Have you ever felt the sting of a narcissist's manipulation? The way they twist reality, gaslighting their victims into questioning their own sanity. This insidious and dark form of abuse, known as narcissistic abuse, leaves no visible scars, yet the emotional and psychological wounds run deep.

In a society that is quick to judge, the narcissist's public persona often masks the dark reality behind closed doors. The fear of not being believed can silence you, trapping you further in the narcissist's web of control.

It's time to break the silence and approach these delicate situations with empathy and compassion. By having open dialogues and creating safe spaces, we can free ourselves from narcissistic abuse to reclaim our voices and lives.

Only then can you truly begin to understand the complex dynamics of this narcissistic abuse, heal yourself and support others in need.

0:00 Narcissistic Abuse and Coercive Control

1:31 Social Media Reactions and Judgment

4:06 Impact of Judgmental Comments on Abuse Victims

4:34 Challenges of Communicating Narcissistic Abuse

8:45 Importance of Sensitivity and Compassion

9:02 Encouraging Open Communication and Support

10:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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/

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on how you treat yourself? It might feel uneasy, as we often treat ourselves worse than we would treat others. Imagine treating someone else the way you treat yourself – it would likely disturb you. But there's a way to improve this. In this episode, I'm discussing the topic of self-care. I admit I neglected self-care after my divorce, but now I've made it a vital part of my life. Because without self-care, true healing becomes difficult.

What you will learn in this episode:

• What self care looks like and what you can do to make time for yourself.
• How to find time for yourself even if you’re a mother with children or have a hectic work schedule.
• A holistic approach to healing to ensure we’re physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy.

I'll talk about my own self-care routine and share tips for incorporating it into your schedule. Whether it's just 5 minutes of solitude or treating yourself occasionally, these small acts can greatly aid in recovering from your past. Let's agree to make a pact – a promise to each other – that we'll prioritize self-care and extend the same kindness to ourselves as we do to our loved ones.

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/

Are you an over-explainer? Do you find yourself constantly justifying your actions or decisions, even for the simplest of requests? This could be a lingering effect of narcissistic abuse.

If you have experienced this type of trauma you will often develop a habit of over-explaining as a defence mechanism. It's a way to protect yourself from the perceived judgment or disapproval of others. However, this behaviour can be exhausting and ultimately undermine your self-confidence.

Breaking free from the cycle of over-explanation requires acknowledging the root cause - the core emotional wounds that stem from narcissistic abuse. By recognising this pattern and consciously choosing to respond with clarity and self-assurance, you can reclaim your power and build healthier relationships. The journey may not be easy, but the rewards of self-acceptance and authentic communication are well worth the effort.

https://www.instagram.com/channel/AbanVOLVviNcqPps/?igsh=ajJyYzB3bDZtY2R1

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/