Have you ever felt like your emotions were dismissed or invalidated by someone close to you? The manipulative tactic known as gaslighting is often used by narcissists to undermine your sense of reality.

Narcissists are driven by a deep-seated need for control and validation and use gaslighting as a means to maintain power over you.

This is a form of emotional abuse that chips away at your confidence, making you question your own perceptions and experiences.

The narcissist's goal is to create a parallel reality where you become reliant on their version of events, ultimately losing touch with your own sense of self.

By recognising the signs of gaslighting, you will take the first step towards reclaiming your autonomy and break free from the narcissist's grip.

Staying vigilant for phrases that dismiss, minimise, or deny your reality is crucial in identifying this manipulative behaviour. With self-awareness and access to support, you can begin the journey of healing and personal transformation, ultimately finding the light at the end of the tunnel.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Understanding gaslighting and its impact on victims

• The nature of trauma and personal transformation

• Common gaslighting phrases used by narcissists

• The psychological impact of gaslighting on victims

• Resources and support for those experiencing narcissistic abuse

Get a copy of my masterclass: https://carolinestrawson.com/dangers-of-a-narcissist

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/

What is the hidden danger of the narcissist that we must be aware of? Through my personal journey of healing from narcissistic abuse, I know the importance of understanding the narcissist's behaviour and the impact it has on our self-worth and trauma.

You need to shift the focus from the narcissist to your own healing, as continuing to obsess over the narcissist only perpetuates the cycle of abuse.

In my masterclass I will give you practical insights and strategies to help you recognize the red flags of a narcissist, handle relationships with toxic individuals, and ultimately reclaim their power. By attending this masterclass, individuals can take a significant step towards breaking free from the hidden dangers of the narcissist and embarking on a transformative healing journey.

Sign up to the masterclass: https://carolinestrawson.com/dangers-of-a-narcissist

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The importance of understanding narcissistic abuse and trauma through evidence-based approaches

• The desire to know everything about narcissistic abuse and the challenges it presents

• The overuse of the term "narcissist" in society and its impact on those who have experienced true narcissistic abuse

• The concept of post-separation abuse and the prevalence of narcissists in various relationships

• The announcement of a free masterclass on the "Hidden Dangers of the Narcissist"

• The emphasis on personal healing and understanding one's own emotional wounds rather than solely focusing on the narcissist

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 heard your partner say, "Don't worry, I'll handle everything and put it in my name," or "Just let me know if you need anything"? While these phrases might seem like generosity, they can actually be signs of financial abuse. In this episode, I’ll explore covert financial abuse and how narcissists use it to gain control, leaving you with little financial independence and making it hard to leave the relationship. But fear not, I'll guide you on reclaiming your financial independence and safely exiting the relationship.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How narcissists hide their control behind generosity.
• Why so many people suffer from covert financial abuse without noticing.
• How to become financially independent and safely leave a narcissist.

I’ll share a story about a woman I once helped. She left her partner after enduring years of financial abuse, where nothing, not even her phone number, was in her name. She couldn't even get a phone in her own name due to her lack of credit history, as everything financial was tied to her partner. Tune in to discover how you can regain control of your finances and prevent a situation like this. It's important to know that healing from this form of narcissistic abuse is possible.

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/

Do you ever notice that whenever there's a special event in your life, like Christmas, a birthday, or an anniversary, there's always someone who seems to spoil the celebration? This behaviour is often associated with narcissism. In this episode, I’ll explore why narcissists often disrupt special occasions, how to identify the warning signs, and I’ll share tips on how to navigate these moments.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How narcissists attempt to spoil special occasions.

• Preparing yourself to cope with such behaviour.

• Understanding why narcissists choose special occasions for their abusive actions.

This individual might not only be your partner; it could be a family member like a father, mother, brother, or sister. Their presence can make special events challenging. Therefore, my goal for this episode is to assist you in handling these significant occasions and upcoming holidays with a clear plan of action.

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/

In a narcissistic relationship, it's common to blame ourselves for the problems instead of the narcissist. Discovering your partner's infidelity often intensifies this self-blame, making you think, "It's my fault." I'm here to affirm that you are enough, and you should hold your partner accountable for their actions. It's time to reclaim your power and begin the journey to heal from this abusive relationship. That's the focus of this episode.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How narcissists gaslight you to believe it’s your fault for them cheating.

• Why you musn’t blame yourself for anything the narcissist does.

• How narcissists cheat to get more control over you.

I'll share my personal experience of discovering my husband's infidelity and how he wrongly made me believe it was my fault. I've since realized it wasn't my fault, and I wish I hadn't blamed myself back then. In this episode, I want to emphasize that everything the narcissist does is not your fault. You have the strength to navigate this challenging period and start the journey to remove the narcissist from your life.

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/

Do you feel stuck in your healing journey from trauma and narcissistic abuse, struggling to find a way forward?

You may find yourself feeling frustrated, like you’ve been talking about your pain without truly healing.

Traditional talk therapy, while helpful, often overlooks the body’s role in healing. To move forward, you must address the nervous system, where trauma is stored. Somatic healing techniques such as EMDR, breathwork, and internal family systems can help process emotions, reduce triggers, and reconnect you to your sense of self.

This journey is about more than talking—it’s about feeling in order to heal. By embracing this holistic approach, you’ll begin to notice the emotional weight lifting, allowing you to experience true freedom and growth. Healing is within your reach, and with these tools, you can take the first step toward a thriving life.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Healing from narcissistic abuse

• Breaking free from talk therapy limitations

• Nervous system healing for trauma

• Somatic practices

• Reclaiming your sense of self through holistic healing

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 living in a state of dissociation? If you have experienced long-term toxic or a narcissistic relationship you may find yourself disconnected from your body to numb out the emotional pain.

Dissociation is a protective mechanism, but it's not a healthy way to live. Dissociation can lead to chronic illness, difficulty engaging socially, and a lack of joy and connection. To shift out of this state, you must learn to reconnect with the body through somatic healing practices. This process is not easy, as we're often not taught to embrace our emotions, especially as women. However, by understanding the neuroscience behind dissociation and the importance of working with the nervous system, you can reclaim their sense of presence and groundedness, paving the way for true healing and growth.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Dissociation as a trauma response

• Nervous system regulation for healing

• Freeze response and physical impacts

• Somatic healing for mind-body reconnection

0:00 Understanding Trauma and Dissociation
3:14 The Role of Neuroscience and Somatic Practices in Healing
4:11 The Freeze Response and Its Impact on the Body
6:59 Long-Term Effects of Dissociation on Health
8:52 Shifting Out of Dissociation and Reconnecting with the Body
11:07 The Importance of Somatic Healing
11:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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/