Power doesn’t always leave a bruise.

In Episode 109 of the 1 in 3 Podcast, negotiation professor and relationship scientist Dr. Merideth Thompson breaks down the subtle but devastating patterns of emotional abuse, financial control, and gaslighting — and how they slowly erode self-trust.

We explore:

• Early signs of emotional control
• How gaslighting creates chronic self-doubt
• The hidden impact of financial abuse
• Why accountability is a clear marker of a safe partner
• Trauma-aware documentation strategies
• Rebuilding financial independence after years of control
• The 90-day rule for safer dating after abuse

Dr. Thompson blends research and lived experience to explain how relationships slide from “something feels off” to full coercive control — and how to interrupt that pattern early.

She is the founder of Partner Lab, a research-based company that uses data from relationship psychology to help people navigate relationship decision-making. Instead of relying on guesswork, Partner Lab applies evidence-based relationship science to provide practical tools for identifying healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics.

She also serves on the Survivor Advisory Board of Finability, a nonprofit that helps financially empower domestic abuse survivors.

Healing is possible. When control ends, life expands.

If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs clarity, subscribe for more survivor-centered conversations, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Your story might be the lighthouse someone else is searching for.

Merideth’s Links:

https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/merideth-thompson-co/

https://www.mypartnerlab.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/merideth-j-thompson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@merideththompsonphd

https://www.mypartnerlab.co/

https://www.finability.org/

1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

Support the show

If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.

Contact 1 in 3:

• Send your emails to 1in3podcast@gmail.com
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• Check out the website https://www.1in3podcast.com/

Thank you for listening!

Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe