Ever leave a conversation feeling like your brain’s been scrambled and you’re not sure why? Maybe you’re suddenly questioning your own reality, feeling guilty, or bending over backwards for someone who... let’s be real, might not deserve it? If that sounds familiar, pull up a chair, my friend.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on manipulation—not to teach you these tactics (please don’t use them!), but so you can spot them, disarm them, and never get played again.

In this episode of the Love, Happiness & Success podcast, I’m breaking down the five most common manipulative tactics, why they work so well, and how to protect yourself—with confidence, clarity, and maybe even a little compassion.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Welcome to the dark side (just kidding... kind of)
01:28 – Why manipulation works on good people
04:51 – Awareness is your superpower
06:01 – Guilt-tripping 101: How they hook you
09:07 – How to disarm a guilt trip like a boss
18:03 – Playing the victim: When empathy is used against you
31:36 – Love bombing: It’s not just for dating apps
33:01 – Healthy relationships take time (and boundaries)
36:55 – Narcissists, splitting, and people who come on way too strong
43:22 – Withdrawal + passive aggression = manipulation in disguise
54:11 – Let’s talk about gaslighting (finally!)
01:01:18 – What to do if you have vulnerabilities that get you caught in this stuff

If you’re realizing that certain relationships in your life are way more complicated than they should be—or if you’ve been stuck in a cycle of guilt, confusion, or second-guessing yourself—you don’t have to stay there. You deserve support. You deserve clarity. You deserve healthy connections.

Come connect with me and my amazing team at Growing Self and schedule your free consultation. Whether you’re looking for therapy or coaching, we’re here to help you break free from toxic patterns and build the life and relationships you actually want.

And hey—don’t be a stranger! You can find me on Instagram and YouTube for even more real-talk, tools, and live Q&A sessions. Let’s grow together.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Know someone who’s been struggling with manipulation in their relationships? Be a good friend—share this with them. It might be the lightbulb moment they’ve been waiting for. 💡❤️

Tired of being your own worst critic? What if I told you that positivity isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you can learn? ✨

In this powerful episode of the Love, Happiness and Success podcast, I sit down with Dr. Nick Holton of the Anti-Fragile Academy to explore how to be a more positive person—without ignoring your difficult emotions or pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Because here’s the truth: toxic positivity isn’t helpful, and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is feel your feelings and grow from them.

We’re diving deep into the science of positive psychology, how to stop gaslighting yourself with "just think positive" advice, and practical mindset-shifting tools that can help you feel stronger, more resilient, and yes—more joyful, too.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Why ‘just be positive’ backfires
01:12 – Meet Dr. Nick Holton
03:18 – What positive psychology actually is
04:38 – The real role of emotions in your wellbeing
06:33 – How to start changing your mindset
08:09 – Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets
10:32 – Why acceptance is the missing piece in positivity
21:25 – The power of gratitude
31:24 – You don’t control performance (and why that’s great news)
33:10 – Visualizing failure? Yep—it’s a secret to resilience
34:41 – What elite athletes know about mindset that you should too
40:16 – Turning trauma into growth: How to bounce forward
42:51 – Want to feel better? Expand your emotional vocabulary
48:32 – What passion + perseverance have to do with great relationships
54:20 – Access real growth tools

If you're craving more clarity, joy, and empowerment in your life—or if you’re just feeling a little stuck and unsure how to shift your mindset—this episode is filled with practical wisdom that can help. 

And if you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here for you. Book a free consultation at Growing Self, and we’ll help you get matched with the right therapist or coach for you. Whether you want to work on your mindset, your relationships, your career, or all of the above, our team of warm, experienced experts can help you start moving forward with confidence and clarity.

I’d also love to connect with you beyond the podcast! Subscribe to my channel on YouTube for weekly videos packed with insights on love, happiness, and success—and follow me on Instagram for expert advice, bite-size interviews, and daily encouragement. We’re building a community of growth-minded, big-hearted humans, and you belong with us.

Thanks for being here with me today. Sending you so much love—and I’ll see you in the next one!

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. If you know someone who could use a positivity boost today, send this episode over to them. Let’s help each other grow. 🌱

Ever wonder why your relationship with money feels so complicated? It’s more than just dollars and cents—it’s emotional, it’s psychological, and it deeply affects your life and relationships. Today, I'm talking with a marriage and family therapist who specializes in financial therapy, Jillian Knight. We're diving into why understanding your relationship with money can be a total game-changer for your finances, career, and relationships.

From unconscious money beliefs to how your upbringing shapes your financial habits, we cover it all. Whether you're struggling with debt, feeling anxious about spending, or having money-related conflicts with your partner, this conversation is for YOU.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• What happens when we’re not self-aware about our relationship with money

• How money scripts influence our behaviors and decisions

• Why it’s crucial to approach money with empathy—not shame

• And most importantly, how to shift your money mindset to build a healthier, more balanced financial life

Timestamps:
00:00 – Exploring Your Relationship with Money
00:49 – Introducing Jillian Knight: Financial Therapy Expert
01:21 – Understanding the Impact of Money Beliefs
04:49 – The Cultural Ideals of Financial Management
06:39 – Challenging Authoritarian Financial Advice
08:07 – Personal Stories and Financial Therapy Insights
10:53 – The Importance of Compassion in Financial Health
19:31 – Identifying Your Money Scripts
23:13 – Exploring the Enneagram and Money
24:46 – Couples and Money Dynamics
28:39 – Understanding Money Stories
33:30 – Identifying Core Needs and Triggers
36:55 – Building Bridges and Shared Goals
42:12 – Conclusion and Resources

I know talking about money can feel uncomfortable. That’s why conversations like this one are so important! I also created something to help you navigate those tough financial conversations with love, empathy, and understanding—without the stress or conflict.. Check out my Communication That Connects 2-part training. You’ll learn how to approach money talks in a way that strengthens your relationships, rather than creating distance. I hope you check it out!

Also, let’s connect on Instagram and Youtube! I drop a new podcast every week with interviews just like this one so you can create love, happiness, and success in your life. I also go live every Thursday at 12pm MT on both platforms. I chat about the topic of the week and answer any questions you might have live. This week, I’ll be digging into your relationship to money! 

Let’s break free from old financial patterns together and build a future where money feels like a source of freedom, not stress. See you there!

Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
www.growingself.com

P.S. If this episode was helpful for you, share it with a friend or family member who could use the info too!

Ever wonder why your child melts down over the tiniest thing—or how to actually help them navigate big emotions? Today, we’re diving into the world of Child-Centered Play Therapy, an evidence-based approach that helps kids build confidence, self-regulation, and emotional resilience… all through PLAY.

I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Brenna Hicks, a specialist in helping parents use these techniques at home to create a happier, calmer family environment. Whether you have a preschooler, a strong-willed school-age kid, or a moody teen, this conversation will give you powerful tools to understand your child’s emotional world—and strengthen your bond in the process.

We’re covering:

• What makes Child-Centered Play Therapy different from other approaches

• How play can help kids process emotions (even when words fail!)

• What really causes tantrums and dysregulation

• Simple therapist-approved parenting strategies you can start using today

• How to know if your child might need therapy—and how to find the right therapist

Timestamps:
03:29 - What is Child-Centered Play Therapy (and why does it work?)
09:27 - The parent’s role in play therapy (and why it’s a game-changer!)
16:03 - Why kids “act out” and what’s really going on
23:09 - The surprising science behind play as therapy
34:41 - How therapy transforms kids from anxious to confident
36:27 - What to do if your child is struggling emotionally
43:20 - How to tell if a therapist is actually qualified to help your child
47:58 - Parenting tips: What to say (and what not to say) to your kid
53:11 - When to seek professional help & what to look for in a therapist
01:02:49 - Resources, next steps & final thoughts

I know how much you love your child and want the absolute best for them. Parenting is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—jobs in the world, and sometimes, we all need a little extra guidance and encouragement. That’s why I created the Happy Families Collection—a curated set of expert tips, strategies, and insights designed to help you build a stronger, more connected, and emotionally healthy family. ✨

👉 Access the Happy Families Collection here!

And if you loved this episode, let’s stay connected! Find me on Instagram for daily inspiration and expert-backed advice, and don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube for even more deep-dive conversations so you can create love, happiness, and success in your life.

You’re doing an amazing job, and I’m so honored to be on this journey with you!

Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
www.growingself.com

P.S. If you know a parent who could benefit from this episode, share it with them! I know personally that us parents really appreciate the love and support.

Ever felt like you completely lost yourself in a relationship?

Like one day you woke up and thought, Wait… who even am I anymore? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and, spoiler alert, it’s not just in your head. There’s real science behind why we fuse our identities with our partners and why breakups can feel like more than just heartbreak—they can feel like an identity crisis.

In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with relationship scientist Dr. Morgan Cope to break down the psychology behind losing yourself in a relationship, why it happens, and most importantly—how to rebuild your identity after love. Whether you're freshly single, in a relationship that feels too enmeshed, or just curious about how relationships shape our sense of self, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and practical strategies to help you come back to YOU.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Is Losing Yourself in a Relationship a Real Thing?

00:35 - Meet Dr. Morgan Cope & Her Research on Relationships & Identity

01:00 Understanding Identity in Relationships

03:07 - Attachment Styles and Identity

07:30 - Impact of Breakups on Identity

24:42 - Mental and Physical Effects of Breakups

30:27 - Fear of Being Single

32:02 - Changing the Environment vs Changing Yourself

36:56 - Rebounding and Self-Expansion

39:14 - Identity and Values Assessment

44:11 - Cult Psychology and Group Identity

51:21 - Personal Growth Through Relationship Challenges

Feeling lost after a breakup? I know how hard it can be to find yourself again, so I created something to help you out on your healing journey. Check out my FREE  Breakup Recovery Quiz to get personalized insights on where you are in your healing journey & how to move forward so you can begin to feel like yourself again.

And if you’d like to keep this conversation going, I’d love to hear from you! You can find me on YouTube or Instagram. Every week, I drop a new podcast episode dedicated to your personal growth and healing so you can create love, happiness, and success in your life. I hope to see you there! 

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Know someone who might need to hear this? Share this video with a friend who’s struggling in their relationship or going through a tough breakup. 💕