This true story contains detailed accounts of emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and narcissistic abuse that began in childhood and continued into adulthood. It includes descriptions of prescription drug misuse, recreational drug abuse, failed suicide attempts, and completed suicides.
Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse, trauma, or those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
Throughout the interview, you’ll hear the term DARVO — a common manipulation tactic used by abusers. DARVO stands for:
Deny
Attack
Reverse Victim and Offender
It occurs when the abuser flips the script, making the victim believe they are the problem and positioning themselves as the victim. This powerful form of gaslighting is explained clearly during Riel’s powerful testimony.
When I sat down with Riel, I thought I understood the broad strokes of her story. What unfolded was far more shocking and complex than I anticipated. The layers of betrayal — not just from her long-term partner, but also from her own mother — were deeply disturbing and completely unexpected.
Riel survived 20 years in a toxic, chaotic relationship that should never have begun. Her story is a sobering reminder of how narcissistic abuse and childhood trauma can trap someone in a destructive cycle for decades.
Stories like Riel’s highlight critical warning signs of narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulation. Recognizing these red flags early can help you or someone you love avoid years of pain and escape the “conveyor belt of chaos” that toxic relationships often become.
If you’re in an abusive relationship, dealing with trauma from childhood, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope.
Host: Bill Mitchell
If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery.
Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help.
Are you a survivor ready to speak out?
Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast.
Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety.
59:41