Anna Kendrick Reflects on Painful Past with Abusive Ex-Partner: A Therapist’s Regret
Anna Kendrick has taken a bold step in sharing her experiences of an abusive relationship, shedding light on a painful chapter of her life. The actress, now 39, first opened up about the emotional and psychological turmoil she faced back in 2022, particularly in relation to her film “Alice, Darling,” where she portrays a woman caught in a similar predicament. Describing her former partner of over six years as her “husband” in every significant sense, she reveals how deeply intertwined her personal life became with her professional identity.
Recently, on Alex Cooper’s podcast “Call Her Daddy,” Kendrick recounted her journey of self-discovery after that relationship came to an end. She explained the toll it took on her, stating, “I reached a critical point where it felt I was forced into a role of performance and dishonesty.” This realization marked a turning point for her, as she sought authenticity in both her personal and professional life.
During the podcast, Kendrick reflected on the moment she recognized the abusive dynamics in her relationship. Notably, she pointed out that the relationship did not follow the typical trajectory of abuse, making it challenging for her to identify it. “It felt like an overnight switch. The foundation of love and trust was suddenly turned upside down,” she said, adding that she desperately tried to rectify her perceived flaws to salvage the relationship.
A significant complicating factor was her couple’s therapist, who Kendrick revealed often sided with her ex-partner. She recalled, “For a long time, our therapist bought into his narrative completely.” After several sessions, the therapist eventually apologized to her, acknowledging the truth that had emerged as the treatment progressed.
Kendrick candidly described her efforts to maintain composure during therapy sessions, often feeling immense pressure. She said, “In those sessions, he could remain calm, which he definitely did not do outside of therapy.” This led to an emotional outburst one day during a session, prompting her to feel anxious about the repercussions of her anger. Following that session, she felt compelled to email the therapist, expressing her embarrassment and desire to control her emotions. To her surprise, the therapist responded positively, commending her for her honesty, which marked a significant change in her perspective.
Ultimately, Kendrick noted that this shift in dynamics contributed to the swift end of her relationship, providing her with a newfound clarity on the situation.
For those facing similar challenges, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.