No Visible Bruises

One of the most asked questions I receive is how do you parent your children with a Narcissistic partner? Parenting alongside a narcissist is challenging, but my aim for this episode is to equip you with the knowledge to create a positive environment for your children. I’ll explore strategies to navigate and overcome the obstacles a narcissistic partner or ex-partner might present, helping you ens...

Suppressing emotions is a one-way path to stress and deeper suffering. In today's episode, I'll explore effective strategies for expressing rage and other intense emotions. This way, we can prevent these feelings from simmering within us, leading to a healthier emotional state. What you will learn in this episode: How to healthily express our emotions. Why internalising emotions can lead to illnes...

Recently I had some conversations with members from my Facebook group who, after enduring narcissistic abuse, struggle with feelings of unattractiveness and unworthiness due to their single status. In this episode, I dispel the misconception that our value is tied to our romantic relationships. I hope this episode helps you to discover and embrace your intrinsic self-worth, independent of others'...

When we’re in an abusive relationship with a narcissist, our behaviour tends to change, it’s a way that our body attempts to adapt to the situation to ensure that we can stay as safe as possible. Unfortunately, this shift in behaviour can often lead you to seek out medical help which all too commonly results in a diagnosis of Borderline or Bipolar Personality Disorder. In this episode, I’m going t...

Who is around you when you’re feeling hurt? Who is there to listen to you when you need to talk to someone? Unfortunately, it’s all too common to feel isolated when you’re suffering from narcissistic abuse or you’re trying to heal. I felt isolated for so long, and I want you to know that it does not have to be that way.  What you will learn in this episode: How to find a community that understands...

It’s time to take ownership of our happiness. It took me a long time to realise that to feel happy and to love myself was completely my responsibility. We cannot and should not look externally for others to make ourselves feel worthy. It’s a hard realisation, but it can immediately change your outlook on the world and bring happiness to you, as you’re no longer waiting around for something to chan...

The medical diagnosis of narcissists is wrong and it’s time to re-envision narcissism. In this episode, I talk about rethinking narcissism beyond its usual stereotypes and the standard medical view of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. I look at how misdiagnosis is common and why the medical industry's approach needs to change. I'll also explain why it's rare for narcissists to seek help and how t...

Childhood experiences, like lack of praise or excessive attention, often shape codependent behaviours. These patterns can attract relationships with narcissists. In this episode, we'll explore the roots of codependency, its connection to seeking love in unhealthy ways, and ways to heal from both narcissistic relationships and codependent tendencies. What you will learn in this episode: Understandi...

From withholding money to asking you to sign your name onto debt, financial abuse can come in so many different shapes and sizes, and the impact it can have on your life can be truly horrific. Unfortunately, so many people suffer from financial abuse, and oftentimes they don’t even know it. In this episode, I’m going to help you see the signs of financial abuse and how you can get yourself out of...

It's often said that we are the sum of the five people we spend the most time with. This concept takes on profound significance when you're recovering from narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I'll take you through a look at my social circle during my struggle with my narcissistic husband's abuse. I'll reveal how certain friends hindered my healing, while others became pillars of strength, propell...

WARNING: In this episode, we discuss hard hitting trauma so please be aware and make sure you are grounded listening to it. If you do relate to anything, please reach out to the relevant authorities.  We discuss: Childhood abuse Sexual assault Addiction Suicide Prison Domestic and narcissistic abuse I recently had the privilege of interviewing Natalie Russell, a remarkable participant from ITV1's...

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 r...

You work hard on your fitness and nutrition, but it can be frustrating when the weight just won't come off. Many people can relate to this struggle, especially those who've faced narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I'll share why losing weight has been tough and how I managed to shed the pounds gained during that difficult time, and how you can too. What you will learn in this episode: How to get...

Many times, we wish for the moment when we can confront a narcissist, blaming them for everything, and find the courage to break free from their influence. But what really occurs on that day? In this episode, I'll explore the steps to safely leave a narcissist. We'll delve into recognizing the signs when they realize you're onto them and how they usually react in such a scenario. What you will lea...

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. Wha...

How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse FREE Masterclass: Sunday 1st October 8pm UK time/3pm EDT/12pm PDT: https://carolinestrawson.com/healing-masterclass My approach to defining what a narcissist is differs from the mainstream healthcare definition, I’m going to explain why. When I had a narcissist in my life, they behaved very differently in the public eye compared to how they behaved behind close...

The most difficult topics to discuss are often the most harmful. That's why I've created this episode to provide a safe space for talking about how sex and pornography can harm relationships, especially when dealing with narcissistic individuals. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Doug Weiss, and together we'll cover topics ranging from porn addiction to what he terms "intimacy anorexia," as well...

Many of us who've experienced narcissistic abuse often blame ourselves and carry the shame. But it's important to understand that we're not at fault. We need to find healthy ways to release our anger and heal from our abusive past. In this episode, I'll share my story of overcoming shame and finding healing, and I'll show you how you can do the same. What you will learn in this episode: How to ove...

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...

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...

Incorrect diagnoses lead to incorrect treatments. This worries me because I often see individuals who've endured narcissistic abuse being wrongly labelled with Borderline Personality Disorder. In this episode, I'll talk about how experts diagnose personality disorders and explain why there's a frequent mix-up, causing those with Complex PTSD to be misdiagnosed. What you will learn in this episode:...

I can remember being homeless, in debt and struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression like it was yesterday. If you had told me that I’d be where I am today back in 2013, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I’m living proof that we cannot only survive narcissistic abuse but can thrive after it. So in this episode, I’m going to share with you my reflections on how I got to where I am today and show...

Celebrities, just like regular people, sometimes face abusive relationships with narcissists. In this episode, I'll explore how these high-profile individuals cope with such challenges and heal from their emotional wounds. Drawing from my experience working with celebrities, I'll share valuable insights into their coping mechanisms and the lessons we can all learn from their experiences. What you...

Time alone is not enough to heal narcissistic abuse. While it might hide some wounds temporarily, triggers can still cause intense emotional turmoil. In this episode, I'll guide you through the process of healing your inner wounds, enabling your nervous system to handle future triggers and recover from past trauma. What your going to hear may sound harsh and difficult to hear, but trust me, if you...

It’s the summer holidays! In this episode, I want to help those of you with children, as school breaks can often bring about challenges in their behavior. Children may react strongly to narcissistic individuals, leading to increased dysregulation when they are with you. During school holidays, your children might end up spending time with a narcissistic person. To ensure their well-being, I'll gui...