No Visible Bruises

Have you found yourself entangled with narcissistic individuals, struggling with a freeze response, or experiencing trauma bonding? If so, you're not alone.

Join me in the launch of my latest book, "How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse." This project is deeply personal, born from my own tumultuous journey through a challenging marriage with a covert narcissist. Back then, I didn't even understand what a narcissist truly was. It was a frightening experience, one shrouded in shame.

Throughout that ordeal, I constantly blamed myself, unaware of the emotional, psychological, and financial abuse I was enduring. 

Manipulated into believing I was at fault, I wish I had a guide like this to navigate my healing journey. But today, I'm grateful to be in a place where I can share this resource with you all. This book represents a collective step towards healing for each one of us.

In this episode, we'll delve into:

• The significance of addressing narcissism in our society

• How my book provides a roadmap for healing from narcissistic relationships

• Exploring the various analogies used to understand narcissistic behaviour

Pre-order my new book here:

http://carolinestrawson.com/pre-order

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/

Have you struggled to heal from past trauma or difficult childhood experiences? Do you find yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns or coping mechanisms without fully understanding why? What if there was a therapeutic approach that could help you gain insight into your inner world and see yourself and others in a more compassionate light? 

Internal Family Systems therapy has helped many people recover from trauma by bringing awareness to how our experiences from the past still influence us today. Tune in to this episode to learn how exploring your core wounds through IFS may provide the breakthrough you've been looking for in your personal growth and healing journey.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Parts therapy: Neuroscience-based trauma healing.

• Exiles and protectors: Resolve underlying issues.

• Childhood impacts: Insight into present life.

• IFS principles: Better relationships, well-being.

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/

There is a growing trend of women receiving diagnosis of borderline personality disorder or bipolar. The symptoms of which often arise from their experiences in abusive relationships.

Unfortunately, when these women seek help, they are frequently misdiagnosed. Instead of receiving appropriate support, they are often told to medicate and move on with their lives.

However, this approach is inadequate. Women in abusive relationships should be provided with the necessary help to break free from these situations. Furthermore, they should be supported in rebuilding their confidence and sense of self-worth.

In this episode, we delve into:

• Why women are being misdiagnosed with these conditions
• Why we need to rephrase ‘disorders’ and call them responses
• Understanding the root cause of why these behaviours show up

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/

Have you ever found yourself in a cycle of leaving an unhealthy relationship only to return, feeling trapped and unable to break free? This phenomenon, known as trauma bonding, is one I know well from my time with my ex-husband, but also stemming from my relationship to my father.

In this episode, we delve into:

• What is trauma bonding and how to recognise it
• How trauma bonding affects all types of relationships, not just romantic ones
• The negative impact it can have on your self-perception

Trauma bonding can evoke feelings of frustration and vulnerability, often leading to a sense of powerlessness. Together, we explore the root causes, identify potential perpetrators, and discuss strategies to overcome trauma bonding once and for all.

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/

Do you ever experience a sense of detachment from your surroundings? Even in the presence of others, you might feel as though you're not fully engaged.

My former spouse exhibited covert narcissistic traits, and I found myself stuck in a freeze response for decades. I was completely disconnected from reality, wearing a smile that masked my functional freeze. 

In this episode, you will learn:

• What a freeze response actually is
• How to break out of a freeze response
• Practical ways to restore your old self 

A freeze response can have serious effects on your body and mind. Together we can understand why this happens, who may be causing it, and how to break out of your freeze response.

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/

Have you been cheated on? My ex-husband was a perpetual cheater, and yet I blamed myself for not being good enough for him. It took years of self-reflection and understanding to see that it wasn’t my fault, and so I want to pass on to you how to break the vicious cycle of cheating and betrayal.

In this episode, you will learn:

• What is betrayal trauma and how it affects us
• Why cheating is NOT normal
• How to stop blaming yourself and see cheating for what it really is

Cheating causes a form of betrayal trauma which can have serious effects on your body and mind. Together we can understand why people cheat, why it isn’t acceptable, and how to value yourself and make the right decision when faced with betrayal.

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 ready to reclaim your body from the grip of trauma? A healing path exists that will loosen trauma's roots and give you back control. Your wellness is within reach - all it will take is courage to face the past and it will give you power over your present.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why trauma still lingers in your body after all these years
• How to set yourself free from stored trauma in your body
• How addressing core wounds helps healing
• Insights into health conditions from exploring trauma root causes

Through gentle techniques and facing long-buried trauma, we may release what has festered and start to take back control. Your wellness lies within reach, if only you find the courage to face the trauma and take the first step on the road to wellness.

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/

Is narcissism more common in leadership roles? I believe that it is!

Successful leaders in business and politics may have to exhibit narcissistic traits in order to progress in their careers.

Narcissistic bosses tend to only show empathy and care when it benefits them, but may privately abuse you to gain "narcissistic supply." While not all leaders are narcissists, a handful of leaders can be very cut-throat, manipulative and abuse their power in subtle ways.

What you will learn in this episode:

• How to identify narcissistic leaders and different types of narcissism
• Why certain roles attract more narcissistic individuals
• Examples of empathetic vs. narcissistic leaders
• Strategies for dealing with a narcissistic boss
• Impacts of narcissistic leadership styles

Leadership attracts those with narcissistic traits and in some cases enables them to thrive. So how do you “win” against narcissistic bosses? 

Document problematic incidents.

Set boundaries to avoid providing "narcissistic supply".

Look for support from understanding colleagues. 

Prioritise your mental health and consider finding a new job to remove yourself from their toxic influence.

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/

I used to focus solely on narcissistic abuse and trauma recovery however, I realised I wanted to broaden the podcast to look at trauma and narcissism in a more holistic way.

I'll be sharing my personal journey with you - what led me to make the decision to rebrand and why I now call the show "Trauma and Narcissism Redefined". I'll also introduce you to some new frameworks I've learned, like Internal Family Systems therapy. In IFS we see our inner parts as having good intentions, even when their impact is destructive. I also think it's helpful to view our experiences through a nervous system lens rather than just focusing on pathology.

What you will learn in this episode:

• Why the podcast was rebranded
• What Internal Family Systems therapy is
• My personal journey healing from trauma and overcoming mental health struggles

I also want to open up about my own healing journey. As you may know, I struggled for years after leaving a covert narcissistic relationship, with mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety and depression. I'll share with you what finally helped me heal. I hope my story provides hope and insights for your own journey.

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/

We often picture a narcissist as being the person who enters a room full of confidence and aims to get the whole room to notice them, however, not all narcissists are the same, and in this episode, I’m going to discuss a type of narcissist that doesn’t get much attention, the Vulnerable Narcissist.

What you will learn in this episode:

• The typical behaviours of a Vulnerable Narcissist

• How a Vulnerable Narcissist uses sympathy to get what they want

• What I look for when spotting a Vulnerable Narcissist

A Vulnerable Narcissist doesn’t try and win people over through being an outgoing character and acting with confidence, instead, they try to get their narcissistic supply by making you feel sympathy for them by painting themselves as the victim. This narcissist is often tricky to deal with as it can be very easy to feel sorry for them, so in this episode, I’ll teach you how to spot a Vulnerable Narcissist and not be drawn into their trap.

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/