, a breakup is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a complete spiritual awakening. One that catapults you to a whole new level of authenticity, compassion, wisdom, depth, and – dare I say it? – even joy. –Katherine Woodward Thomas Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear. –George Addair A woman with a voice is, by definition, a strong woman. –Melinda Gates VALUABLE RESOURCES If you're struggling in a relationship and wondering if it might be controlling, you're not alone. Download my free guide at locatecoaching.com/freegift to help you find clarity and confidence. EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT Check out other episodes of Life After: From Surviving to Thriving: https://sites.libsyn.com/460833/site ABOUT THE HOST Jill McKnight is a mindset coach and speaker as well as an Erickson Professional Certified Coach. She specializes in supporting those who are rebuilding their lives and finding their most aligned path forward. Jill knows that the tips and tricks in each episode work – because she's used them to change her life and her clients have used them to change their lives! Jill has the education and life experience to help you rebuild your life, whatever the circumstances… and move from surviving to thriving! Through her talks, events, programs, and podcast "Life After: From Surviving to Thriving", Jill provides her clients with a unique mix of thoughtful guidance and sincere care. She lives in a small town in Washington with her son and is committed to co-create a world with more hope, connection, and healing for us all. CONNECT & CONTACT TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@locatecoaching IG: https://www.instagram.com/locatecoaching/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwEImRGJXX4hrdS_NM3wWXg Email: info@locatecoaching.com