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.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How narcissists attempt to spoil special occasions.

• Preparing yourself to cope with such behaviour.

• Understanding why narcissists choose special occasions for their abusive actions.

This individual might not only be your partner; it could be a family member like a father, mother, brother, or sister. Their presence can make special events challenging. Therefore, my goal for this episode is to assist you in handling these significant occasions and upcoming holidays with a clear plan of action.

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson 
• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

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 relationship. That's the focus of this episode.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How narcissists gaslight you to believe it’s your fault for them cheating.

• Why you musn’t blame yourself for anything the narcissist does.

• How narcissists cheat to get more control over you.

I'll share my personal experience of discovering my husband's infidelity and how he wrongly made me believe it was my fault. I've since realized it wasn't my fault, and I wish I hadn't blamed myself back then. In this episode, I want to emphasize that everything the narcissist does is not your fault. You have the strength to navigate this challenging period and start the journey to remove the narcissist from your life.

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse

• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/

• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson 

• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Do you feel stuck in your healing journey from trauma and narcissistic abuse, struggling to find a way forward?

You may find yourself feeling frustrated, like you’ve been talking about your pain without truly healing.

Traditional talk therapy, while helpful, often overlooks the body’s role in healing. To move forward, you must address the nervous system, where trauma is stored. Somatic healing techniques such as EMDR, breathwork, and internal family systems can help process emotions, reduce triggers, and reconnect you to your sense of self. 

This journey is about more than talking—it’s about feeling in order to heal. By embracing this holistic approach, you’ll begin to notice the emotional weight lifting, allowing you to experience true freedom and growth. Healing is within your reach, and with these tools, you can take the first step toward a thriving life.

Key topics covered in this episode: 

• Healing from narcissistic abuse

• Breaking free from talk therapy limitations 

• Nervous system healing for trauma

• Somatic practices 

• Reclaiming your sense of self through holistic healing

Podcast Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse

• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/

• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson

• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Are you living in a state of dissociation? If you have experienced long-term toxic or a narcissistic relationship you may find yourself disconnected from your body to numb out the emotional pain. 

Dissociation is a protective mechanism, but it's not a healthy way to live. Dissociation can lead to chronic illness, difficulty engaging socially, and a lack of joy and connection. To shift out of this state, you must learn to reconnect with the body through somatic healing practices. This process is not easy, as we're often not taught to embrace our emotions, especially as women. However, by understanding the neuroscience behind dissociation and the importance of working with the nervous system, you can reclaim their sense of presence and groundedness, paving the way for true healing and growth.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Dissociation as a trauma response

• Nervous system regulation for healing

• Freeze response and physical impacts

• Somatic healing for mind-body reconnection

0:00 Understanding Trauma and Dissociation 3:14 The Role of Neuroscience and Somatic Practices in Healing 4:11 The Freeze Response and Its Impact on the Body 6:59 Long-Term Effects of Dissociation on Health 8:52 Shifting Out of Dissociation and Reconnecting with the Body 11:07 The Importance of Somatic Healing 11:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Podcast Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse

• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/

• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson

• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Being codependent could be the reason why you are struggling to heal abuse. Narcissists use "love bombing" tactics to make their codependent partners feel worthy and exploit your lack of self-worth. 

When a narcissist's abusive behaviours (e.g., shouting, silent treatment) trigger your codependent's core wound of not feeling good enough, it can lead to chronic illness due to the body's stress response. 

The key to escaping this narcissistic trap is to recognise your own self worth and break the codependent cycle through corrective experiences. This will help you avoid toxic relationships, cultivating self-acceptance, and not seeking external validation to feel worthy.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• How narcissists use "love bombing" tactics at the start of a relationship

• What codependency looks like for you as a parent or partner 

• Why codependency makes you vulnerable to narcissists

• What to do to heal your core wounds

• How to break the cycle of codependency

Podcast Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse

• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse

• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/

• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson

• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and suicidal ideation.

If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. It’s important to take care of yourself when you are supporting someone through a difficult time.  If you or a loved one is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 for support.

Today I sit down with award-winning Positive Psychologist, Keynote Speaker, Business Mentor, and author Niyc Pidgeon to discuss her new book "One More Day." Niyc shares her personal experiences with suicide, including a childhood suicide attempt and the loss of three close friends to suicide in her 20s.

Niyc and I delve into the impact of social media and online bullying on suicide rates, particularly among young people. We emphasise the importance of fostering genuine connections and support systems, as well as the role of practical, easy-to-implement tools in building resilience and hope.

She encourages listeners to take small steps, reach out to trusted confidants, and use the resources and strategies outlined in her book to support their own mental health and that of their loved ones.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Niyc's personal experiences with suicide and the concept of "positive suicidology"
• The impact of social media and online bullying on suicide rates
• The importance of connection, support, and practical tools for building resilience
• Niyc's vision for a future where suicide is no longer a prevalent issue
• Practical steps listeners can take to support their own and others' mental health

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Order my NEW book here: https://carolinestrawson.showit.site/book

In this episode, I share a deep conversation I had with my children while on holiday, discussing how to navigate online bullies and trolls, especially in the wake of my recent media appearances discussing narcissistic abuse. I talk about the overwhelmingly positive response I received after being featured on the popular UK daytime TV show This Morning, where I was finally able to bring the topic of narcissistic abuse into the mainstream.

I reflect on the importance of being a positive role model for our children, particularly when it comes to navigating the challenges of social media and online bullying. Remember that your worth is not defined by your appearance or any other external factors, and that we must stay strong in our mission to shine a light on the realities of narcissistic abuse.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• Navigating online bullies and trolls
• Bringing narcissistic abuse into the mainstream media
• Dealing with misogynistic and abusive comments
• The importance of self-worth and not letting negativity define us

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Join my FREE masterclass on How To Parent With A Narcissist: https://carolinestrawson.com/parenting-masterclass 

Order my NEW book here: https://carolinestrawson.showit.site/book

On today's episode of Trauma and Narcissism Redefined, I'm discussing the difficulties of parenting alongside a narcissist - even after separation. Narcissists will often try to use your children against you, whether that be through forcing you to rely on them financially, influencing their opinion of you directly, or using the court system against you in the case of divorce.

In fact when you go through a divorce with a narcissist the abuse doesn't stop, it often escalates. This is known as post-separation abuse, and only through understanding their methods and healing yourself can you break out of the cycle.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The impact of narcissistic abuse on parenting and self-worth
• Strategies for setting boundaries through parallel parenting
• Techniques for managing your emotions and nervous system
• The difference between changing the situation and managing your internal response

Join me for my free How To Parent With A Narcissist masterclass, live on Sunday 15th September. In it I'll be covering key strategies like parallel parenting, nervous system regulation, and the importance of putting your own oxygen mask on first before supporting your children. Sign up even if you can't attend live as I'll be sending out the recording afterwards

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Join the waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist

Order my NEW book here: https://carolinestrawson.showit.site/book

I've dedicated my life to understanding and overcoming the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I take you on a deeply personal journey, sharing how my own harrowing experience with a narcissistic ex-husband opened my eyes to the insidious nature of this form of domestic abuse.

When I was trapped in that toxic relationship, I thought my ex was simply a "cheat" - but as I delved deeper, I realised the betrayal ran far deeper. The silent treatment he used as a tool of manipulation and control was just one of the many ways he systematically eroded my self-worth and sense of self. By understanding the complexities of behaviours like silent treatment and cheating, we can begin to break free from the cycle of abuse and reclaim our power.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The insidious nature of silent treatment as a tool of narcissistic abuse
• The impact of narcissistic abuse on one's sense of self-worth and how to heal from it
• The complexities of cheating and its role in narcissistic relationships
• Distinguishing between healthy and abusive silence

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Join the waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist

Order my NEW book here: https://carolinestrawson.showit.site/book

In this episode, I explore the importance of addressing trauma and narcissistic abuse not just through traditional talk therapy, but also through somatic and nervous system-based approaches. I am passionate about advocating for a "top-down and bottom-up" approach that combines cognitive processing with healing the body and nervous system.

I share my own journey of discovering these somatic modalities and my frustration at being dismissed by the mainstream mental health system for not having a psychology degree, despite my extensive training and success in helping people heal. I am on a mission to bring more awareness to the need for integrating somatic practices into trauma and abuse recovery.

In this episode, we will explore:

• Why you can’t JUST talk about trauma and narcissistic abuse
• The importance of also feeling, processing, and healing the nervous system
• My personal experience with traditional talk therapy providing leading me to believe you can’t heal through talking alone
• My discovery of somatic modalities like EMDR, brain spotting, and breathwork to address the nervous system and body

Resources:

• Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
• Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
• Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
• Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
• My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/