You Are Not Crazy

Can a Narcissist Actually Change?


Listen Later

This is one of the most common—and most heartbreaking—questions I hear: Can a narcissist change? In this episode of You Are Not Crazy, I’m walking you through the reality behind that question.

The short answer? Maybe—but almost never.

Real change requires emotional accountability, humility, and deep psychological work… and most narcissists aren’t willing to do that. Not because they can’t—but because they don’t see the need. In this episode, we explore why narcissistic change is so rare, how survivors get stuck waiting for the version of their partner that never existed, and what it means to reclaim your clarity instead of waiting for someone else's transformation.

I also share a personal reflection on what helped me break free from the fantasy of potential and face the truth of what was in front of me.

You’ll learn:

  • Why even accurate criticism feels unbearable to a narcissist
  • What it actually takes to change—and why most won’t
  • How the trauma bond keeps you holding on
  • How to stop waiting and start healing

✨ This episode pairs with my new course Unhooked: Map the Cycle of Abuse, designed to help you make sense of the chaos and see your relationship clearly. Find it at emotionalabusecoach.com.

Support the show

Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/Youarenotcrazy

*New Course*: Unhooked: Map the Cycle of Abuse in your Relationship

Website: Emotional Abuse Coach and high-conflictdivorcecoaching.com
Instagram: @emotionalabusecoach
Email: [email protected]

{Substack} Blog About Recovering from Abuse


{E-Book} How to Break Up with a Narcissist
{Course} Identify Signs of Abuse and Begin to Heal
{Free Resource} Canned Responses for Engaging with an Abusive Partner

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

You Are Not CrazyBy Jessica Knight

  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7
  • 4.7

4.7

39 ratings


More shows like You Are Not Crazy

View all
It’s Not Normal It’s Toxic: Rid Your Life of Toxic People by Dr. Heidi

It’s Not Normal It’s Toxic: Rid Your Life of Toxic People

546 Listeners

Negotiate Your Best Life Podcast with Rebecca Zung by Rebecca Zung, Esq. | YAP Media

Negotiate Your Best Life Podcast with Rebecca Zung

330 Listeners

Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse by Abuse Survivor Network

Narcissist Apocalypse: Patterns of Abuse

756 Listeners

Love and Abuse by Paul Colaianni: Relationship and Emotional Abuse Expert

Love and Abuse

838 Listeners

The Game EXPOSED: Narcissist & Narcissistic Abuse by Yaz

The Game EXPOSED: Narcissist & Narcissistic Abuse

442 Listeners

The Mental Healness Podcast by Lee Hammock

The Mental Healness Podcast

1,155 Listeners

Lisa A Romano Breakdown to Breakthroughs by Lisa A. Romano

Lisa A Romano Breakdown to Breakthroughs

778 Listeners

So Be It: Build Calm Confidence & Bold Action with Science-Backed Self-Help by Dr Amen Kaur

So Be It: Build Calm Confidence & Bold Action with Science-Backed Self-Help

100 Listeners

Decoding Narcissism, Manipulation And Toxic Ideas, with Frederik Ribersson by Frederik Ribersson

Decoding Narcissism, Manipulation And Toxic Ideas, with Frederik Ribersson

139 Listeners

No Visible Bruises by Caroline Strawson

No Visible Bruises

528 Listeners

The Covert Narcissism Podcast by Renee Swanson, Bleav

The Covert Narcissism Podcast

685 Listeners

Waking Up to Narcissism by Tony Overbay LMFT

Waking Up to Narcissism

677 Listeners

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

264 Listeners

Surviving Narcissism with Dr. Les Carter by Dr. Les Carter

Surviving Narcissism with Dr. Les Carter

547 Listeners

Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani by iHeartPodcasts

Navigating Narcissism with Dr. Ramani

1,731 Listeners