 Do you ever feel stuck in your healing journey, despite your sincere efforts to return to the person you were before encountering a narcissist? It's a common situation where we believe we're making progress, only to be overcome by anger and experience sudden outbursts that seem to set us back in our healing process. This cycle, known as the trauma response cycle, can be overcome. In this episode, I'll guide you on completing this cycle, enabling you to move forward in your healing and reach new levels of progress. What you will learn in this episode: Why we get stuck in our healing, even when we want to get better. What sudden bursts of anger mean and why they are good for you. How to discharge our anger in a healthy way.  Let me introduce you to The Traffic Lights of Tolerance. When we're healing, we often go through the flight, fight, and freeze responses. If we're stuck in freeze, it can be challenging to transition to flight without going through the fight stage first. Think of these stages as the red, yellow, and green lights of a traffic light. Just like you can't go from red to green directly, you have to pass through yellow first. I'll guide you through the traffic lights of tolerance, explaining what to expect at each stage. This way, you can understand why you're experiencing unpleasant emotions and facing uncomfortable situations during your healing journey. Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast

Completing Trauma Response Cycles & Narcissistic Abuse

 As a mother of two teenagers, I frequently contemplate their ability to navigate relationships and recognize potential warning signs. In this episode, I aim to empower teenagers by highlighting 10 crucial red flags they should be aware of in relationships. By recognizing these signs, they can identify when a relationship may not be healthy and possibly avoid becoming involved with a narcissistic partner. What you will learn in this episode: How to discuss what a healthy relationship is with a teenager What behaviours should act as a warning sign to leave a relationship How a teenager can build self-confidence and trust their instinct  If we had access to this information during our own teenage years, we might have been able to evade the damaging presence of a narcissist or, at the very least, recognize the need for help sooner. My desire is to impart these invaluable lessons to the next generation, bringing an end to the cycle of trauma and promoting safer dating experiences for teenagers. Together, we can equip our youth with the tools they need to navigate healthy relationships and thrive emotionally… and don’t forget, these red flags are red flags in any relationship, at any age.  Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Teen Red Flags In Relationships

 Introversion, anxiety, empathy… these definitely aren’t behaviours we think of when we picture a narcissist, but they are the traits that the hardest to spot narcissists have. Let me introduce you to the covert narcissist. The covert narcissist can fly under the radar until it’s too late, and I want to share with you 10 signs that someone may be a covert narcissist to help you steer clear of them, whether they’re your current partner, a potential partner, a friend or even a family member. What you will learn in this episode: The traits of the common covert narcissist  How the covert narcissist differs from the overt narcissist Why the covert narcissist is often the most dangerous  We often associate grandiosity, extraversion, confidence, and a 'look-at-me' attitude with narcissism. While it's important to note that not everyone displaying these traits is a narcissist, they serve as warning signs that help us avoid falling for another narcissist. However, it's crucial to recognize that not all narcissists fit the same mold. The covert narcissist, in particular, poses the greatest danger because they don't exhibit the stereotypical narcissistic behaviour. This makes it much easier to unknowingly fall into their trap. Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse   Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

10 Signs Of A Covert Narcissist

 Are you feeling frustrated and helpless in your journey to lose weight and improve your overall health? If you've experienced narcissistic abuse, you may be surprised to learn that your body's response to trauma can contribute to weight retention. In this episode, I will guide you through effective strategies to break free from this cycle and regain control of your well-being. I’ll help you discover how you can prioritize your health, heal from narcissistic abuse, and pave the way for a brighter future. What you will learn in this episode: The reasons our body clings onto weight to help deal with abuse. Why we stay in a trauma response even though we’re not in danger. What you can do to alter your bodies reaction to stress and lose weight.  I’ll share my own battles with my body during and after the narcissist in my life and how I try to navigate these issues to not only be healthier but to help further my healing from narcissistic abuse. This episode will not only give you insight into why you’re struggling to lose weight but actions you can take to get yourself onto the right path.  Come and join my FREE Masterclass: Healing Codependency, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery & Nervous System Regulation - The 3 Step Formula to heal and thrive after narcisisistic abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/three-step-formula-masterclass Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Why Is It So Hard To Lose Weight After Narcissistic Abuse?

 On Thursday, I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday!! I want to use this milestone and episode to reflect on how narcissistic abuse impacted me, how my childhood wounds still affect me, and the steps I'm taking to live a fulfilling life with a positive and forward-looking mindset. What you will learn in this episode: How to stop saying “when” and make today your day one. Reflections on my healing journey and where I’ve come from. How to be an advocate for your own health and be intentional about your healing. When a birthday comes around, it’s a time when we often reflect on our lives, but it’s important to note that you cannot get your time back. What you can do is make today the time to create changes so you can live your life in the best possible way. I hope this episode shows you how to reset your mindset and use today as your day one. Come and join my FREE Masterclass: Healing Codependency, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery & Nervous System Regulation - The 3 Step Formula to heal and thrive after narcisisistic abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/three-step-formula-masterclass Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Turning 50 & The After Effects Of Narcissistic Abuse

 Breathing is one of the only conscious and unconscious systems of our body, and being intentional with our breath can have a huge impact on our well-being. In this episode, I’ll share with you the breathwork and breathing techniques I use to not only help me heal from narcissistic abuse but to heal my childhood wounds.  What you will learn in this episode: How to recognise our existing breathing patterns and what they signify. How to shift our nervous system into a state of calm. The difference between breathwork and breathing techniques. I’ll show you the difference between breathwork and breathing techniques, and a regime for you to follow that will markedly improve your ability to handle your emotions. These are all techniques that I do myself and they are truly life-changing. Not only do they help us reconnect with ourselves after narcissistic abuse, but they also help us tone our vagus nerve to help us heal from our childhood wounds.  Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Narcissistic Abuse & Breath Work - A Practical Guide To Calming Your Emotions

I was recently a guest on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast with Glennon Doyle and I wanted to dive deeper into what I discussed there and share with you the issues about the medicalization of narcissistic personality disorder and why we can’t treat narcissism after the fact without looking at the root cause first. I’ll also share my opinion on the overuse of the word narcissist and why people casually putting that label on others is dangerous. What you will learn in this episode: The root cause of narcissistic personality disorder How a narcissist should be diagnosed through Internal Family Systems Why you’re negative habits could be caused by narcissistic abuse In this episode, I’ll also discuss the varying levels of narcissistic abuse and what can cause a narcissist to escalate their behaviour, why you shouldn’t try to change a narcissist, and why you can only focus on your own healing. A massive welcome to those of you who are joining me for the first time from Glennon’s podcast, I hope I can help you on your journey of recovering from a narcissist.  You can listen to my episode on We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32GVLWRE73ioSSKSFvNSXZ?si=dfzFyKfLTMWpN3q7DbNEvw Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

A Non Pathologizing Approach To Narcissism

Anxiety, depression, self-sabotage and brain fog are all symptoms that we’d love to be able to solve, but learning why you have these symptoms is necessary to start the healing process. Today I’m so excited to bring one of my certified coaches onto the podcast. Valerie Clark is an expert in midlife, menopause and narcissistic abuse and we’re going to discuss how these all interact together and how they have a significant impact on our healing and outlook.  What you will learn in this episode: How to recognise trauma and understand how it impacts your midlife wellbeing Strategies to reclaim your health and well-being during menopause  How to find your sense of worth, live your life and not just exist  In this episode, Valerie shares her personal journey of realizing the profound impact of trauma on her experience of menopause. She transformed her midlife from mere survival to a thriving phase. Valerie's expertise and insights will empower you and instil a belief in the possibility of finding light at the end of the tunnel. Connect with Valerie here: FREE WEBINAR 1 June @ 7pm, Reclaiming Your Power: A woman’s journey to healing from narcissistic abuse: https://49d1-valerie.systeme.io/reclaiming-your-power-as-a-woman-webinar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerieclarkcoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlifeandmenopause LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-clark-coaching-midlife-menopause-mind/ Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com 

Midlife, Menopause & Narcissistic Abuse

Adopting a positive mindset towards divorce can have a profound impact on the outcome, your emotional recovery, and financial independence. I am delighted to be joined today by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, who will guide you in taking small but meaningful steps to achieve a better outcome while navigating a divorce with a narcissistic partner. Let's move past denial and begin the journey towards a brighter future. What you will learn in this episode: How to get what you’re entitled to, not what your ex-narcissist thinks you're entitled to. Tactics to take emotions out of the divorce and approach negotiations with a well-thought-out strategy Why taking control of your divorce can rapidly improve your healing from the narcissist In this episode, Karen and Catherine will share their personal experiences of going through emotionally challenging divorces that centered around finances. These experiences have motivated them to assist others facing similar difficulties. Be sure to listen to the entire episode as they share valuable tips and strategies to help you navigate your own divorce smoothly and ensure that you receive what you deserve. Learn more about Karen, Catherine and My Divorce Solution here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolution Website: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ MDS Financial Portrait Assessment: https://mydivorcesolution.com/financial-portrait/ MDS Community and Online Course Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Creating A Positive Approach When Divorcing A Narcissist

We have the power to either let our urges define us or to harness them to become stronger and wiser. Learning how to manage our impulses is crucial in all areas of life, especially when it comes to dealing with a narcissist. In this episode, I will share with you a positive psychology intervention that has helped me become less impulsive and that can help you too. What you will learn in this episode: The importance of managing impulses in all areas of life, especially when dealing with a narcissist. A positive psychology intervention that can help you become less impulsive and manage your urges effectively. Techniques for recognizing the value of resisting your urges and challenging your mindset to make rapid improvements in different areas of your life. I'll show you how recognizing the value of resisting your urges and challenging your mindset can lead to rapid improvements in your life. This intervention will not only help you deal with a narcissist but can also benefit you in other areas such as avoiding unhealthy habits like overeating, procrastination, and impulsive shopping. Save this episode for future use and use the meditation to help you navigate your future urges with ease. Resources: Join my FREE Live & Interactive Workshop on Learning How To Positive Parent With A Narcissist: https://carolinestrawson.com/workshop Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Surfing The Urge To Respond To The Narcissist

To become your own rescuer is the ultimate gift you can give yourself. In this episode, I'll share my personal experience of realizing this truth during my own healing journey. I’m sure that if I had known this earlier, my healing process would have been much quicker. What you will learn in this episode: •    The importance of rescuing yourself and taking control of your own happiness. •    The negative consequences of solely relying on others to fulfill your happiness and sense of self-worth. •    How to empower yourself and prioritise self-love and care I'll delve into how putting my happiness into the hands of others for decades led to a loss of self-worth. While helping and being kind to others absolutely brings me joy, I've come to understand that my own happiness cannot solely depend on the actions of others. My desire to please others had built up anger and resentment inside me, which is common in narcissistic relationships. I hope this episode serves as a catalyst in your own healing journey, guiding you towards realizing the importance of rescuing yourself. Resources: •    Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse •    Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse •    Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ •    Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  •    My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Are You A SELF Abandoning Codependent?

 In my past episodes, I have often discussed how narcissists can manifest as spouses, but it's important to note that they can appear in various other forms, such as bosses, parents, and even friends, which is the topic of this episode. I will be sharing my personal experience of how I unknowingly fell into the trap of a narcissistic friend shortly after my ex-husband left me. It's interesting to note that just as one narcissist left my life, another entered it. What you will learn in this episode: Ways in which others may exploit you during your recovery process Strategies to build and maintain a positive support system Reasons why you may lose some friends from your previous narcissistic relationship Narcissistic abuse can serve as an alarm clock that awakens you to things you may have never seen before, such as being exploited by others during that period. Through this episode, I aim to underscore the significance of having a support system following narcissistic abuse while also being wary of falling prey to another narcissist. I will delve into how to navigate friendships in the aftermath of narcissistic abuse and ensure that the people around you have your best interests at heart. Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

The Hidden Dangers Of A Narcissistic Friend

 Receiving judgement from others about the narcissistic abuse you have experienced is unfortunately common, and it can be emotionally draining to try to explain yourself to people who may not understand the dynamics of a narcissistic relationship. Narcissistic abusers often manipulate and gaslight their victims, causing them to behave in ways that may seem unnatural in a healthy relationship. This can make it challenging to communicate to others what happened and how it feels to be judged for it. In this episode, I will share strategies to effectively communicate your experience in narcissistic relationships and navigate the judgment from others with empathy and self-care in mind. What you will learn in this episode: How to communicate your narcissistic abuse to others The ways in which narcissists gaslight and manipulate Why people are quick to cast judgement over your behaviour during narcissistic abuse FREE MASTERCLASS - The Psychology Of A Narcissist: https://carolinestrawson.showit.site/psychology-of-a-narcissist-masterclass To highlight the challenges of judgment and gaslighting in narcissistic abuse, I'll share a story in this episode about my ex-husband, who worked as an air steward, and went missing for over 8 hours after I expected him home. When he finally returned, he spun a fabricated story about saving a life to deflect from his absence. He used this to gaslight me, making me feel like I was the problem for being worried. It left me feeling confused and invalidated, a stark reminder of how narcissistic abusers distort reality and avoid accountability, leaving their victims dismissed. Resources: FREE MASTERCLASS - The Psychology Of A Narcissist: https://carolinestrawson.showit.site/psychology-of-a-narcissist-masterclass Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Judgement From Others And Narcissistic Abuse

 Many of us have asked ourselves, 'Am I the narcissist?' If you're questioning your own behavior, it's unlikely that you are a narcissist. However, understanding why you may feel this way and why a true narcissist would never ask this question can shed light on the situation, and that’s what I’m going to discuss in this episode.  What you will learn in this episode: How narcissists use gaslighting to flip the script and convince you that you're the narcissist. The personality traits of a narcissist. The process of how individuals develop narcissism. Gaslighting can make us believe that we're the narcissist in a relationship, especially when we're in a state of freeze due to narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I'll share strategies and mindsets to avoid falling into this trap and offer guidance for handling gaslighting. To better understand the behavior of narcissists, it's also helpful to explore how they develop in childhood, particularly if they were raised as golden children, and I hope this insight into their upbringing will help you understand that you’re not the narcissist.  Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

What If I Am The Narcissist, Not Them?!

 There is a growing body of evidence that suggests a link between narcissistic abuse and various autoimmune disorders, such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, and various inflammatory issues. Upon closer examination of the onset of these physical ailments, a correlation with the traumatic experiences of narcissistic abuse often arises. In this episode, I explore how our bodies utilize physical pain as a coping mechanism to divert our attention from the abuse we are enduring. What you will learn in this episode: Why our body uses pain as a protective mechanism How emotional pain can translate into physical pain Tips for reducing inflammation and alleviating the symptoms of autoimmune disorders Additionally, I will share my personal experience with how Internal Family Systems (IFS) helped me understand that my mother's rheumatoid arthritis was likely a result of her own traumatic experiences. My ultimate goal of this episode is to empower you to identify the underlying causes of your pain so that you can begin to heal from within, rather than relying solely on medication or resigning yourself to a lifetime of suffering. It is my hope that this episode will serve as a helpful resource in this journey towards healing. Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson  My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/ 

Auto Immune Disorders & Narcissistic Abuse

The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast is to help women thrive after the devastating effects from the trauma of narcissistic abuse. Hosted by Caroline Strawson, best-selling author, speaker and award-winning Trauma Therapist & Coach and founder of the #1 Trauma Informed Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme using a unique integration of tools such as Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, Breath Work & Positive Psychology to help you move form Post Traumatic Stress To Post Traumatic Growth. The podcast is your safe space for support, education and awareness around gaslighting, trauma bonds, codependency, complex PTSD and surviving narcissistic abuse to thrive and flourish. This is your safe space where we understand anger, toxicity and the guilt you can feel from the narcissist and this podcast is designed to take you from trauma, struggle and pain to transformation, purpose & strength. You are not alone and we heal together.

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The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast

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