The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast

Caroline Strawson

  • 13 minutes 24 seconds
    How to Overcome Dissociation & Narcissistic Toxic Relationships

    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:

    8 October 2024, 12:00 am
  • 14 minutes 38 seconds
    Escape a Narcissist's Trap by Reclaiming Your Self-Worth

    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:

    1 October 2024, 6:14 pm
  • 27 minutes 47 seconds
    One More Day With Niyc Pidgeon
    Order your copy of One More Day now at www.onemoredaybook.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:

    24 September 2024, 1:01 am
  • 15 minutes 13 seconds
    Misogyny, Personal Attacks and Narcissistic Abuse

    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:

    17 September 2024, 1:01 am
  • 9 minutes 2 seconds
    The Hell of Parenting With A Narcissist

    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:

    10 September 2024, 1:01 am
  • 11 minutes 12 seconds
    Silent Treatment From The Narcissist

    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:

    3 September 2024, 1:01 am
  • 16 minutes 2 seconds
    Only Talking Does Not Heal Trauma & Narcissistic Abuse

    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:

    27 August 2024, 1:01 am
  • 13 minutes 50 seconds
    Reactive Abuse By The Narcissist To Make You Look Crazy

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

     

    In this episode, I explore the concept of reactive abuse - how narcissists can provoke their partners to react in ways that make the partner appear to be the abuser, when in fact they are the victim of the narcissist's manipulation.

     

    I also discuss the feeling of not recognising oneself due to the changes in behaviour brought about by being in a relationship with a narcissist. I explain the dynamics of reactive abuse and provide guidance on how to navigate this challenging situation safely.

     

    In this episode, we will explore:

    • Understanding Reactive Abuse: What it is and how narcissists use it to manipulate their partners
    • Navigating Safety and Exit Strategies: Prioritising safety when leaving a relationship with a narcissist
    • Managing Emotional Reactions: Techniques for regulating the nervous system to avoid being provoked

     

    Resources:

    20 August 2024, 1:01 am
  • 19 minutes 24 seconds
    ADHD & Trauma - The Crossover Conversation

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

     

    Are you aware of the hidden relationship between ADHD and Trauma? Today I delve into ADHD and trauma, exploring how these two conditions often overlap and influence each other. By understanding this crossover, we can better support those affected by both ADHD and trauma.

     

    ADHD and trauma can create a complex interplay of symptoms and challenges, often making it difficult for individuals to navigate daily life. By shedding light on how these conditions intersect, we aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice for those seeking to understand and manage their experiences better.

     

    In this episode, we will explore:

    • The connection between ADHD and trauma and how they can coexist
    • How trauma can impact ADHD symptoms and vice versa.
    • The importance of proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
    • Effective strategies and therapies for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

     

    Resources:

    13 August 2024, 1:01 am
  • 15 minutes 50 seconds
    Is The Narcissist Your Knight In Shining Armour?

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

     

    Are you stuck waiting for some external validation to prove that you are enough? That you deserve to be happy? Well guess what, you DO deserve to be happy, but you don’t need a knight in shining armour to come along and save you to prove it.

     

    It’s easy to tie your worth to another person, but their validation may be narcissistic behaviour pretending to be “the good guy”. You are worth it for who you are, not for what people say about you.

     

    In this episode, we will explore:

    • The motivations behind narcissistic behaviour
    • Recognising the signs of a narcissist posing as your knight in shining armour
    • Why you are a worthwhile person for who you are, not for how you are perceived

     

    I also discuss some of my core wounds to help you see how I broke free of the narcissistic cycle, and how you too can prove to yourself that you are enough.

     

    Resources:

    6 August 2024, 1:01 am
  • 14 minutes 47 seconds
    Communal Narcissism Explained!! - The do-gooder narcissist

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

     

    There are ten distinct types of narcissism, but the most prevalent is the communal narcissist. 'Communal Narcissism' is characterised by the same sense of entitlement and grandiosity familiar from traditional narcissism, but is often hidden under the guise of doing the right thing.

     

    When you first encounter a communal narcissist, it's unlikely that you will immediately recognise them as such. It often takes time to discern their personality traits and realise that their intentions may not be as sincere as you initially thought.

     

    If you notice someone portraying themselves as the "good guy" in public but acting quite differently in private, there is a strong possibility they are a communal narcissist.

     

    In this episode, we will explore:

    • The signs of communal narcissism
    • Why people become communal narcissists
    • How to set boundaries around narcissists

     

    Resources:

    30 July 2024, 1:01 am
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