Let's talk about common forms of parental manipulation and abuse. Today, we pull back the curtain on the dysfunctional tactics employed by parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Has your reality has been twisted through gaslighting? Were family rivalries created through triangulation? Today's episode reveals how guilt-tripping and emotional blackmail can devastate your mental health and relationships, and provides insights into recognizing these harmful behaviors.

We'll also shed light on how projection and the silent treatment further strain parent-child dynamics, especially when narcissistic parents view their children as mere extensions of themselves. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by jealousy, competitiveness, or manipulative control, this episode is your guide to understanding these dysfunctional behaviors BPD and NPD parents often use to meet their own needs. Tune in for clarity and support, and a reminder that you, in fact, are not crazy.

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Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in helping adult children of narcissistic and borderline parents break toxic cycles and reclaim their peace. She combines clinical experience with personal insight as a cycle breaker raised by a mother with suspected NPD and BPD traits. Torie provides online ther...

Can trauma from growing up with a parent with borderline or narcissistic personality disorder shape the way you see yourself? On this episode of "You're Not Crazy," I'm pulling back the curtain on my own experiences growing up as the child of a parent with unmanaged BPD. For years, I worried that I might have borderline personality disorder (BPD) myself, which was truly one of my biggest fears. 

In this episode, I break down the differences between BPD and narcissism, revealing how parents with both disorders can leave lasting emotional scars on their children, even though their symptoms may differ. 

Join me as I share practical insights for anyone recovering from a childhood of emotional invalidation. Trusting your own emotions and intuition can be a struggle, but it's possible with the right support and resources. Thank you for being a part of this journey to self-understanding and healthier boundaries!

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Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.

Disclaimer: This podcast is not ...

Thinking about going no contact with a parent who has borderline or narcissistic personality disorder? Be careful about how you execute that plan and what advice you follow—a recommendation by a popular therapist YouTuber of sending a letter is probably the worst idea I've ever heard. Join me, Torie Wiksell, as I unpack why this seemingly empowering move could be the worst advice you’ve ever received. You’ll learn when writing might actually be helpful and discover less provocative ways to protect yourself from further emotional harm.

In this episode of 'You're Not Crazy,' I dissect the controversial advice of announcing no contact through a letter and outline the potential risks involved. We'll explore the delicate art of boundary-setting, navigating complex family dynamics, and the importance of maintaining your peace of mind. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why a discreet approach could be your safest bet. Tune in for practical insights and real-world strategies for handling emotionally abusive parents more effectively.

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Subscribe to You're Not Crazy: The Private Feed for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and archived episodes no longer available in the public feed:

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🧭 Join the Confident Boundaries Membership
Get monthly coaching, community, and the tools to set boundaries that actually stick: confidentboundaries.com/membership

📄 Grab My Free Guide
5 Guilt-Proof Boundaries That Actually Work (Even With a Toxic Parent):
confidentboundaries.com/guilt-proof-boundaries

📸 Follow on Instagram
instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries

Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in helping adult children of narcissistic and borderline parents break toxic cycles and reclaim their peace. She combines clinical experience with personal insight as a cycle breaker raised by a mother with suspected NPD and BPD traits. Torie provides online ther...

Finding the right therapist can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you're dealing with the complexities of a parent with borderline or narcissistic personality disorder. Ever been told to maintain contact with toxic family members because it's "good for your mental health"? I have, and let me tell you, it was eye-opening—and not in a good way. On this episode of "You're Not Crazy," I share my personal journey, the highs and lows, and the invaluable lessons learned from both stellar and subpar therapists.

We challenge outdated beliefs in the mental health community, particularly the harmful notion that family ties should always be preserved. Imagine if we advised victims of other types of abuse in the same way! Listen in as I discuss how I found the right therapeutic support and the red flags to watch out for. Empower yourself to seek out therapists who genuinely understand the unique challenges you face, even if it means breaking away from traditional advice. Join this candid conversation aimed at validating your experiences and prioritizing your well-being.

🎧 Ready for More?
Subscribe to You're Not Crazy: The Private Feed for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and archived episodes no longer available in the public feed:

📱 Download the Confident Boundaries App
Available on iOS and Android

🧭 Join the Confident Boundaries Membership
Get monthly coaching, community, and the tools to set boundaries that actually stick: confidentboundaries.com/membership

📄 Grab My Free Guide
5 Guilt-Proof Boundaries That Actually Work (Even With a Toxic Parent):
confidentboundaries.com/guilt-proof-boundaries

📸 Follow on Instagram
instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries

Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in helping adult children of narcissistic and borderline parents break toxic cycles and reclaim their peace. She combines clinical experience with personal insight as a cycle breaker raised by a mother with suspected NPD and BPD traits. Torie provides online ther...

What if understanding your anger could be the key to your emotional freedom? Join me, Torie Wiksell, on "You're Not Crazy" as we explore the intricate and often terrifying relationship that adult children of parents with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) have with anger. Growing up in these environments can make anger feel unpredictable and scary, whether it’s due to the emotional volatility associated with BPD or the calculated, punishing behaviors typical of NPD. In this episode, we break down the crucial distinction between emotions and behaviors, emphasizing that while emotions like anger are natural, it’s our response to them that truly matters. By understanding and embracing anger, you can validate your experiences and start to heal, breaking the cycle of dysfunctional emotional responses.

Afraid of turning into your parents? You're not alone. We delve into the fear many adult children of BPD or NPD parents have of replicating their parents' toxic behaviors. Therapy can be a powerful tool in unpacking the trauma and fear associated with anger, helping you understand and manage these complex emotions. Tune in as I highlight the importance of seeking professional help and share resources to guide you on this journey. For more support, be sure to follow my Instagram account or visit my therapy and coaching websites. This episode could be your first step toward managing anger constructively and embarking on your path to emotional healing. See you next episode!

🎧 Ready for More?
Subscribe to You're Not Crazy: The Private Feed for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and archived episodes no longer available in the public feed:

📱 Download the Confident Boundaries App
Available on iOS and Android

🧭 Join the Confident Boundaries Membership
Get monthly coaching, community, and the tools to set boundaries that actually stick: confidentboundaries.com/membership

📄 Grab My Free Guide
5 Guilt-Proof Boundaries That Actually Work (Even With a Toxic Parent):
confidentboundaries.com/guilt-proof-boundaries

📸 Follow on Instagram
instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries

Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in helping adult children of narcissistic and borderline parents break toxic cycles and reclaim their peace. She combines clinical experience with personal insight as a cycle breaker raised by a mother with suspected NPD and BPD traits. Torie provides online ther...

Why do some parents claim they had no idea their adult child would cut them off? Discover the reasons behind this disconnect when adult children going no contact with their parents in this episode of "You're Not Crazy." I'm Torie Wiksell, your host and a seasoned therapist and coach, and today we unpack the complex dynamics that lead to family estrangement...particularly when parents, including those who are therapists, insist they were blindsided by their child's decision.

Join me as I share professional insights and personal experiences about the critical importance of parental accountability and how social media often reinforces unhealthy viewpoints among estranged parents. Learn why many adult children exhaust all avenues to maintain a healthy relationship before resorting to no contact, and understand the necessity for parents to reflect on their potential contributions to their child's distress. This episode challenges the victim narrative some parents create and emphasizes the need to prioritize a child’s experience in these complicated family relationships. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion that will change how you view family estrangement.

🎧 Ready for More?
Subscribe to You're Not Crazy: The Private Feed for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and archived episodes no longer available in the public feed:

📱 Download the Confident Boundaries App
Available on iOS and Android

🧭 Join the Confident Boundaries Membership
Get monthly coaching, community, and the tools to set boundaries that actually stick: confidentboundaries.com/membership

📄 Grab My Free Guide
5 Guilt-Proof Boundaries That Actually Work (Even With a Toxic Parent):
confidentboundaries.com/guilt-proof-boundaries

📸 Follow on Instagram
instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries

Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in helping adult children of narcissistic and borderline parents break toxic cycles and reclaim their peace. She combines clinical experience with personal insight as a cycle breaker raised by a mother with suspected NPD and BPD traits. Torie provides online ther...

Welcome to You're Not Crazy: A Podcast for the Adult Children of Parents with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders. Hosted by therapist and coach Torie Wiksell, this podcast is dedicated to those who have grown up trying to navigate the complicated and challenging realities of having a parent with borderline or narcissistic personality disorder. In this first episode, Torie introduces herself, share a bit about her background and experience, and tells you what you can expect from this podcast. Listen every Tuesday for support, encouragement, and practical advice to help you on your journey towards peace and healing—and to remind yourself that you're definitely not crazy.

🎧 Ready for More?
Subscribe to You're Not Crazy: The Private Feed for ad-free episodes, bonus content, and archived episodes no longer available in the public feed:

📱 Download the Confident Boundaries App
Available on iOS and Android

🧭 Join the Confident Boundaries Membership
Get monthly coaching, community, and the tools to set boundaries that actually stick: confidentboundaries.com/membership

📄 Grab My Free Guide
5 Guilt-Proof Boundaries That Actually Work (Even With a Toxic Parent):
confidentboundaries.com/guilt-proof-boundaries

📸 Follow on Instagram
instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries

Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in helping adult children of narcissistic and borderline parents break toxic cycles and reclaim their peace. She combines clinical experience with personal insight as a cycle breaker raised by a mother with suspected NPD and BPD traits. Torie provides online ther...