Your Traitor Within

Jessica Anne Pressler, LCSW
  • 5.0 (12)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Jessica Anne Pressler LCSW came up with the concept Traitor Within to give people a tangible and workable tool that help identify and overcome their repetitive self-sabotaging behavior. Her hope is that once a person gains insight into their Traitor Within, then they can begin to silence their traitor, thus empowering themselves and begin to heal. “Your Traitor Within” will feature conversations and stories about toxicity, healing, empowerment, and more. Www.jessicaannepressler.com @jessicaannepressler

  1. 6D AGO

    Your Traitor Within: I Love You My Narcissist with Ali & Stefanie Schmahl

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with filmmaker Ali Schmahl and actress/producer Stefanie Schmahl to discuss their psychological drama I Love You My Narcissist, a film exploring the devastating emotional impact of narcissistic relationships and the patterns that keep people trapped inside them. Through fictional storytelling grounded in real psychological dynamics, the film follows two survivors navigating manipulation, trauma bonding, emotional confusion, and the long process of reclaiming themselves. Jessica, Ali, and Stefanie discuss the importance of bringing narcissistic abuse “out of the darkness,” how film can help people recognize patterns they may not yet have language for, and why emotionally immersive storytelling can sometimes educate more powerfully than direct instruction. The conversation also explores narcissistic family systems, emotional conditioning, self-abandonment, and the role of the Traitor Within in keeping survivors stuck in painful cycles. About Ali Schmahl:  Ali Schmahl is a Berlin-based filmmaker, director, writer, and producer known for socially conscious and character-driven films. His work has screened at more than 80 international film festivals and received over 45 awards. His debut documentary Privileg explored gender identity and the challenges faced by the transgender community, and his latest feature I Love You My Narcissist combines psychological depth with cinematic storytelling to examine narcissistic abuse and its impact on survivors. About Stefanie Schmahl:  Stefanie Schmahl studied acting at the renowned William Esper Studio in New York City before returning to Germany to pursue work as an actor and producer. Her short film Anniversary screened at over 20 film festivals and earned multiple awards, including six Best Actress honors. Through I Love You My Narcissist, she continues exploring emotionally complex storytelling centered around trauma, relationships, and healing. Where to Find Them:  Instagram: @ilymn.film Watch I Love You My Narcissist:  Use Jessica Anne Pressler’s exclusive link below for 15% off streaming access to the film:  https://stream.alefcinestream.com/buy/i-love-you-my-narcissist?code=jessicap1 Listen to Your Traitor Within:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-traitor-within/id1797804404 Support the show

    1h 5m

  2. MAY 14

    Your Traitor Within: From Delusional to Discerning

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Erika Fracassa, creator of Delusional to Discerning, to explore the confusion, cognitive dissonance, and emotional chaos that often exist inside narcissistic relationships. After spending 15 years in a relationship that left her questioning her own reality, Erika now helps others reconnect with their intuition and rebuild self-trust through education, pattern recognition, and radical honesty. Together, Jessica and Erika discuss trauma bonds, narcissistic supply, gaslighting, self-abandonment, and the role of the Traitor Within in keeping people stuck in unhealthy dynamics. They also explore the grief that comes with radical acceptance, why healing is not linear, and how rebuilding self-trust becomes the foundation for lasting change. This conversation is deeply personal, educational, and validating for anyone who has ever felt confused inside a relationship that slowly disconnected them from themselves. About Erika Fracassa: Erika Fracassa is the creator of Delusional to Discerning, a platform dedicated to helping people make sense of confusing relationship dynamics and reconnect with their own clarity. Through her content, coaching, and growing online community, Erika helps others move from confusion to discernment by breaking down patterns people can finally recognize and trust. Where to Find Erika Fracassa: Instagram: @delusionaltodiscerning Support the show

    1 hr

  3. MAY 6

    Your Traitor Within: Amy Watkins LPC has a Scapegoat Reset

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with therapist, speaker, and author Amy Watkins to explore how childhood conditioning shapes the way we move through relationships, identity, and self-worth. Amy shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment, surviving sexual abuse, and learning how the coping mechanisms that once kept her safe became the “Traitor Within” patterns that followed her into adulthood. Together, Jessica and Amy discuss trauma bonding, people-pleasing, religious shame, dissociation, narcissistic family systems, and the painful but transformative process of finally choosing yourself. They also explore what healing actually feels like—not just intellectually understanding your patterns, but experiencing safety in the body for the first time. About Amy Watkins:Amy Watkins, LPC, is a therapist, speaker, and author helping people uncover childhood patterns, break toxic cycles, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Her upcoming memoir Performing Normal is set for release in August. She is also the creator of the Scapegoat Reset coaching program. Where to Find Amy Watkins:Instagram: @gods.favorite.problemWebsite: https://scapegoatreset.com/ Support the show

    51 min

  4. APR 30

    Your Traitor Within: Unlocking Radiant Self-Worth with Victoria Lynn PonTell

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Victoria Lynn PonTell, speaker, mentor, and creator of the 7 Keys to Unlocking Your Radiant Beauty. Together, they explore the concept of the Traitor Within and how patterns like self-doubt, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and inner criticism keep women disconnected from their true selves. Victoria shares her personal journey of overcoming these patterns and how she now helps others reclaim their confidence and self-worth. This conversation focuses on emotional resilience, mindset shifts, and the process of moving from self-betrayal to self-trust—highlighting how true transformation begins when you stop abandoning yourself and start choosing your own truth. About Victoria Lynn PonTell: Victoria Lynn PonTell is a speaker, mentor, and creator of the 7 Keys to Unlocking Your Radiant Beauty. Her work focuses on helping women overcome self-sabotage, build confidence, and reconnect with their authentic sense of self through practical tools and mindset transformation.  The Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F22MSQBN  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyuRk0BMf-A  Website: https://victorialynnpontell.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorialynnpontell-3a9400376/  Instagram: @victorialynnpontell Support the show

    35 min

  5. APR 23

    Your Traitor Within: Rewiring Trauma Bonds with Carissa Brockman

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Carissa Brockman, Canadian Certified Counsellor and trauma-trained somatic therapist, to explore the deeper psychological and nervous system patterns behind trauma bonds and narcissistic relationships. Carissa shares her personal story of being in an abusive relationship while studying to become a therapist, and how cognitive dissonance, early belief systems, and the nervous system keep people stuck even when they “know” something is wrong. Together, they unpack how the Traitor Within forms, why survivors stay, and why leaving is only the beginning of the healing process. The conversation also dives into attraction patterns, self-abandonment, and how to rebuild a sense of self, safety, and identity after abuse. About Carissa Brockman: Carissa Brockman is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, trauma-trained somatic therapist, and specialist in narcissistic abuse recovery and complex PTSD. Her work is deeply informed by her own lived experience, and she now helps others reclaim their reality and rewire their nervous systems for healthy love. Where to Find Carissa Brockman: Website: www.carissabrockman.com Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: @soulfully_embodied Masterclass Bundle:  https://carissa-brockman-0276.mykajabi.com/masterclass-bundle Support the show

    1h 26m

  6. APR 16

    Your Traitor Within: Stronger Than Before

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Lisa Sonni, relationship coach and expert in trauma bond recovery, to explore why people stay in abusive dynamics and how those patterns form. They discuss trauma bonds, cognitive dissonance, and emotional entrapment, and how these connect to the Traitor Within—the internal pattern that overrides intuition and keeps you stuck. Lisa shares her Break & Rebuild Method and offers insight into how survivors can begin to reclaim their identity, self-worth, and clarity. About Lisa Sonni: Lisa Sonni is an internationally recognized relationship coach, author, and leading expert in trauma bond recovery. She has helped thousands of survivors break free from abusive patterns and rebuild their lives, and has built a community of over 1.6 million followers. Where to Find Lisa Sonni: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisasonni Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisasonnicoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaSonniStrongerThanBefore Support the show

    54 min

  7. APR 9

    Your Traitor Within: 1 Percent Philosophy

    In this powerful episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with Dr. John A. King—survivor, author, and advocate—to explore the long-term impact of childhood trauma and the patterns we develop to survive it. Dr. King shares his deeply personal story of early abuse, memory fragmentation, and the moment his past resurfaced later in life. He speaks openly about how survival mechanisms—like emotional suppression, masking, and hyper-awareness—helped him endure trauma, but later became barriers to healing. Together, they unpack how these protective strategies evolve into what Jessica calls the Traitor Within—the part of us that once kept us safe, but eventually begins to limit growth, connection, and self-understanding. The conversation also explores masculinity, silence, and why so many men struggle to speak about trauma, along with the importance of safe relationships, support systems, and incremental change in the healing process. Dr. King introduces his 1% philosophy—small, consistent steps toward change—and reminds listeners that healing is not immediate, but possible. This episode is a raw and honest look at trauma, resilience, and what it means to rebuild a life from the inside out.  🌐 Website: https://drjohnaking.com/  📱 Instagram & Socials: @drjohnaking Support the show

    51 min

  8. APR 2

    Your Traitor Within: Healing the Shame You Learned in Childhood

    In this episode of Your Traitor Within, Jessica Anne Pressler sits down with psychotherapist and author Kristine Jensen to explore how childhood shame shapes the way we see ourselves—and the patterns we repeat in adulthood. Kristine shares how early experiences of emotional neglect and feeling “not enough” can quietly turn into self-doubt, perfectionism, and a harsh inner critic. Together, they connect this to the Traitor Within—the part of us that once protected us, but now keeps us stuck in cycles of pressure, overperformance, and self-attack. They discuss why these patterns are often misunderstood as personality flaws instead of learned survival responses, and how healing begins with awareness, self-compassion, and learning to meet yourself differently.  This conversation is a powerful reminder: you may have been shaped by your past—but you are not defined by it. About Kristine Jensen: Kristine Jensen is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author of Bruised Not Broken. Her work focuses on helping people understand the hidden roots of self-doubt and heal the shame formed through emotional neglect and early experiences.  🌐 https://kristine-jensen.com/ Key Takeaway: What feels like a personal flaw is often something you learned to survive—and once you see it, you can begin to change it. Support the show

    53 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Jessica Anne Pressler LCSW came up with the concept Traitor Within to give people a tangible and workable tool that help identify and overcome their repetitive self-sabotaging behavior. Her hope is that once a person gains insight into their Traitor Within, then they can begin to silence their traitor, thus empowering themselves and begin to heal. “Your Traitor Within” will feature conversations and stories about toxicity, healing, empowerment, and more. Www.jessicaannepressler.com @jessicaannepressler

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Anne Pressler, LCSW
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Your Traitor Within: The Podcast
  • Show Website
    Your Traitor Within

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