In this episode of The Virtual Couch Presents: Waking Up to Narcissism, host Tony Overbay explores the transformative journey of healing from relationships with emotionally immature or narcissistic partners. With the popularity of the 'Death by a Thousand Cuts' series, Tony introduces a new perspective—'Growth by a Thousand Stitches.' The episode features real stories from listeners who have found strength and self-worth through small, impactful victories. Tony delves into various categories such as reclaiming simple joys, embracing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and rediscovering personal identity. This episode is filled with hope, tangible steps towards healing, and inspiring testimonials that underscore the power of self-love and personal growth. Subscribe, share, and join Tony and his community on this journey of healing and transformation.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:21 The Impact of 'Death by a Thousand Cuts'

05:08 Understanding Switzerland Friends

09:15 The Healing Journey Begins

14:51 Reclaiming Simple Joys

16:57 Physical and Emotional Self-Care

18:52 Creating Safe Spaces

20:44 Building New Relationships

21:55 The Power of Boundaries

23:31 Rediscovering Identity

24:19 Finding Joy in Forbidden Activities

26:12 Embracing Imperfection

27:14 Processing Emotions

28:57 Creating New Traditions

29:30 Building Self-Trust

32:32 Learning to Take Up Space

33:26 Embracing Spiritual and Personal Growth

33:55 Finding Strength in Community

35:27 Creating New Measures of Success

36:17 Embracing Self-Care Without Guilt

38:57 Setting Healthy Boundaries

40:01 Finding Joy in the Present

40:27 Conclusion: The Journey of Healing

If you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at [email protected] or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.com

If you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at [email protected] or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

Have you ever been told you're 'too sensitive' or that you need to ‘get over it,’ or ‘don’t worry about it,’ but that only causes you to worry more, or feel less connected to others, or even yourself? Or have you been told that your sensitivity must mean you're on the autism spectrum? Or are you on the autisim spectrum and can you also identify with many of the characteristics of Highly Sensitive People? With over 2.2 million views and hundreds of comments on recent viral videos about Highly Sensitive People (HSPs), it's clear this topic strikes a nerve. Drawing from his experience working with both HSPs and individuals with ASD, Tony dives deep into why these distinct experiences are often confused - and why understanding the difference isn't just interesting, it's essential for creating a more empathetic world.

Through viral video statistics, personal anecdotes, and real-world examples, he breaks down how HSPs (representing 15-20% of the population) and individuals with ASD navigate life differently. From sensory processing to social dynamics, discover why that deep emotional processing might actually be an evolutionary advantage rather than a disorder. Along the way, the discussion explores how ADHD and NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) intersect with these experiences.

This episode provides crucial insights into recognizing, understanding, and supporting both HSPs and individuals with ASD. Whether questioning your own experiences or trying to better understand someone else's, listeners will find the clarity and validation they've been seeking. Perfect for anyone who's ever felt misunderstood about their sensitivity or confused about where they fit in the neurodiversity spectrum. Join Tony for an eye-opening discussion that might just change how you see yourself - or someone you love."

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:30 The Viral Video on Highly Sensitive People

01:04 Behind the Scenes: Social Media Stats

02:05 Addressing Misconceptions and Personal Insights

03:26 A Personal Anecdote: The Butterfly Bandage

04:12 Responding to Drive-By Comments

04:29 Understanding Highly Sensitive People (HSP) vs Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

07:27 Story Time: Sarah and Michael's Interaction

18:57 The Evolutionary Purpose of High Sensitivity

21:39 Traits and Characteristics of Highly Sensitive People

29:17 Challenges Faced by Highly Sensitive People

33:59 The Importance of Curiosity and Understanding

35:30 Understanding Human Uniqueness

36:22 Fascinating Facts About Human Preferences

37:22 The Complexity of Sensitivity

39:20 Exploring Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

40:49 Comparing HSP and ASD Sensory Experiences

54:50 Social Interactions: HSP vs. ASD

01:00:47 Nonverbal Communication Differences

01:04:26 Emotional Energy and Social Fatigue

01:08:05 Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Have you ever tried selling a grand piano on Facebook Marketplace? Our latest episode of the Q&A Files kicks off with some personal tales of downsizing and the hilarious adventures that come with it. Join us as Trisha Jamison, a board-certified functional nutritionist, and Tony Overbay, a licensed marriage and family therapist and seasoned podcaster from The Virtual Couch, and Waking Up To Narcissism, discuss these issues for Tony's podcast, The Virtual Couch. 

Trisha and Tony discuss emotional immaturity and narcissistic traits and offer a path to healthier relationships. We share our own journeys of growth and healing to show how. This episode delves into the challenges of navigating emotionally complex relationships and the power of validation. Whether dealing with resistance from a partner or unlocking the transformative potential of self-awareness, our candid discussions aim to provide fresh perspectives and practical strategies for listeners who might be walking similar paths.

Join us next time as we discuss how to keep your relationships fresh by talking to a newlywed couple who are just as cute as can be! Follow the Q&A Files Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1k2Oh4rY9VCp1tVeu14dxk?si=a39537613900475b Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-q-a-files/id1730736061 or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Tony welcomes Ashlynn Allen to the podcast. Ashlynn shares her journey from fitness influencer to betrayal trauma survivor to empowerment coach and highlights the strength of facing life’s challenges with authenticity and courage. Once part of the very successful “The Betrayed, the Addicted, and the Expert,” Ashlynn’s story as the betrayal played out on the public stage only to surprisingly end in her ex-husband asking her for a divorce. She shares what it took to survive betrayal, navigate a divorce, and find an unexpected new chapter in life. Tony and Ashlynn dive deep into topics such as the messy parts of healing, the importance of vulnerability, and letting go of the need for certainty. Ashlynn also talks about how she found joy in roller skating and built a new relationship despite initial reservations. She also shares a powerful metaphor of how a buffalo weathers a storm. Tune in for this inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and the power of facing life's storms head-on.

You can learn more about Ashlynn at https://thisisashlynn.com/ or on Instagram @this.isashlynn

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:15 Ashlyn Allen's Journey: From Fitness Influencer to Empowerment Coach

00:30 Meeting Ashlyn: The Beginning of a Transformative Friendship

00:44 Navigating Betrayal and Personal Growth

00:59 Ashlyn's Coaching Practice and Public Vulnerability

01:12 The Power of Sharing and Finding Joy in Healing

01:31 Deep Dive: Ashlyn's Experience with Betrayal Trauma

01:57 The Challenges and Rewards of Vulnerability

02:35 Tony and Ashlyn Reconnect: Reflecting on Past Collaborations

02:44 Ashlyn's Story: From Betrayal to Empowerment

05:27 The Impact of Public Vulnerability and Social Media

08:49 Therapy, Coaching, and the Journey to Healing

11:50 The Reality of Helping Others Through Personal Experience

13:15 The Emotional Toll of Public Vulnerability

18:08 The End of a Marriage: Acceptance and Growth

22:49 Finding Peace and Moving Forward

25:49 The Power of Surrender and Acceptance

28:28 Navigating Betrayal and Emotional Turmoil

31:40 The Roller Coaster of Healing and Self-Care

36:44 Embracing New Relationships and Personal Growth

42:38 Facing Life's Storms: The Buffalo Story

47:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find more from Tony Overbay:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualcouch

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998

Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ 

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/virtualcouch

If you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at [email protected] or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.com

If you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at [email protected] or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

Tony explores the complex dynamics of narcissism and emotional immaturity in a special “Holiday Edition” of the “Death By a Thousand Cuts” series. Through stories shared by listeners, Tony delves into how such behaviors can overshadow festive occasions, creating a lingering emotional toll. He also highlights the importance of awareness and growth, encouraging listeners to participate in healthier, more fulfilling holiday traditions. Featuring a unique narrative inspired by 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' written by Claude AI, this episode sheds light on the subtleties of narcissistic manipulation and control during what are typically hoped to be seen as celebratory times.

00:00 A Twisted Christmas Tale

02:36 Introduction and Welcome

02:52 Announcements and Updates

04:19 Listener Stories: Holiday Struggles

06:39 Story 1: Control and Manipulation

12:12 Story 2: The Christmas Face

16:34 Story 3: The Dream Trip Conflict

20:35 Story 4: Missing Milestones

27:17 Story 5: Passive Aggressive Holidays

34:22 Story 6: Inappropriate Gifts

36:21 Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Find more from Tony Overbay:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualcouch

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998

Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ 

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/virtualcouch

If you are interested in joining Tony's private Facebook group for women in narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships of any type, please reach out to him at [email protected] or through the form on the website, HTTP://www.tonyoverbay.com

If you are a man interested in joining Tony's "Emotional Architects" group to learn how to better navigate your relationship with a narcissistic or emotionally immature partner or learn how to become more emotionally mature yourself, please reach out to Tony at [email protected] or through the form on the website, HTTP:www.tonyoverbay.com

Are you tired of the endless pursuit of perfection? Do you question why your self-esteem seems more tied to others' opinions than your own self-worth? In this transformative episode, Tony explores the crucial difference between self-esteem and self-compassion, drawing from Dr. Kristin Neff's groundbreaking research. Through personal experiences and scientific insights, Tony challenges our cultural obsession with self-esteem, revealing why the constant pressure to be "above average" creates an impossible and unhealthy standard for well-being.

Learn how self-compassion offers a more sustainable path to genuine self-acceptance through its three core components: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Tony delves into the fascinating neuroscience behind mindfulness practices, explaining how they physically rewire our brains for greater emotional regulation and self-awareness. Drawing from Viktor Frankl's profound insights as a Holocaust survivor and author of "Man's Search for Meaning," Tony illustrates how finding meaning in our struggles can transform our relationship with ourselves and others.

This episode provides both the scientific framework and practical tools needed to develop self-compassion in daily life. Whether you struggle with perfectionism, find yourself caught in comparison traps, or simply want to develop a more stable sense of self-worth, you'll discover why self-compassion offers all the benefits of high self-esteem without its potential downsides. Join Tony as he shares actionable strategies for transforming your relationship with yourself and finding peace in the simple truth that you're not broken - you're human.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

01:46 The Therapist's Dilemma: Hope vs. Reality

04:33 Exploring Self-Esteem and Self-Compassion

07:01 The Impact of Comparison and External Validation

11:02 Value-Based Goal Setting and Radical Acceptance

13:08 Parental Support and Secure Attachment

15:25 Listener Insights on Self-Esteem

16:32 Embracing Self-Compassion

23:22 Seeking Validation and Self-Compassion

24:16 Confessions of an Ultramarathoner

26:18 Accepting Mediocrity in Running

29:19 The Power of Self-Compassion

33:25 Mindfulness and Self-Kindness

35:19 A Personal Podcasting Challenge

39:21 Viktor Frankl's Wisdom on Meaning

45:23 The Journey of Self-Compassion

Tony Overbay, LMFT, explores how seemingly minor slights and manipulations in relationships can accumulate to cause significant emotional harm. Welcome to the 8th installment of Waking Up to Narcissism’s “Death by 1,000 Cuts” series. 

In this episode, Tony delves deep into the subtle yet severe world of emotional abuse. Whether you're dealing with a narcissistic partner, emotionally immature family members, or challenging work colleagues, this episode is full of relatable stories and practical advice to help you understand and navigate these treacherous waters. 

Tony shares listener-submitted poems and limericks that perfectly capture the pain and frustration of enduring countless small but stinging slights. He also shares personal anecdotes and listener stories to illustrate how these seemingly minor offenses can pile up, causing significant emotional damage over time. 

Discover invaluable strategies for maintaining your emotional health, such as self-compassion, differentiating yourself emotionally, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll also learn the importance of documenting behavior patterns and trusting your gut feelings to reclaim your reality and foster your healing journey.

Find more from Tony Overbay:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998

Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/virtualcouch

Stream Riley Hope's song 'Not My Job' and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicbyrileyhope/ 

00:00 Deathbycuts8

07:13 Introduction and Acknowledgements

08:06 Listener Contributions: Poems and Limericks

09:13 Understanding Emotional Cuts in Relationships

09:33 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

11:36 The Free Throw Analogy: Preparation vs. Real Life

16:44 Applying Relationship Skills in Real Life

24:30 Listener Stories: Death by a Thousand Cuts

31:21 Roommate Frustrations

31:46 Financial Manipulation

32:21 Co-Parenting Conflicts

32:55 Family Event Disruptions

33:43 Emotional Immaturity in Relationships

42:03 Professional Sabotage

45:00 Phone Surveillance

47:08 Achievement Diminishment

48:07 Weaponized Routines

48:45 Financial Manipulation Revisited

50:30 Co-Parenting Undermining

51:09 Recognizing Patterns of Control

54:16 The Importance of Self-Compassion

Tony Overbay, LMFT, explores how seemingly minor slights and manipulations in relationships can accumulate to cause significant emotional harm. Welcome to the 8th installment of Waking Up to Narcissism’s “Death by 1,000 Cuts” series. 

In this episode, Tony delves deep into the subtle yet severe world of emotional abuse. Whether you're dealing with a narcissistic partner, emotionally immature family members, or challenging work colleagues, this episode is full of relatable stories and practical advice to help you understand and navigate these treacherous waters. 

Tony shares listener-submitted poems and limericks that perfectly capture the pain and frustration of enduring countless small but stinging slights. He also shares personal anecdotes and listener stories to illustrate how these seemingly minor offenses can pile up, causing significant emotional damage over time. 

Discover invaluable strategies for maintaining your emotional health, such as self-compassion, differentiating yourself emotionally, and setting healthy boundaries. You'll also learn the importance of documenting behavior patterns and trusting your gut feelings to reclaim your reality and foster your healing journey.

Find more from Tony Overbay:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@virtualcouch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual.couch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonyoverbaylmft/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-virtual-couch/id1275153998

Website: https://www.tonyoverbay.com/ 

Stream Riley Hope's song 'Not My Job' and follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicbyrileyhope/ 

00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

00:53 Listener Contributions: Poems and Limericks

02:00 Understanding Emotional Cuts in Relationships

02:20 Host Introduction and Podcast Overview

04:23 The Free Throw Analogy: Preparation vs. Real Life

09:31 Applying Relationship Skills in Real Life

17:16 Listener Stories: Death by a Thousand Cuts

24:31 Roommate Frustrations

24:56 Financial Manipulation

25:31 Co-Parenting Conflicts

26:09 Family Event Disruptions

27:01 Emotional Immaturity in Relationships

35:56 Professional Sabotage

39:22 Phone Surveillance

41:54 Achievement Diminishment

43:02 Weaponized Routines

43:44 Financial Manipulation Revisited

45:57 Co-Parenting Undermining

46:40 Recognizing Patterns of Control

49:53 The Importance of Self-Compassion

Ever wonder why a narcissist seems to feed off your emotional pain? Do you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth in relationships while the other person maintains the upper hand? Tony Overbay, LMFT, discusses the complexities of narcissistic relationships and emotional immaturity. Tony explores concepts like the false self, the one-up, one-down dynamic, and antagonistic attachment styles in depth. He uncovers how narcissistic traits manifest in relationships, causing deep emotional trauma and affecting whole families. Learn about the destructive patterns of predation, competition, and parasitism in narcissistic behavior from the article “Understanding the Narcissists Antagonisitic Attachment Style” by Julie Hall, creator of “The Narcissist Family Files” https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-narcissist-in-your-life/202107/understanding-the-narcissists-antagonistic-attachment-style Tony shares insights on reclaiming your sense of self by recognizing these unhealthy dynamics. Special thanks to Riley Hope for her song 'Not My Job,' which serves as the show's anthem. You find Riley Hope's "Not My Job" streaming information here: https://linktr.ee/rileyhopematlock

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:43 Listener's Question on Narcissism

01:39 Understanding Narcissistic Behavior

04:15 Exploring Narcissistic Relationships

05:26 Antagonistic Attachment Style

15:23 One-Up, One-Down Dynamics

18:56 Real-Life Examples of Narcissistic Patterns

24:17 Introduction to Human Attachment

24:42 Secure vs. Antagonistic Attachment

25:55 Predatory Relationships

29:57 Narcissistic Competition

33:18 Parasitic Dynamics

33:49 Coercion and Control

40:18 The Mask of Narcissism

42:57 The Ripple Effect of Narcissistic Abuse

45:02 Empowerment and Healing

47:54 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Are you truly living in alignment with your values, or do the expectations of others shape you? How do you begin to define your own character when emotional immaturity and narcissism are at play in your relationships? In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to build a sense of character and integrity—especially for those who may have spent years putting others’ needs above their own. Through stories, reflection, and therapeutic insight, we’ll explore how a pathologically kind person can break free from people-pleasing patterns and begin to understand their true values and beliefs. 

Discover how character is not only about the values you hold but also what you’re willing to tolerate or excuse in yourself and others. We’ll unpack David Schnarch’s Four Points of Balance to guide you in building a strong, flexible sense of self, showing how true integrity is about standing steady in your own identity, even when external pressures try to sway you. Join us to learn how you can move beyond external validation, live from your core, and start showing up as your authentic self in all your relationships.

You find Riley Hope's "Not My Job" streaming information here: https://linktr.ee/rileyhopematlock

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:17 Listener Engagement and Social Media

01:13 Riley Hope's Anthem

01:38 Evander's Story Begins

02:32 The Social Club Dilemma

04:02 Sam's Concerns and Evander's Changes

06:35 Tony's Personal Reflection

11:48 Understanding Integrity and Character

17:51 Tom and Jerry: A Case Study

29:10 Navigating Relationships with Integrity

34:53 Navigating Integrity and Character in Relationships

35:18 Challenges for the Pathologically Kind Person

37:47 Understanding Emotional Immaturity and Narcissism

46:12 Pat and Chris: Real-Life Scenarios

53:31 Breaking Free: Strategies for Pat

01:01:31 Constructing the Crucible for Personal Growth

01:08:46 Final Thoughts on Integrity and Self-Discovery