Leaving an Emotionally Abusive Marriage with Laurie Bylsma

Laurie “Gootch” Bylsma on Leaving an Emotionally Abusive Marriage Content / trigger warning: this episode discusses emotional abuse, domestic violence, and suicide. Please take care of your own needs without judgment and feel free to skip if it’s too much for you. ___________ In this heartfelt episode of Peripeteia, host Heather Lowe welcomes her dear friend Laurie, affectionately known as “Gootch,” to share her harrowing yet empowering journey of leaving an emotionally abusive marriage. They recount their initial meeting and career beginnings as young twenty-somethings in Chicago, delve into Gootch’s tumultuous marriage filled with control tactics and manipulation, and discuss her courageous escape and growth. Gootch reflects on the profound impact of her experiences, the challenges of co-parenting her daughters with a narcissist, and the ultimate tragedy of her ex-husband’s death by suicide. Tune in to hear a story of resilience, the importance of self-belief, and the strength of lasting friendships. ___________ Do you or someone you know need help? Here are some resources to guide you: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 How to Deal with Emotional Abuse via Crisis Text Line American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org 988 - national suicide and crisis lifeline