What happens when the person who was supposed to love and protect you… is the one who hurt you most?
In this episode of Almost Oblivious, host Autumn Baker explores the often-unspoken reality of parental abuse and its lasting effects on adult children. We unpack the emotional, psychological, and even physical toll of growing up in a toxic or abusive household and the complex grief that comes with realizing your parent was your abuser.
This episode validates the pain of survivors while offering hope, healing, and the reminder: You were never the problem.
You’ll learn:
What parental abuse can look like (even without physical violence)
Why emotional wounds often go unrecognized
How parentification, gaslighting, and control impact adult survivors
Why setting boundaries with family can be so difficult—and so necessary
Resources and tools to help you reclaim your voice and begin healing
Whether you're estranged from a parent or just beginning to question your upbringing, this episode is for you.
🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626251703
Book: Toxic Parents by Dr. Susan Forward
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553381407
Therapist Directory (Trauma-Informed):
https://www.psychologytoday.com
(Filter for trauma-informed care or inner child work)
Support Groups:
https://www.adultchildren.org (Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families)
Reddit Community: r/raisedbynarcissists
Need Immediate Support?
Call or text the 988 Lifeline for emotional crisis help.
For domestic abuse support: The National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-7233 | 💬 Text “START” to 88788 | 🌐 https://www.thehotline.org
🎧 Don't forget to share, rate, and review to help us break the silence on domestic violence.
If you would like to submit your story or be a guest speaker, please submit a form here! If there are any topics that you think should be covered, please reach out to us!
