THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness

Hey, Survivor! Why does rebuilding your life after narcissistic abuse feel so hard? In this episode, I explore some challenges survivors face after the crisis ends. Learn how trauma and chronic stress impact the nervous system, why survival mode can make moving forward difficult, and how healing creates the capacity to dream, grow, and rebuild. If you're struggling to move forward after your narci...

Hey, Survivor! Can food help you heal from trauma? In my conversation with Dr. Scott Stoll, board-certified physician, educator, former Olympian, and co-founder of The Plantrician Project, we explore the connection between nutrition, chronic stress, lifestyle medicine, and trauma recovery. We discuss how prolonged stress impacts the brain and body, why inflammation matters, how food influences hea...

Hey, Survivor! What does healing actually look like after narcissistic abuse? Many survivors believe healing means they'll never feel triggered, grieve, or think about the past again. In this episode, I’m offering a different perspective—one rooted in trauma recovery, chronic stress healing, nervous system regulation, personal growth and empowerment. Healing isn't about perfection, grief can still...

Hey, Survivor! In this episode, I’m talking about something rarely discussed in trauma recovery: supporting the survivor-parent after narcissistic abuse. We explore caregiving, forgiveness, accountability, aging, trauma, healing family dynamics, and what it looks like to help someone reclaim life after years spent in survival mode. If you’ve ever loved a parent who survived dysfunction while carry...

Hey, Survivor! In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Regina Ragasa, a triple board-certified physician in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine.  We’re talking about the gap between health knowledge and real-life behavior change. We explore why trauma survivors often struggle to implement what they already know about health, and how shame, stress, and survival responses can interf...

Hey, Survivor! In this episode, we’re talking about the emotional aftermath of narcissistic abuse and why so many survivors feel embarrassed, fooled, or deeply ashamed after manipulation. We explore trauma bonding, psychological manipulation, self-trust, and how survivors can heal from the painful realization that they were emotionally deceived. If you’re self-blaming and shaming after the narciss...

Hey, Survivor! Graduation season can be emotionally complicated when narcissistic family dynamics are involved. In this episode, we explore why milestone events often trigger narcissistic behavior, common manipulation tactics during family celebrations, and practical ways to protect your peace while staying present for meaningful moments. If you’re navigating narcissistic dynamics while celebratin...

Hey, Survivor! One of the hardest parts of narcissistic abuse is realizing the relationship may end—but the aftermath often doesn’t. In this episode, I’m talking about the lingering emotional, financial, and nervous system impact survivors can experience long after the narcissist is gone. If you’ve ever felt like you were left holding the bag after a toxic relationship, this episode is for you. 🎧...

Hey, Survivor! After years of hypervigilance, stress, trauma, and emotional survival, what happens when the crisis finally ends? In this episode, I’m talking about the physical and emotional “crash” many trauma survivors experience after prolonged periods of stress—including nausea, shaking, exhaustion, emotional numbness, brain fog, and nervous system dysregulation. Following the end of the murde...

Hey, Survivor! After 8 years, the jury in the murder trial reached a verdict—and my body reacted before my mind could catch up.  Can you relate? In this episode, I’m talking about what happens in the nervous system when a long season of trauma, hypervigilance, stress, and uncertainty may finally be ending. We often think closure will feel peaceful, but trauma survivors can experience shaking, over...

Hey, Survivor! Are the people who love you - or claim to love you - healed enough to support you?  I’m talking about a painful but important reality in trauma healing in this episode. When your pain triggers someone else’s unresolved trauma, their response can feel confusing, invalidating, or hurtful. What looks like avoidance, defensiveness, or betrayal could be a trauma response of its own—but t...

Hey, Survivor! Is the word “narcissism” and the like overused?  I’m talking about it in this episode. For survivors, having language to describe patterns of behavior over time can be a critical part of healing. When that language is dismissed, it can reinforce confusion, self-doubt, and silence. If you, or someone you know, have experienced trauma, the loss of language, and need to understand why...

Hey, Survivor! In this episode, I’m talking about something I’ve experienced personally and witnessed during recent court proceedings: survivors going quiet after trauma. We’ll talk about the nervous system, guilt and shame, triggers, and the loss of language that often follows trauma. If you, or someone you know, have ever withdrawn, stopped responding, or felt like you didn’t have the capacity t...

Hey, Survivor! What does self-regulation actually look like in a stressful, triggering environment? As I sat through intense courtroom testimony this week, I had to stay calm, composed, and grounded—without visibly reacting.  It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I’ll share the tools I used in real time, including breathwork, physical awareness, emotional processing, and cognitive reframing. If yo...

Hey, Survivor! Why do survivors feel compelled to figure out narcissistic and toxic relationships? In this episode, we’ll talk about what drives you to go down the rabbit hole to understand the narcissist—and when your efforts to clarify their chaos and drama can become a barrier to your healing. If you’re curious about what you’ll actually find, why and how a deep dive can keep you stuck, and how...

Hey, Survivor! Why do narcissists move on quickly after relationships end? In this episode, we break down the psychology behind “replacement,” trauma bonding, and why survivors are left feeling confused and hurt. If you’re wondering how narcissistic individuals avoid accountability, why the “get over it and move on” mandate isn’t a sign of healing, and how to reclaim your confidence and clarity - ...

Hey, Survivor! Illness is real—but it can also be used for manipulation in narcissistic and toxic relationships.  Patterns matter. In this episode, we’ll explore how some individuals use illness to gain sympathy, avoid accountability, and control others—and how you can recognize red flags and protect your boundaries and peace. If you’ve ever felt confused or guilty for questioning someone’s illnes...

Hey, Survivor! Managing unexpected confrontation, regulating your nervous system, and responding with dignity and confidence can be challenging for trauma survivors - especially when your brain detects a threat and sounds the alarm. In this episode, a surprising criminal courtroom moment provides a powerful lesson in emotional regulation, trauma responses, and calming your brain and body in high-p...

Hey, Survivor! Detaching from unhealthy relationships can feel impossible—especially for survivors of narcissistic abuse who were conditioned to fix, manage, or absorb other people’s behaviors, emotions, and thinking. In this episode, we explore detachment, inspired by the classic recovery book Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.  Detachment helps survivors stop reacting to relationships and si...

Hey, Survivor! Can you return to places connected to painful memories of narcissistic abuse and still feel safe? In this episode, we explore how trauma becomes linked to environments, why hometown visits or family gatherings can feel activating, and practical ways to protect your peace while reclaiming your experiences. If you, or someone you know, need strategies to regulate your nervous system,...

Hey, Survivor! Feeling behind in your healing journey, after narcissistic or toxic relationships?  Under pressure to “get over it” or “move on?”  You’re not alone or crazy.  This episode will reframe those tired, toxic narratives.  Trauma healing is a journey, not a race.  So, you need to pace yourself.  You’ll learn why trauma recovery requires slowness, how the nervous system recalibrates after...

Hey, Survivor! Why does narcissistic abuse feel so devastating? In this episode, we unpack betrayal trauma — how your body and brain respond when someone you depend on is also the one causing harm. Learn how betrayal trauma impacts memory, attachment, identity, and nervous system regulation — and how to begin healing using evidence-based insight and Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. framework. 🎧 Listen now and...

Hey, Survivor! Have you ever looked back on your narcissistic relationship and thought, “How did I not see this?” If you’ve been feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or questioning your intelligence after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. In this episode, we unpack why survivors often feel foolish — and why that feeling is actually a trauma response, not a character flaw. You’ll learn how mani...

Hey, Survivor! Feeling like your “no” doesn’t matter? In this episode, we break down 7 ways narcissists test your boundaries, why it hurts, and how to protect yourself without guilt. Learn evidence-based insights on narcissistic behavior and relational aggression;  and practical tools to improve your health and wellbeing and reclaim your power. If you, or someone you know, need help reinforcing yo...

Hey, Survivor! Narcissistic and toxic female friendships can be hazardous to your health and well-being.  In this episode, we’re unpacking the hidden harm and why it hurts so deeply. You’ll learn: Why betrayal trauma hits harder in same-gender relationships 7 subtle signs a “friend” may be manipulating, competing, or controlling How covert narcissism shows up through gossip, triangulation, and vic...