Have you ever wondered why certain people seem to become prime targets for covert narcissists? In this revealing episode of Fake Love and  Flying Monkeys I break down exactly what kind of personality traits covert narcissists are drawn to — and why.

From the outside, it might seem like bad luck, but I explain the deeper psychological reasons why these manipulators select partners, friends, and even colleagues who display certain appealing traits. Are you overly empathetic? A chronic people-pleaser? High-achieving but secretly struggling with low self-worth? 

Expect to learn:

The top 5 personality traits covert narcissists actively seek out

How your strengths — like kindness and loyalty — can be twisted and weaponised against you

Why boundary issues are often at the core of the narcissist-target dynamic

Red flags that signal when your good nature is being exploited

This episode is packed with insight, validation, and practical strategies to help you recognise the patterns — and break free from them. Whether you're currently stuck in a toxic relationship or reflecting on past encounters, this conversation will empower you to reclaim your self-worth and stop being an easy target.

"Your empathy is your strength — but without boundaries, it becomes your weakness in the hands of a narcissist."

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

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Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Ever felt like you were suddenly competing for someone’s love, attention, or approval—without knowing why? You might have been caught in the toxic game of covert narcissistic triangulation.

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into one of the most painful and manipulative tactics narcissists use: triangulation. Whether it’s with an ex, a friend, a sibling, or even your own child, covert narcissists thrive on creating emotional chaos by pulling in third parties to control, confuse, and hurt you.

I’ll break down what triangulation really looks like, why narcissists do it, how it affects your mental health and self-esteem, and—most importantly—how to recognise it and shut it down. From silent treatment and comparisons to backhanded praise and fake alliances, this episode exposes how narcissists use others to punish you, keep you off balance, and maintain power.

You’ll hear real-life examples from my counselling practice and learn practical tools to detach from the drama, protect your peace, and heal from the emotional damage this cruel tactic leaves behind.

This episode is for you if:

You’ve been compared to others constantly

You feel like someone’s always being used against you

The narcissist in your life brings up their ex way too often

You’ve been turned against someone you once trusted

You're stuck in a toxic triangle that leaves you drained and confused


"The narcissist doesn’t want peace, they want power—and triangulation gives them both."

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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

What happens when the abuse doesn’t leave bruises—but instead rewires your nervous system?

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying I dive deep into the reality of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as it relates to narcissistic abuse.

"Narcissistic abuse doesn’t just hurt—it conditions you to expect pain as love."

Whether you’ve left the narcissist or are still untangling from the trauma, this episode breaks down the long-term psychological and physiological effects of prolonged exposure to emotional abuse, gaslighting, control, and coercive manipulation. We explore how CPTSD develops differently from PTSD, how the narcissist's cycle of idealise–devalue–discard contributes to emotional injury, and why survivors often feel confused, hypervigilant, or stuck in shame.

You’ll learn:

What CPTSD really is and how it develops from repeated emotional trauma

Key symptoms including emotional flashbacks, dysregulation, and shame spirals

How narcissists create the "perfect storm" for CPTSD

Why healing requires more than just going no contact.

"CPTSD is not weakness. It’s your brain’s survival response to ongoing emotional warfare."

This episode is for anyone seeking to understand the neurobiological toll of narcissistic abuse, how CPTSD keeps survivors locked in fear and confusion, and—most importantly—what recovery really looks like.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Forgiveness is often misunderstood, especially by those who haven’t lived through the manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse narcissists inflict. This episode will help you understand

Should you forgive the narcissist? It's a question that haunts many survivors of narcissistic abuse—and today, we’re unpacking it.

In this powerful episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I explore the loaded topic of forgiveness when it comes to narcissists. You’ll learn why the push to “just forgive and move on” can feel invalidating, how toxic positivity can pressure survivors into unsafe situations, and why your healing doesn’t have to include reconciliation or even formal forgiveness.

We cover:

* Why forgiving a narcissist isn’t the same as healing

* How “forgiveness culture” can retraumatise survivors

* What real healing looks like without forced forgiveness

* When forgiveness is helpful—and when it’s just another trap

* How to set boundaries and protect your peace, even without closure

 Whether you’re still in contact with a narcissist or have gone full no-contact, this episode will validate your journey and remind you that your healing path is yours to define.

“You don’t have to forgive the narcissist to heal—you just have to free yourself from their control.”    

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

She seems so sweet—how could she be the problem? That’s exactly the mask the covert female narcissist wears while slowly chipping away at your confidence, your voice, and your sense of reality.

In today’s powerful episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we’re pulling back the curtain on 10 subtle but deeply damaging ways the covert female narcissist erodes your self-esteem—and often, your entire sense of self. Whether it’s your narcissistic mother, sister, partner, friend, boss or even a "mean girl" in your social circle, these women are masters of manipulation, sabotage, and emotional control—but they do it all behind a mask of innocence.

We cover:

The weaponised “victim” role she plays to guilt you

How she uses backhanded compliments and passive-aggressive digs to keep you second-guessing

How she sets you up to fail, just so she can swoop in as your 'rescuer'

The ways she turns people against you subtly, yet deliberately

And much more...

Need Support, Extra Resources?   Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here    

These aren’t just toxic habits—these are narcissistic abuse tactics designed to confuse, isolate, and emotionally paralyse you. But once you learn to spot them, you can begin to heal, reclaim your self-worth, and set powerful boundaries that protect your peace.

If you've ever felt like you were walking on eggshells around a woman who “never did anything wrong” but somehow left you feeling drained, anxious, and never good enough—this episode is for you.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

If you’ve ever been cheated on by a narcissist, you know it’s not just betrayal—it’s psychological warfare.

In this raw and eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I’m breaking down the top 5 reasons narcissists betray their partners—and trust me, it’s not because of anything you did or didn’t do. If you’ve ever been blindsided by infidelity or left questioning your worth after a narcissist moved on like you never existed, this one’s for you.

"Cheating isn't about love for narcissists—it's about power, control, and ego."

We’re diving deep into the psychology behind narcissistic infidelity. From the compulsive need for validation to the thrill of deception, I’ll help you make sense of the chaos they create and the emotional wreckage they leave behind. This episode also explores how narcissists set the stage for cheating long before it happens, often grooming new supply while still in a relationship with you.

Need Support, Extra Resources?   Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here    

"They don't cheat because you're lacking. They cheat because their ego is never full."

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why narcissists view relationships as transactional, not emotional
• The role of boredom and entitlement in their infidelity
• How cheating fits into the narcissist's cycle of idealise, devalue, and discard
• Why they’re addicted to the chase and how they sabotage real intimacy
• The devastating impact of betrayal on victims—and how to begin healing

"To a narcissist, loyalty is a one-way street—and they’re always the exception."

Whether you're still reeling from a narcissist's betrayal or trying to understand the patterns in your past relationships, this episode will validate your pain and give you the clarity you deserve. It’s not about blaming yourself—it’s about understanding the calculated cruelty behind their choices and reclaiming your power.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
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Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Feel like you're walking on eggshells all the time, constantly explaining your spending, or having to ask permission for your own money? You might be experiencing coercive control and financial control — one of the most insidious forms of abuse.

“It’s not about money. It’s about power.”

Need Support, Extra Resources?   Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here    

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we’re diving deep into the devastating trio of narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse — the silent weapons narcissists use to dominate, isolate, and wear down their victims.

I break down how narcissists use money as a weapon — not just to punish, but to own you. From limiting access to joint funds, racking up debt in your name, sabotaging your job, or demanding to see every receipt, these tactics aren’t random — they’re calculated.

You’ll learn:

✅ What financial abuse looks like in narcissistic relationships
✅ How coercive control traps victims in silence and shame
✅ Why narcissists use money to dominate and destabilise
✔️ The subtle red flags most people overlook
⭐ How survivors can begin to reclaim their autonomy and financial safety

“Financial abuse keeps you stuck long after the relationship ends.”

Whether it’s a partner, parent, or even an adult child — narcissists use coercive control to chip away at your independence. I draw from real-life client stories and professional insight to help you recognise the patterns, understand the tactics, and start the journey to empowerment.

“If they control the money, they control your choices.”

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
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Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

"Same game. Different masks."
Covert and overt narcissists may look like opposites—but don’t be fooled. In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I expose 5 unmissable differences between covert and overt narcissists, and how each uses toxic tactics to control, confuse and devalue you.

"Covert narcissists fly under the radar. Overt narcissists want the spotlight."

Need Support, Extra Resources?   Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here    

Learn how covert narcissists use silent sabotage, guilt-tripping, and false humility to chip away at your confidence—while overt narcissists operate with arrogance, grandiosity, and open manipulation.

Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic partner, parent, friend, or boss, this episode will help you clearly identify which type you’re up against—and how to protect yourself.

I share real-world examples from my counselling work, plus empowering tips to help you break free from the narcissist’s manipulation—once and for all.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
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Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

They know enough to hide it from others, but do they actually know what they're doing?

In this powerful episode, I dive deep into a question almost every survivor of narcissistic abuse asks: Do narcissists actually know they’re hurting you? Or are they just so emotionally disconnected that they genuinely believe they’re blameless?

Need Support, Extra Resources?   Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here    

Drawing on my years of experience as a trauma-informed counsellor and Director of  Brighter Outlook Narcissistic Abuse Counselling Service, I break down:

✅ The emotional awareness of narcissists (yes, they see your pain)
✅ Why their selective empathy is strategically turned off
✅ How they often weaponise your emotional reactions to make you the villain
✅ The key difference between malignant narcissists and emotionally immature people
✅ What this all means for your healing, boundaries, and freedom

A narcissist doesn’t need to feel what you feel—they just need to know what hurts you to use it to their advantage 

You’ll leave this episode with clarity, validation, and the tools to stop seeking remorse from someone incapable of offering it.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
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Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx

Real love heals. Narcissistic love destroys. Do you know the difference between true love and narcissistic love? While healthy love is built on trust, respect, and emotional safety, narcissistic love is a trap—an illusion designed to control and manipulate you.

In this episode I’ll unpack how narcissists mimic real love in the beginning, only to shift into cycles of devaluation and emotional abuse. We’ll also discuss how true love feels different from love-bombing and trauma bonding, so you can recognise the red flags before getting trapped in a toxic relationship.

Need Support, Extra Resources?   Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here    

Inside this episode we discuss:

✔ The key differences between healthy love vs. narcissistic love
✔ How narcissists manipulate emotions to keep you hooked
✔ Red flags that you’re in a narcissistic relationship
✔ What real love should feel like (without confusion or chaos)
✔ How to break free from toxic love and start healing

"Love shouldn’t feel like a rollercoaster. If it does, it’s not love—it’s control."

📖 Want deeper insights? Grab my book Fake Love for strategies on recognising and escaping toxic relationships.

Support the Show on Apple Podcasts
If Fake Love has helped you, using this Apple Podcasts link is a simple way to support the show! 🙏

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Need Support, Extra Resources? Resources and Online Counseling (worldwide) information Here

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here

You can leave a Rating and a Review here

You Can Share this Podcast here

Join me on FB here
Join the private FB group here
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Join me on YouTube here

Please Buy me a coffee ❤️

Thank you for listening!
Please remember the information in this episode is not intended to substitute for therapy is general and strictly the opinions of the host.

Nova xx