Emotional Abuse Speakers

An emotional abuse speaker is someone who educates, informs, and advocates on the topic of emotional abuse-often through public speaking, workshops, or virtual events. These speakers may be survivors, therapists, researchers, or advocates who bring both expertise and empathy to their presentations.

Unlike general mental health speakers, emotional abuse speakers focus specifically on patterns of manipulation, control, gaslighting, and psychological harm. They help audiences understand what emotional abuse looks like, how it affects individuals and communities, and what recovery can involve. Some speakers specialize in intimate partner abuse, while others focus on family dynamics, workplace toxicity, or institutional abuse.

The role of an emotional abuse speaker isn't just to share stories-it's to educate. They often break down psychological concepts like trauma bonding, narcissistic abuse, or boundary violations in ways that are accessible and actionable. Whether they're speaking at a school, a corporate event, or a virtual summit, their goal is to raise awareness and provide tools for recognition and healing.

Some emotional abuse speakers also provide training for professionals-like HR teams, educators, or healthcare workers-on how to identify and respond to emotional abuse in their environments. Others work with survivors directly, offering validation and strategies for recovery.

In short, an emotional abuse speaker is a communicator and educator who uses their voice to bring clarity, compassion, and change to a topic that is often misunderstood or overlooked.

When emotional abuse is invisible, ignored, or misunderstood, people stay stuck in cycles of harm. That's where an emotional abuse speaker becomes crucial-not just as a voice, but as a bridge between silence and understanding.

Many people don't even realize they're experiencing emotional abuse. They might think they're just 'too sensitive' or that their partner is simply 'having a bad day.' A skilled emotional abuse speaker can name these patterns, validate those experiences, and offer a language for what's happening. That clarity alone can be life-changing.

In professional settings, emotional abuse speakers help organizations recognize toxic leadership, bullying, and manipulation that erode morale and mental health. For example, companies like Google and Deloitte have brought in trauma-informed speakers to train managers on emotional intelligence and respectful communication. The ripple effect? Safer, more productive work environments.

These speakers also play a key role in prevention. By educating teens, parents, and educators, they help stop emotional abuse before it escalates. Schools that host speakers on emotional abuse often report increased reporting of harmful behavior and better peer support systems.

Ultimately, emotional abuse speakers are important because they make the unseen seen. They give people the tools to name, navigate, and heal from emotional harm-whether it's in a relationship, a workplace, or a community. Without them, too many voices go unheard.

Emotional abuse speakers do more than just talk-they educate, advocate, and empower. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Educate Audiences.
- They explain what emotional abuse is, how it manifests, and why it's often overlooked.
- They use real-life examples, psychological frameworks, and accessible language to help audiences understand complex dynamics.
- For instance, a speaker might walk through the stages of gaslighting using case studies or roleplay scenarios.

2. Share Personal or Professional Insights.
- Some speakers draw from lived experience, offering survivor stories that resonate deeply.
- Others bring clinical expertise, sharing insights from therapy sessions, research, or casework.
- Many combine both, bridging the gap between emotion and evidence.

3. Facilitate Healing and Awareness.
- They guide audiences through reflective exercises, Q&A sessions, or group discussions.
- In virtual summits or workshops, they might lead breakout rooms focused on boundary setting or trauma recovery.

4. Train Professionals.
- Emotional abuse speakers often provide training for educators, HR teams, law enforcement, or healthcare providers.
- These sessions focus on recognizing signs of abuse, responding appropriately, and creating safe environments.

5. Advocate for Change.
- Many speakers are also activists, pushing for policy changes, better support systems, or increased funding for mental health services.
- They might collaborate with nonprofits, speak at legislative hearings, or contribute to public awareness campaigns.

In short, emotional abuse speakers are educators and changemakers who use their voice to illuminate, validate, and transform how we understand emotional harm.

Becoming an emotional abuse speaker isn't just about sharing your story. It's about transforming lived experience or professional insight into a message that educates, empowers, and inspires. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Message and Audience.
- Ask yourself: What specific aspect of emotional abuse do you want to address? Is it recovery, prevention, legal advocacy, or education?
- Identify your audience: survivors, therapists, educators, teens, corporate HR teams? Your message should align with their needs.

2. Build Your Credibility.
- If you're a survivor, consider training in trauma-informed speaking or counseling.
- If you're a professional (e.g., therapist, lawyer, social worker), highlight your credentials and case experience.
- Get certified in public speaking or mental health advocacy through platforms like Toastmasters or Mental Health First Aid.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to build a professional speaker profile.
- Include your bio, topics you speak on, testimonials (even from small gigs), and a short video of you speaking.

4. Start Small and Practice Often.
- Offer to speak at local schools, shelters, community centers, or online summits.
- Record your talks and gather feedback. Improve your delivery, pacing, and audience engagement.

5. Connect with Hosts and Event Organizers.
- Use Talks.co to connect with podcast hosts, virtual summit organizers, and event planners.
- Pitch yourself with a clear value proposition: what will their audience gain from your talk?

6. Grow Your Platform.
- Share content on social media, write blog posts, or start a YouTube channel.
- Collaborate with other speakers or influencers in the mental health space.

7. Monetize Strategically.
- Once you've built a reputation, start charging for keynotes, workshops, or consulting. (See 'How do emotional abuse speakers make money' for more.)

Remember, impact comes before income. Focus on delivering value, and the opportunities will follow.

To be an emotional abuse speaker, you need more than just a microphone and a story. This role requires a blend of personal insight, professional responsibility, and communication skills. Let's break it down:

1. Lived or Professional Experience
You don't need to be a survivor to speak on emotional abuse, but you do need credibility. That can come from:
- Personal experience with emotional abuse and a clear path of healing and reflection.
- Professional background in psychology, counseling, social work, law, or education.
- Advocacy work with nonprofits or community groups.

2. Trauma-Informed Communication
Speaking about emotional abuse requires sensitivity. You'll need to:
- Understand trauma responses and avoid triggering language.
- Use inclusive, non-judgmental phrasing.
- Be prepared for emotional reactions from your audience.

3. Public Speaking Skills
You must be able to:
- Structure a compelling narrative.
- Engage diverse audiences.
- Handle Q&A sessions with empathy and clarity.

4. A Speaker Platform
- Create a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co to showcase your topics, availability, and testimonials.
- Include a short video reel, even if it's from a virtual event.

5. Legal and Ethical Awareness
- Know the boundaries of what you can and cannot say, especially if you're not a licensed therapist.
- Always include disclaimers when necessary.

6. A Clear Message and Mission
- Are you aiming to educate, inspire, or advocate for policy change?
- Your message should be consistent across all platforms.

Being an emotional abuse speaker is about responsibility as much as visibility. You're not just telling a story... you're shaping how others understand and respond to emotional abuse.

Yes, emotional abuse speakers do get paid, but how much and how often depends on several factors like experience, audience, and platform. Let's look at the landscape:
The Paid vs. Unpaid Divide
- New speakers often start with unpaid gigs at community events, podcasts, or online panels. These help build credibility.
- Established speakers with a strong brand or credentials (e.g., licensed therapists, bestselling authors) can command fees ranging from $500 to $10,000+ per talk.
Where the Money Comes From
- Keynote speeches at conferences or summits.
- Workshops for schools, corporations, or nonprofits.
- Virtual events like webinars or online summits (especially popular post-2020).
- Consulting for organizations on emotional abuse policies or training.
Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
High-impact work	Emotionally taxing topics
Flexible formats (virtual/in-person)	Inconsistent income early on
Opportunities for media exposure	Requires constant self-promotion

Talks.co Tip
Speakers who use platforms like Talks.co can more easily connect with paid opportunities by showcasing their expertise and availability.
So yes, emotional abuse speakers can and do get paid... but it often starts with building trust and visibility before the checks roll in.

Emotional abuse speakers generate income through a mix of direct speaking fees and related services. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue streams:

1. Paid Speaking Engagements
- Keynotes: These are high-profile talks at conferences or summits. Fees range from $1,000 to $15,000 depending on the speaker's reputation.
- Workshops: More interactive and often longer than keynotes. Used in schools, workplaces, or therapy centers.
- Panels and Webinars: Often paid less, but can lead to bigger gigs.

2. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Many speakers create courses on healing, boundaries, or trauma recovery.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi make it easy to monetize expertise.

3. Consulting and Training
- Corporate HR teams hire emotional abuse speakers to train staff on harassment, communication, and mental health.
- Nonprofits may bring in speakers to help shape policy or run support groups.

4. Books and Publications
- Writing a book can open doors to higher-paying speaking gigs.
- Self-publishing or traditional publishing both work, depending on your strategy.

5. Affiliate and Platform Revenue
- Speakers who host virtual events or summits can earn through affiliate partnerships.
- Using Talks.co, speakers can connect with hosts and monetize appearances more easily.

6. Coaching or Mentorship
- Some speakers offer 1-on-1 coaching for survivors or aspiring advocates.
- Group coaching programs can also be lucrative.

In short, emotional abuse speakers often diversify their income. Speaking is just the tip of the iceberg... the real revenue comes from building a brand around your message.

The income of emotional abuse speakers varies widely, depending on their experience, niche, and business model. Let's break it down:
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per event.
- May speak for free at schools, podcasts, or community events.
- Focus is on exposure and testimonials.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Earn between $500 and $3,000 per talk.
- Often have a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co.
- May also earn from workshops, consulting, or online courses.
High-Level Speakers
- Can command $5,000 to $15,000+ per keynote.
- Often authors, licensed professionals, or media personalities.
- May have agents or be represented by speaker bureaus.
Annual Income Ranges

Speaker Level	Estimated Annual Income
Beginner	$0 - $10,000
Intermediate	$10,000 - $75,000
Advanced	$75,000 - $250,000+

Factors That Influence Income
- Niche: Speakers focused on corporate training or legal education often earn more.
- Region: U.S. and Western Europe tend to pay more than other regions.
- Platform: Speakers with strong online presence or Talks.co profiles get more bookings.
So while some emotional abuse speakers do it as a side hustle, others turn it into a six-figure business. It all depends on your strategy and reach.

Hiring an emotional abuse speaker can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on several variables. Here's a closer look:
Typical Price Ranges

Type of Event	Cost Range
Local school or nonprofit talk	$0 - $500
Virtual panel or webinar	$200 - $2,000
Corporate training workshop	$1,500 - $10,000
Keynote at a national conference	$5,000 - $25,000+

What Influences the Cost?
- Speaker's Experience: A licensed therapist with media appearances will charge more than a new advocate.
- Event Type: A 20-minute podcast is cheaper than a full-day workshop.
- Location: In-person events require travel and accommodation fees.
- Customization: Tailored presentations or training materials increase cost.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Book emerging speakers through Talks.co who are building their portfolio.
- Host virtual events to save on logistics.
- Offer value exchange (e.g., media exposure, testimonials) if your budget is tight.
Whether you're a school principal, HR manager, or summit host, there's likely an emotional abuse speaker who fits your budget... you just need to match your goals with the right person.

- Dr. Christine Courtois: A pioneer in trauma therapy, known for her work on complex trauma and emotional abuse. Her talks blend clinical insight with survivor-centered approaches.
- Jackson Katz: While known for his work on gender violence, Katz frequently addresses emotional abuse in the context of masculinity and power.
- Beverly Engel: Author of 'The Emotionally Abusive Relationship,' Engel has spoken globally on emotional abuse recovery.
- Lundy Bancroft: His book 'Why Does He Do That?' is a staple in abuse recovery circles. His speaking engagements focus on understanding abuser psychology.
- Patricia Evans: One of the earliest voices to define emotional abuse in relationships. Her talks are often cited in domestic violence education.
- Dr. Nadine Burke Harris: Though more focused on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), her TED Talk and public health work highlight the long-term effects of emotional abuse.
- Oprah Winfrey: While not exclusively focused on emotional abuse, her platform has amplified countless survivor stories and expert voices.
- Tony Porter: Co-founder of A Call to Men, Porter speaks on emotional abuse in the context of toxic masculinity and cultural norms.
- Dr. Ramani Durvasula: A clinical psychologist known for her work on narcissistic abuse, which often includes emotional abuse dynamics.
- Shahida Arabi: A bestselling author and speaker on narcissistic abuse recovery, especially popular among millennial audiences.

- Dr. Ramani Durvasula (USA): Globally recognized for her expertise on narcissistic abuse. Her YouTube channel has millions of views, and she speaks internationally on emotional abuse in relationships.
- Shahida Arabi (USA): A top voice in narcissistic abuse recovery. Her books and talks resonate with younger audiences navigating toxic relationships.
- Dr. Emma Katz (UK): A leading UK researcher on coercive control and emotional abuse. Frequently speaks at academic and policy events.
- Lundy Bancroft (USA): Known worldwide for his deep dives into abuser behavior. His workshops are attended by therapists, advocates, and survivors alike.
- Dr. Nadine Burke Harris (USA): Former Surgeon General of California, her talks on childhood trauma and emotional abuse have global reach.
- Patricia Evans (USA): Her books are translated into multiple languages, and she continues to speak on emotional abuse dynamics worldwide.
- Jackson Katz (USA): Speaks internationally on gender-based violence and emotional abuse, especially in military and corporate settings.
- Dr. Christine Courtois (USA): Her trauma-focused work is cited globally in both clinical and survivor communities.
- Jess Hill (Australia): Investigative journalist and speaker, author of 'See What You Made Me Do', which explores emotional abuse and coercive control in Australia.
- Tony Porter (USA): International speaker on emotional abuse and masculinity, often featured at UN events and global conferences.

Let's unpack some of the most persistent misconceptions that surround emotional abuse speakers. These myths can block important conversations, discourage new voices, and distort the public's understanding of what these speakers actually do.

1. Myth: Emotional abuse speakers are only survivors sharing personal stories.
While many emotional abuse speakers are survivors, that's not a requirement. Some are therapists, legal advocates, researchers, or educators who bring deep expertise to the stage. Think of Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, who speaks on childhood trauma from a medical and scientific lens. Emotional abuse speakers can offer data, frameworks, and policy insights-not just personal narratives.

2. Myth: They only speak at women's conferences or domestic violence shelters.
This is a narrow view. Emotional abuse speakers are increasingly featured at corporate leadership summits, mental health symposiums, law enforcement trainings, and even tech company offsites. Emotional abuse affects workplace dynamics, school environments, and digital platforms. Speakers like Jackson Katz have addressed emotional abuse in military and sports contexts, showing how universal the topic is.

3. Myth: Their talks are always heavy and depressing.
Not true. While the subject matter is serious, many speakers use storytelling, humor, and hope to keep audiences engaged. They focus on resilience, recovery, and prevention. For example, TEDx speaker Katie Hood uses clear visuals and relatable examples to explain the difference between healthy and unhealthy love-without overwhelming the audience.

4. Myth: You need a psychology degree to be credible.
Credentials help, but lived experience, training, and communication skills matter just as much. Some of the most impactful emotional abuse speakers are peer advocates or community leaders who've built trust and influence through grassroots work. Their credibility comes from connection, not just certification.

5. Myth: There's no money in it.
While it's not always a six-figure gig, emotional abuse speakers can earn through speaking fees, book deals, consulting, and online courses. Many diversify their income streams. Some work with nonprofits, others with corporations or government agencies. The key is positioning and value-not just the topic.

When you look at the journeys of successful emotional abuse speakers, you'll find a mix of grit, strategy, and timing. Take the story of Beverly Engel. She started as a therapist and author, but her speaking career took off when she began connecting her clinical insights to real-world patterns of emotional abuse. Her book 'The Emotionally Abusive Relationship' became a springboard for workshops and keynotes across the U.S.

Then there's Justin Baldoni. While better known as an actor and filmmaker, he's used his platform to challenge toxic masculinity and emotional suppression. His TED Talk on redefining masculinity touches on emotional abuse from a male perspective-opening doors for conversations in spaces that often avoid vulnerability.

Another example is Shahida Arabi, a bestselling author who built her audience through blogging and social media. Her deep dives into narcissistic abuse went viral, leading to speaking invitations and collaborations with mental health organizations. She didn't wait for permission-she created her own stage.

In Australia, Rosie Batty became a national voice after the tragic loss of her son. Her advocacy led to a role as Australian of the Year and a speaking career that spans government panels, corporate events, and global summits. Her story shows how personal tragedy, when paired with advocacy, can shift public policy and awareness.

These speakers didn't follow a single path. Some started with credentials, others with a story. Some built online communities first, others were invited to speak after media exposure. What they share is clarity of message, consistency, and a commitment to educating others-whether in a boardroom, classroom, or on a global stage.

The landscape for emotional abuse speakers is expanding, and not just in volume. The nature of the conversations, the platforms, and the audiences are all evolving. Here's where things are headed:

- Intersectional framing is becoming standard. Emotional abuse is no longer discussed in isolation. Speakers are integrating issues like race, gender identity, neurodiversity, and economic inequality into their talks. This shift reflects a more nuanced understanding of how abuse manifests across different communities.

- Corporate wellness is opening new doors. Companies are realizing that emotional abuse doesn't stay at home-it shows up in workplace dynamics too. Emotional abuse speakers are being brought in to train managers, lead DEI sessions, and support employee mental health initiatives. This trend is especially strong in industries like tech, finance, and healthcare.

- Digital-first formats are gaining traction. With the rise of virtual summits and online courses, emotional abuse speakers are no longer limited to physical stages. Platforms like Talks.co and Thinkific are helping speakers reach global audiences without leaving home. Expect more micro-courses, live webinars, and even TikTok explainers.

- Youth-focused content is on the rise. Gen Z is hungry for content on emotional intelligence and relationship health. Speakers who can translate complex topics into accessible, engaging formats for younger audiences-think YouTube series or interactive workshops-will be in high demand.

- AI and data are entering the conversation. Some speakers are using AI tools to analyze patterns in abusive communication or to simulate scenarios for training. This tech-forward approach is especially appealing to law enforcement, HR departments, and educators.

In short, emotional abuse speakers who stay agile, tech-savvy, and culturally aware will find more opportunities than ever before. The key is to meet audiences where they are-and speak in a language they understand.

If you're looking to step into the world of emotional abuse speaking, you're going to need more than passion. You need tools that help you build credibility, find your audience, and deliver your message effectively. Here's a curated list to get you started:

1. Talks.co. A podcast guest-matching platform that helps speakers connect with relevant hosts. Great for building your portfolio and refining your message in real-time conversations.

2. SpeakerHub. A directory where you can list your speaker profile, browse open calls for speakers, and get found by event organizers. Be sure to tag your niche clearly-emotional abuse, trauma recovery, mental health, etc.

3. Canva. For creating slide decks, social media graphics, and one-pagers. Use it to design a speaker kit that includes your bio, topics, testimonials, and contact info.

4. Thinkific. Want to monetize your expertise beyond the stage? This platform lets you build and sell online courses. Emotional abuse speakers often use it to offer self-paced healing programs or professional training modules.

5. Zoom. Still the go-to for virtual workshops and webinars. Pro tip: Use Zoom's breakout rooms for interactive activities when speaking to support groups or training facilitators.

6. Google Scholar. Not a speaker tool per se, but invaluable for grounding your content in research. Quoting peer-reviewed studies can boost your credibility, especially when speaking to professionals or academics.

7. Mailerlite. Build an email list from day one. Use it to share tips, event updates, and resources. Emotional abuse speakers who nurture their audience between talks tend to get more referrals and repeat bookings.

Each of these tools supports a different part of your journey-visibility, content creation, monetization, or credibility. Start with one or two, then scale as your speaking career grows. And remember: your voice matters, but your systems will carry it further.