Why do smart, empathic people keep ending up in emotionally painful relationships?
In this first episode of 2026,  I unpack why loving the wrong people isn’t a flaw — it’s conditioning.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

I speak candidly about narcissistic relationships, emotional control, trauma bonding, and why hope keeps people stuck long after clarity arrives. This episode is for anyone who has loved deeply, doubted themselves, and wondered how they lost their sense of self along the way.

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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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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

Trigger warning: Abuse doesn’t always start with obvious violence — it often begins with intimidation, manipulation, and control. The slammed fist into the wall beside your head, a plate hurled that just misses, your car blocked in so you can’t leave, or the threat of suicide if you try to walk away. These are deliberate tactics designed to dominate, silence, and keep you trapped in fear.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

Many victims minimise these behaviours, telling themselves “at least they didn’t hit me.” But coercive control is abuse, and when it escalates, the danger becomes very real. 

This episode is validating, emotional, and at times confronting. It sheds light on the insidious ways narcissists create dominance and control through fear — and what it feels like to live under that constant threat. 

Order my book here 👇https://mybook.to/F3gm

If you’ve ever questioned whether what you’re experiencing “counts” as abuse, I want you to know this: coercive control is abuse, and it can become dangerous. Your story matters, and your safety matters.

Support the show

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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Want to support the channel? 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

For a narcissist, the most terrifying moment isn’t when you argue, fight, or even walk out the door. Their real breaking point comes when they finally realise you are never coming back.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying I explore the collapse of the narcissist’s carefully constructed world when they lose control over you. What does that breaking point actually look like from their side? 

I unpack:

✅️How narcissists sense when they’ve truly lost their grip

✅️Why love-bombing, begging, and false promises intensify when you won’t budge

✅️The terrifying rage and character assassinations that surface when charm fails

✅️The emptiness and collapse they face when their supply is permanently cut off

If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to leave, or what happens when you finally stand your ground, this episode is for you!

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

Ever wondered why some friendships leave you feeling drained, anxious, or doubting yourself? It might not be you — it could be a covert narcissist hiding in plain sight. In this episode, we dive into the subtle but serious dangers of having a covert narcissist friend.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

You’ll also learn about the infamous “flying monkey” effect — when narcissists recruit others in your social circle to do their emotional dirty work — and how it can leave you feeling isolated and confused. We share relatable examples of how covert narcissists operate, the emotional toll they take, and why it’s so hard to spot them until the damage is done.

👇 You can order my book here       https://mybook.to/F3gm

If you’ve ever felt drained, manipulated, or unsure about a friendship, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and practical guidance.

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

Ever find yourself constantly second-guessing your reality, apologising for things you didn’t do, or walking on eggshells to avoid someone’s anger? These are not just “relationship problems” — they may be signs you’re caught in the cycle of narcissistic abuse.

(For 1:1 online counselling/support in healing from and understanding your own toxic relationship please visit my website at www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au)

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I break down the red flags that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. From subtle gaslighting to love bombing, manipulation, silent treatments, and emotional withdrawal, I’ll walk you through the patterns that reveal whether your partner, friend, or even family member might be a narcissist.

Narcissists thrive on confusion — but once you start seeing clearly, you reclaim your power.

Order my best-selling book,  Fake Love,  here https://mybook.to/F3gm

If you feel like you’re losing yourself in love, it’s not love — it’s control.

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

The female narcissist is often compared to a black widow spider — alluring, seductive, and deadly to her prey. In relationships, her weapon of choice is emasculation. She strips her victim of confidence, ridicules his masculinity, and weaves a web of control that leaves him doubting his worth.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

In this episode, I break down how the black widow narcissist operates. From playful “jokes” that cut deep, to public humiliation designed to belittle, to sexual manipulation that punishes and rewards, every move is calculated to dominate. 

This is a raw, eye-opening exploration of a form of narcissistic abuse that’s rarely talked about: the quiet, calculated destruction of a man’s sense of self. If you’ve ever felt mocked, belittled, or stripped of your masculinity by a partner, this episode will shine a light on exactly what’s happening — and why it was never your fault.

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

To outsiders, narcissistic families often appear flawless—supportive parents, successful children, and a picture-perfect life. Yet beneath the surface lies manipulation, control, and emotional abuse that remain hidden from the public eye. 

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

This episode explores how narcissistic parents craft the illusion of perfection, the roles family members are forced to play, and why friends, relatives, and colleagues rarely see the dysfunction.

Listeners will gain insight into toxic family dynamics, covert abuse, parental narcissism, and the lasting psychological effects on children and spouses. By understanding how these families maintain their public image, you can begin to recognize patterns of narcissistic behavior, validate lived experiences, and see beyond the mask that conceals the truth.

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

What do you do when the narcissist’s texts flip between “I love you” and radio silence? In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I break down the real meaning behind their late-night messages, sudden love bombs, ghosting tactics, and manipulative wordplay.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

 Important Fact - Their texts aren’t random — they’re part of a calculated cycle designed to pull you back in.

We’ll talk about why narcissists text at the weirdest times, how they hook you with just a few words, and how you can finally step off the merry-go-round. If you’ve ever stared at your phone wondering, “What does this even mean?” — this one’s for you.

📖 Don’t forget to grab a copy of my book Fake Love for deeper insights and strategies to heal. 👇https://mybook.to/F3gm

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

Ever been hit with anger that comes out of nowhere — and somehow leaves you questioning yourself?

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive into narcissistic rage: what it really is, why narcissists explode over seemingly “nothing,” and why it’s never your fault.

(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

You’ll learn:

How narcissistic rage shows up — from screaming and cold silences to passive-aggressive digs and public humiliation

Why narcissists react this way — fragile egos, control, and power plays

Real-life examples in relationships, parenting, and work

Practical strategies to protect yourself, set boundaries, and stay sane.

Order my book, Fake Love,  here 👇https://mybook.to/F3gm

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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

Have you ever had a narcissist in your life say, “Let’s be friends” after a breakup or fallout? In this episode, we dive deep into what they really mean, why it’s not about genuine friendship, and how these manipulative words keep you trapped in the trauma bond.
(For 1 on 1 online counselling in your own toxic relationship/narcissistic abuse recovery please visit my website at
https://brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au/online-counselling-services/ )

We explore why victims often think staying friends is a safer alternative to a committed relationship, the hidden motives behind this classic narcissistic move, and what actually happens when you accept “friendship” with someone who thrives on control and emotional supply.

I’ll share real-life examples from my counselling practice, practical strategies for setting boundaries, and ways to protect your emotional health without guilt.

Learn why saying “let’s be friends” is often just another way narcissists hoover, test boundaries, and maintain access, and discover how to respond in a way that supports your healing.

Support the show

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
Join me on Instagram here

Join me on YouTube here

Want to support the channel? 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