Heather Gray, LICSW

Mother Mayhem: For Daughters of Narcissistic or Emotionally Limited Mothers

Health EN ↓ 160 episodes

Welcome to Mother Mayhem, the podcast for daughters of narcissistic and emotionally limited mothers. I’m Heather Gray, licensed therapist and narcissistic abuse recovery expert. If you're healing from the mother wound, emotional neglect, or childhood trauma, you’re in the right place. Start with the first 8 episodes—they lay the foundation for your healing. Learn to understand your experience, set boundaries, and build more honest, grounded relationships. Listener questions are welcome. You’re not alone. Other daughters are here. I am, too.

Author

Heather Gray, LICSW

Category

Health

Podcast website

daughtersnpd.com

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

53. Where to Start When Healing From Narcissistic Parenting 19.06.2024

Soon after you realize your mom is a narcissist and that what you went through has a name, you can get overwhelmed in a flood of emotions, memories, and questions. Today, we meet Kimmy as she is working to get out from under the initial pile on of realizing that her mom has been abusing her her whole life. Listen in as I guide Kimmy on where to start and she begins her healing. I walk her through...

52. From Hurt to Healing: Why Trauma Work Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint 12.06.2024

In this episode of Mother Mayhem , we dive deep into the work of trauma recovery. Understanding that trauma work takes time is crucial for daughters of narcissistic and emotionally limited mothers.  Trauma is not just an intellectual experience but one that affects your body, memory, and how you perceive the world.  Learn why you can't control what happened to you, but you can control your res...

51. Deceived by a Narcissistic Mother: Unraveling a Childhood of Lies 05.06.2024

In this important episode of Mayhem, we dive into the painful story of a daughter, Rae,  manipulated by her narcissistic mother through a web of lies and deceit. Discover how she was misled about her faith and God, and the impact it had on her childhood. Rae shares her courageous journey to uncover the truth, break free from the manipulation, and heal from the trauma. Join us for this discussion o...

50! Celebrating Recovery: A Daughter’s Triumph Over Childhood Narcissistic Abuse 29.05.2024

On this, episode 50, we celebrate Libby who has been battling so much in recent years both in life, and with her narcissistic mother and enabling father. She has been through it, my friends, and now, she is finding herself on the other side, even as she tells us she still has a little bit of work still to do. Today, we honor Libby, all that she has been through, everything she has fought through,...

49. The Aging Narcissist: Daughters’ Decisions & Boundaries in Caregiving 22.05.2024

In this episode, we delve into the complex maze faced by daughters of narcissistic mothers when it comes to making decisions about caregiving for their aging parents.  Offering guidance on  navigating boundaries, deciding what’s best for yourselves,  and managing the emotional minefield all of this creates.  Question for the show: Heather@DaughtersNPD.com Find me over on Instagram where we talk ab...

Simple Scripts for Saying Hard Things 17.05.2024

Introducing: Simple Scripts for Saying Hard Things. (Link below for those that don't have a live link) Simple Scripts gives you instant access to the words you need to say hard things in life, love, or work. If an ebook isn’t really your thing but you want to support Mayhem and the work we have been doing, please know that I would consider any purchase of this book to be a sign of sponsorship...

48. Stepping Back: Daughters' Path to Low Contact with Narcissistic Mothers 15.05.2024

In all likelihood, you will feel it in your bodies when you are ready to go low contact but it can be hard to navigate what your boundary will be and how to communicate it. Listen in for ways of organizing this decision for yourselves.  Do you think it’s time to go low contact but are struggling with how?  Write in with your question or situation: Heather@DaughtersNPD.com I’ll share advice and dir...

47. From Doubt to Confidence: Navigating Chronic Anxiety After Childhood Trauma 08.05.2024

Today, ‘Coral’ shares her story in her own words and in her own voice. Daughters of narcissistic mothers know all too well what it is like to always second guess yourself, to not want your mother’s opinion but to also feel like you need it. It is not at all uncommon for those who’ve experienced relational trauma as kids to suffer from chronic anxiety as an adult. Coral shares her story, shares so...

46. Narcissistic Mother’s Day Mayhem: A Guide for Daughters 01.05.2024

In this episode of 'Mother Mayhem,' we tackle the unique challenges faced by daughters of narcissistic mothers on and around Mother’s Day.  Learn strategies for coping, finding resilience, and fostering healing during this often triggering time. We discuss the emotional complexities and triggers that daughters of narcissistic mothers often experience during Mother's Day. Learn coping s...

This is Me. All In. 29.04.2024

Last November, I experienced a devastating friend breakup—a story I wasn't sure I'd ever share here. After finding solace in my favorite podcast, It's Going to Be OK , I opened up to their team. I thought the story would stay there until I shared  it with a Mayhem listener and she encouraged me to let the rest of you in on it. Then, two other listeners stumbled upon it by happenstance...

45. The Vulnerability of Adult Friendships After Childhood Trauma 24.04.2024

Today we tackle the intricate challenge of forming and maintaining friendships as an adult survivor of childhood trauma. Navigating the complexities of trust, communication, and boundaries, we explore the unique challenges faced by individuals who have experienced childhood adversity. Learn strategies for fostering healthy friendships, gaining self-awareness, and creating a supportive community on...

Narcissistic Mother's Day is Coming: Accepting Questions 19.04.2024

Ready or not, Narcissistic Mother's Day is Coming. I know this is going to be a hard day for many of you but if possible, I would like to make it less hard and help it suck a little bit less. I am not accepting your questions which I will answer in the coming weeks over on Instagram. You can follow me there over at DaughtersNPD . There, you can DM me your questions and I will answer them in an...

44. What to Say When the Narcissist Says a Narcissistic Thing 17.04.2024

Narcissists are always going attack. That's what they do. They wouldn't be narcissists if they didn't. You can easily feel like you are being held hostage by their narrative and that there is no "right" answer or "right" response to their nonsense. You'll want responses at the ready and you'll want to neutralize the weapon. Listen in to learn ways of doing b...

43. Breaking the Cycle: Healing from Hurt So You Can Stop Hurting Others 10.04.2024

We know "hurt people hurt people" What do you do when you're the person doing the hurting? In this episode of 'Mother Mayhem,' we're looking to break the cycle of hurt after childhood trauma. "Emily" bravely shares her journey of recognizing her own problematic behavior stemming from past trauma, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and accountability i...

Massachusetts Listeners: Get Unstuck with My 1:1 Support 08.04.2024

Good news for daughters in Massachusetts who are navigating your recovery journey from narcissistic abuse. With openings in my schedule, I’m now offering specialized clinical consultations designed to provide targeted support for trauma recovery. Here is the link to purchase and schedule. -My approach focuses on helping daughters who feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps in recovery. -The...

42. Breaking Free from Fear: Strategies for Thriving Post-Narcissistic Trauma 03.04.2024

Today we're talking about managing anxiety, fear, and dysregulation after narcissistic abuse. Learn to navigate these challenges and find healing as you work for your emotional well-being. Understand your anxiety and learn what you can do about it as you heal from narcissistic trauma. Discover how to cultivate resilience, regain inner balance, and thrive in the aftermath of emotional abuse Men...

41. Growth After Narcissistic Abuse: Cultivating Self-Worth and Confidence 27.03.2024

Today, you get to meet "Christie", in her own voice AND in her own words! She shares her story of recovery from a narcissistic mother and enabling father and invites me to talk to her about self worth and learning how to take up space. She also generously shares an accompanying art exhibit she offers as a reflection for her healing. You can find that in the attached Google doc. "Chr...

40. Rediscovering You: Reinventing Identity After Estrangement from Mom 20.03.2024

Once you cut off contact with your mom, it can be hard to know who you are. What do you think, feel, and believe? What are your values? You're so used to filtering them through your mother's perspective that it can be hard to know yourself. How do you reintroduce yourself to yourself? Start Here: Mentioned in this show: Relationship to Self Journal Prompts Addition questions for reflection...

39. Reactive Abuse in Narcissistic Recovery: Practical Defense Strategies 13.03.2024

It's infuriating when your abuser turns the tables and accuses you of abuse. That's what reactive abuse is and that is a tactic narcissists use to change the narrative. Today we're tackling it head on so you can get in the driver's seat and get back in control of a dynamic that often feels very much out of your control.

38. Monsters-in-Law: Protecting Your Family from Narcissistic Mothers-in-Law 06.03.2024

The trauma experienced by daughters in law of narcissistic mothers in law doesn't get talked about enough but it's a lot. You have your own trauma that you have experienced from her. you have vicarious trauma that comes from witnessing your mother in law's abuse of your husband, and you have her impact in your kids. In this week's episode, we are breaking all of it down so we can b...

37. Sisters in Sorrow: Mourning Dad Amidst a Narcissistic Mother 28.02.2024

When there's so much trauma that you don't even know where to begin, it can make you feel as though you've been swallowed whole by it all. Recovery is complicated but it's possible. Listen in as I help two sisters navigate their story together and separately.

Mark Your Calendar: March 6th Live Coaching Call - Your invitation to Connect 23.02.2024

This is your invitation to join us for our next coaching call scheduled for March 6th, 10:30am 12:30pm PST. I wish you only had to consider this to be your warm welcome to further connect but I also know that accepting an invitation like this can be challenging so we're talking about it quickly, today. I hope you'll consider joining us by using this link. Also mentioned in this episode: In...

36. Finding Light: Being Seen After Narcissistic Abandonment 21.02.2024

When you're the child of a narcissist, the pain isn't a one-time event; it's a relentless cycle of rejection and invalidation. And when a father enables a narcissistic mother, it's a recurring betrayal that leaves scars. But where do you start to heal from such deep wounds? Join us as we explore the journey of recovering from narcissistic abuse, delving into the daunting task of le...

35. Sole Survivor: Surviving Narcissism as the Only Child 14.02.2024

When you're the only child of a narcissistic mother, you end up feeling like your experience exists in an echo chamber. You're the golden child one second and the scapegoat the next. When you become an adult, it can feel like everything falls on you, that you have to stay connected with her because if not you, who? Here's how to navigate all of that. Question for the show? Heather@Daug...

34. Choosing Wisely: A Heartwise Blueprint for Finding Healthy Love After Neglect 07.02.2024

It's not your picker that's broken. It's your connection to yourself. Choosing love that's better for you means choosing the love that is right for you. Here's how. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 4 of Mother Mayhem: Navigating Relationships After Narcissistic Abuse You can find it in the podcast app you are using for this episode.

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