Financial abuse in marriage and romantic partnerships is not a relationship issue. Financial abuse is a domestic violence issue. Hear the stories of anonymous financial abuse survivors from every part of the world, plus many experts and committed advocates weigh in on the topic of financial abuse and how prevention and support for survivors can be increased.
Author and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Celeste Birkhofer, discusses how you can move beyond harmful short-term coping strategies by developing sustainable mental health skills and self compassion. She shares her journey of growing up in a large Catholic family of nine on an Army salary where shared resources were the norm. Celeste initially pursued nursing but, after experiencing her own issues with depression and an eating disorder during college, became passionate about psychology and transferred into the psychology field, earning multiple degrees and honors. She has maintained a private practice for several decades, teaches psychiatry residents at Stanford Medical School and is the author of a new book, "Beyond Quick Fixes: Essential Ingredients for Better Mental Health and a Fulfilling Life". Celestes discusses in depth the traps of utilizing quick fixes to cope with critical mental health issues. She details why people often tend to rely on old patterns that can become automatic, provide familiar relief but inevitably cause long-term harm. She explains how her book can bring sustainable change by helping the reader identifying the deeper need of healthy self-esteem, agency, insight, self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationship skills and healthy coping strategies. Celeste advises listeners to to make one small change, stay patient and seek appropriate support to grow into the best version of yourself.
Dr. Celeste Birkhofer Website (https://www.drcelestebirkhofer.com/)
Book: Beyond Quick Fixes; Essential Ingredients for Better Mental Health & a Fulfilling Life (https://www.drcelestebirkhofer.com/book)
www.financialabusehelp.net
22 Sept 2026
Bankrupt at 21! An Odyssey Through Abuse and Survival: Sophora's Story
Sophora Acheson traces her experiences of childhood violence, financial instability, financial abuse, recovery and advocacy in this riveting personal story of survival. She describes moving from Texas to California with her teenage mother after physical abuse by her biological father. Her stepfather, whom she called her Dad, was involved with drugs, gang activity, violence and criminal behavior. Sophora was exposed to weapons, overdoses, threats and domestic violence from an early age. As a teenager and young adult, she entered into a relationship with Josh, whose behavior included manipulation, gaslighting, theft, drug use and financial exploitation. Josh used Sophora's money, opened or financed accounts in her name and failed to pay rent or any financial responsibilites. The relationship ultimately led to violence, jail time for Josh and bankruptcy for Sophora. With support from friends and her now-husband, Sophora pursued education as she struggled to rebuild her credit and sense of worth and purpose. She now works in victim services as a director and advocate, centering on preventing future harm while giving victims a strong voice. She is also an author and is releasing a memoir in '27 about the complexities of family violence and new approaches to prevention.
Restorative Pathways Website: (https://restorativepathways.org/)
www.financialabusehelp.net
7 Sept 2026
How Financial Abuse Forms Part of Coercive Control
Dr. Lisa Fontes, Author of the best selling book, "Invisible Chains", discusses in depth the insideous abusive behavior of coercive control in marriage and romantic partnerships. She describes coercive control as a "liberty crime" that substantially reduces the target's freedom. "Invisible Chains" was written to make the subject of coercive control accessible to survivors, families, clinicians, doctors and legal professionals. Lisa details the many ways forced dependancy can manifest through withholding resources, financial harassment and financial sabotage. She explains in simple terms the tactics used by abusers: love bombing, boundary testing, intermittant reinforcement, religious control and social isolation of their victims. Lisa emphasizes survivor groups, domestic violence advocates, education and self compassion as a roadmap out of a relationship of coercive control.
Dr. Lisa Fontes Web Site: (https://lisafontes.com/about)
Book: Invisible Chains: Overcoming Coercive Control in Your Intimate Partnership: (https://lisafontes.com/books)
www.financialabusehelp.net
Who has been a guest on Speaking Out on Financial Abuse
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Joy Ingram
Maisha Colter
Rosie Watson
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YouTube views
648
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100
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84
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0
YouTube
66
Engagement
32
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