Caroline Strawson

No Visible Bruises

Trauma & Narcissism Redefined 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 a...

Author

Caroline Strawson

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.carolinestrawson.com

Latest episode

Jul 1, 2025

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Episodes

The Narcissist, The “Let Them” Theory, And Internal Family Systems 01.07.2025

In this episode of No Visible Bruises , I’m exploring something that’s gone viral recently, Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory and whether it actually supports or harms survivors of narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse, and coercive control. On the surface, the “Let Them” approach sounds freeing. Let them ignore you. Let them walk away. Let them show you who they are. But when you’re a survivor, especia...

The Physiology of Gaslighting 24.06.2025

Before we dive in, I’m thrilled to invite you to a free live masterclass I’m hosting, “Pain to Purpose: Building a Trauma Informed Business for Survivors of Narcissistic & Domestic Abuse.” on Sunday, the 29th of June. I’ll pop the link below and if you can join me live, fantastic. But even if you can’t, still register and I’ll send you the recording. If you’re reading this after the date of th...

The Stealthy Danger Of The Covert Narcissist 17.06.2025

In this episode, we shine a light on one of the most misunderstood forms of narcissistic abuse……..the covert narcissist. Unlike the loud, arrogant narcissist that many imagine, the covert narcissist operates in far more subtle and insidious ways. They may seem shy, quiet, or even vulnerable to the outside world but behind closed doors, the manipulation runs deep. In this episode, I explore:• What...

The Hidden Layers Of Financial Abuse From A Narcissist 10.06.2025

In this eye-opening episode, I’m joined by Gina Blundell, a powerful voice and survivor of narcissistic and financial abuse. Together, we unpack the many  layers  and  nuances  of financial abuse, a form of control that often goes unseen, but leaves devastating scars. Gina bravely shares her own personal story of how financial control was used as a weapon, not just through the obvious withholding...

My Survivor Story Of Covert Narcissistic Abuse - Divorce, Debt & Depression 03.06.2025

In this powerful and personal episode, I share my own survivor story as a woman who lived through the devastation of covert narcissistic abuse. I open up about the day my life completely changed when my covert narcissistic ex walked out, leaving me with two children, over £70,000 of debt, and a nervous system in collapse. I spiralled into depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and eventually complex...

Narcissistic Abuse, Food Noise & Metabolic Disorder 27.05.2025

Narcissistic Abuse, Food Noise & Metabolic Disorder In this episode, I’m joined by Nikki Antonaccio, who shares how surviving narcissistic abuse as a child shaped everything from her relationship with food to her metabolism and how that trauma rewired her behaviour in ways that didn’t make sense until much later. We talk about how trauma from narcissistic abuse doesn’t just live in the mind, i...

My Childhood & Narcissistic Abuse Caused My Lyme Disease 13.05.2025

This is not the kind of story that wraps up neatly with a bow. Rebecca Fraser’s story is raw, messy, and unfinished because healing after deep betrayal, family fracture, and years of abusive relationships with narcissists is never clean or simple. It’s the kind of survival story that digs into the parts most people don’t want to talk about, the shame, the loneliness, the repeated heartbreak, and t...

Narcissistic Marriage, Alcoholic Mother & Emotionally Unavailable Father 29.04.2025

In today’s episode, I sit down with Radka Crossley, an incredibly courageous woman whose story will stay with you long after the episode ends. Radka spent 18 years in an abusive marriage to a narcissist, but the roots of her pain began long before that. Raised by an alcoholic mother and an emotionally unavailable father, her nervous system was wired for survival from a very young age. Together, we...

Cocaine Numbed The Pain Of Narcissistic Abuse 22.04.2025

In today’s episode, I interview Mandy Metters, a recovered cocaine addict. You’ll hear her story of resilience, strength and shame that because of her abuse, she turned to drugs to numb out the pain of feeling worthless. She grew up with a narcissistic, alcoholic father and was diagnosed with bi polar. Or was this all because of trauma? Mandy’s courage and resilience shine through alongside the pa...

Narcissistic Abuse & Cheating - A True Story of Bigamy 15.04.2025

In our 2nd episode of my rebranded podcast, No Visible Bruises sharing real survivor stories of narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse and coercive control, I sit down with Sandra Dec. I knew this would be a raw yet familiar conversation about narcissistic abuse. But very quickly, her story unfolded into something far more complex, a web of betrayal, cheating, hidden pasts, and shocking truths that co...

Narcissistic Abuse Caused My Rheumatoid Arthritis 08.04.2025

Today marks the launch of our rebranded podcast, No Visible Bruises sharing real survivor stories of narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse and coercive control, and the long-lasting physiological impact of trauma not just the psychological. In our very first episode, we sit down with Kirstie Haysman, who bravely shares her experience of narcissistic abuse and how it intertwines with her diagnosis of...

A Survivor's Guide to Healing from Narcissistic Abuse 01.04.2025

Can you imagine the hidden wounds left by a narcissist's mind games? My journey shows how abuse hurts more than just the heart. As a survivor of narcissistic abuse you often feel stuck, thinking your pain defines you, but real strength comes from understanding how trauma lives in the body.  By learning new ways to heal, like body-based therapy and nervous system support, people can rebuild their l...

Transactional Love & Narcissistic Abuse 25.03.2025

Do you know the invisible weight of transactional love? As someone who has walked through the emotional minefield, I understand how every interaction becomes a calculated performance.  The narcissist conditions you to believe your worth is transactional and you constantly have to prove your value through endless giving, pleasing, and sacrificing. Your authentic self disappears and is replaced by a...

Are They Really A Narcissist?? 18.03.2025

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, are they really a narcissist? The complexities of narcissistic relationships can be overwhelming, leaving you questioning your own sanity. However, it's crucial to understand that the word "narcissist" is merely a label, not a definition of your worth. The spectrum of narcissism is vast, with varying behaviors and traits that can make it challenging to pinpoi...

Narcissistic Abuse: The Real Truth and Why Sharing your Survival Story Matters 11.03.2025

Are you tired of feeling powerless against narcissist abuse? I know the unseen scars left by narcissists can feel devastating, but you can change the narrative. This year I will be launching a new podcast filled with real interviews and conversations with survivors like you, to give you an unmatched insight into the physical and psychological impacts of narcissistic abuse.  I will be sharing my to...

Breaking The Trauma Bond To A Narcissist -The Hidden Addiction 04.03.2025

Have you struggled to let go of your relationship with a narcissist? The trauma bond created in narcissistic abuse can feel like an addiction, with physiological reasons behind the difficulty to break free.  Understanding the hormone secretions and brain chemistry involved is key to developing the necessary strategies, intention, and awareness to heal. Somatic tools and deep trauma work are essent...

Ghosting & Narcissistic Abuse 25.02.2025

Has your narcissistic ex decided to ghost you? The experience can be gut-wrenching, as the sudden loss of communication triggers a physiological craving within your body.  Narcissistic abuse creates a trauma bond, where the mind and body become addicted to the abuser's presence.  Even when your rational mind knows it's unhealthy, your body may still yearn for the narcissist's attention.  This is f...

Is the Narcissist Happier with Their New Partner? 18.02.2025

Watching a narcissist thrive in a new relationship can be gut-wrenching. The emotional turmoil of seeing the narcissist's apparent happiness, while you struggle to pick up the pieces is difficult. Resist the urge to question your worth. The narcissist's facade of bliss is fleeting - their true nature will resurface. Their ability to manipulate and present a false image is a tactic to maintain thei...

Feeling Judged When Explaining Narcissistic Abuse 11.02.2025

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 behin...

REPLAY 163: Self Care Is A Priority After Narcissistic Abuse 04.02.2025

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...

Over Explaining & Narcissistic Abuse 28.01.2025

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,...

The Cheating Narcissist 21.01.2025

Have you been cheated on? I have and I want to help you.  The devastating impact of narcissistic abuse hidden behind the veil of cheating is a calculated tactic used by narcissists to wear down their partner's self-worth, isolate them, and maintain control.  This form of emotional and psychological abuse often goes unrecognized, leaving victims feeling responsible for their partner's actions.  My...

The Narcissistic Abuse Cycle 14.01.2025

Have you been through the narcissistic abuse cycle? The insidious pattern of love bombing, devaluation, and hoovering can leave you feeling trapped, questioning your own sanity. Caught in the web of this toxic dynamic, the trauma bond becomes a physiological addiction. Your body craves the dopamine highs and cortisol rushes, even as your mind yearns for peace. But know this: the fault lies not wit...

Narcissistic Abuse In 2025 07.01.2025

Ready to leave the narcissist's toxicity behind? It's time to take back control in 2025. This year, make the bold decision to leave the narcissist in the past. Reclaim your power and your peace of mind. No more walking on eggshells or anticipating their next outburst. Embrace a future free from the narcissist's manipulation and abuse. Healing is within your reach. By tuning into your body's signal...

New Years Intentions To Heal From Narcissistic Abuse 31.12.2024

What can you do to heal from the trauma of narcissistic abuse and regain your power in 2025? You have to set small, achievable goals rather than grand resolutions that often lead to failure.  You have to focus on one manageable step at a time and understand the impact of trauma and narcissistic abuse on your life. You need to heal by doing nervous system regulation and addressing the root causes o...

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