From withholding money to asking you to sign your name onto debt, financial abuse can come in so many different shapes and sizes, and the impact it can have on your life can be truly horrific. Unfortunately, so many people suffer from financial abuse, and oftentimes they don’t even know it. In this episode, I’m going to help you see the signs of financial abuse and how you can get yourself out of the abuse and build your own financial backing.   What you will learn in this episode: The...

It's often said that we are the sum of the five people we spend the most time with. This concept takes on profound significance when you're recovering from narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I'll take you through a look at my social circle during my struggle with my narcissistic husband's abuse. I'll reveal how certain friends hindered my healing, while others became pillars of strength, propelling me towards where I am today. What you will learn in this episode: Why your community is...

WARNING: In this episode, we discuss hard hitting trauma so please be aware and make sure you are grounded listening to it. If you do relate to anything, please reach out to the relevant authorities.  We discuss: Childhood abuse Sexual assault Addiction Suicide Prison Domestic and narcissistic abuse I recently had the privilege of interviewing Natalie Russell, a remarkable participant from ITV1's "My Mum, Your Dad." Her story is both powerful and inspiring. While the...

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...

You work hard on your fitness and nutrition, but it can be frustrating when the weight just won't come off. Many people can relate to this struggle, especially those who've faced narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I'll share why losing weight has been tough and how I managed to shed the pounds gained during that difficult time, and how you can too. What you will learn in this episode: How to get your metabolism back on track through reverse dieting. Why our body clings onto fat when...

Many times, we wish for the moment when we can confront a narcissist, blaming them for everything, and find the courage to break free from their influence. But what really occurs on that day? In this episode, I'll explore the steps to safely leave a narcissist. We'll delve into recognizing the signs when they realize you're onto them and how they usually react in such a scenario. What you will learn in this episode: How a narcissist uses a trauma bond to ensure you never leave, and how to...

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. ...

How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse FREE Masterclass: Sunday 1st October 8pm UK time/3pm EDT/12pm PDT: https://carolinestrawson.com/healing-masterclass My approach to defining what a narcissist is differs from the mainstream healthcare definition, I’m going to explain why. When I had a narcissist in my life, they behaved very differently in the public eye compared to how they behaved behind closed doors. They could easily fool anyone into thinking that they weren’t a narcissist, which is...

The most difficult topics to discuss are often the most harmful. That's why I've created this episode to provide a safe space for talking about how sex and pornography can harm relationships, especially when dealing with narcissistic individuals. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Doug Weiss, and together we'll cover topics ranging from porn addiction to what he terms "intimacy anorexia," as well as how narcissists use sex to abuse their partners.  What you will learn in this episode: ...

Many of us who've experienced narcissistic abuse often blame ourselves and carry the shame. But it's important to understand that we're not at fault. We need to find healthy ways to release our anger and heal from our abusive past. In this episode, I'll share my story of overcoming shame and finding healing, and I'll show you how you can do the same. What you will learn in this episode: How to overcome our abusive past and heal our inner thoughts Why we often blame ourselves instead of...

Have you ever heard your partner say, "Don't worry, I'll handle everything and put it in my name," or "Just let me know if you need anything"? While these phrases might seem like generosity, they can actually be signs of financial abuse. In this episode, I’ll explore covert financial abuse and how narcissists use it to gain control, leaving you with little financial independence and making it hard to leave the relationship. But fear not, I'll guide you on reclaiming your financial...

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on how you treat yourself? It might feel uneasy, as we often treat ourselves worse than we would treat others. Imagine treating someone else the way you treat yourself – it would likely disturb you. But there's a way to improve this. In this episode, I'm discussing the topic of self-care. I admit I neglected self-care after my divorce, but now I've made it a vital part of my life. Because without self-care, true healing becomes difficult. What you...

Incorrect diagnoses lead to incorrect treatments. This worries me because I often see individuals who've endured narcissistic abuse being wrongly labelled with Borderline Personality Disorder. In this episode, I'll talk about how experts diagnose personality disorders and explain why there's a frequent mix-up, causing those with Complex PTSD to be misdiagnosed. What you will learn in this episode: Why Complex PTSD looks like Borderline Personality Disorder What traits a doctor will...

I can remember being homeless, in debt and struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression like it was yesterday. If you had told me that I’d be where I am today back in 2013, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I’m living proof that we cannot only survive narcissistic abuse but can thrive after it. So in this episode, I’m going to share with you my reflections on how I got to where I am today and show you that anything is possible.  What you will learn in this episode: How I went from being...

Celebrities, just like regular people, sometimes face abusive relationships with narcissists. In this episode, I'll explore how these high-profile individuals cope with such challenges and heal from their emotional wounds. Drawing from my experience working with celebrities, I'll share valuable insights into their coping mechanisms and the lessons we can all learn from their experiences. What you will learn in this episode: Why abusive relationships don’t end when the abuse first...

Time alone is not enough to heal narcissistic abuse. While it might hide some wounds temporarily, triggers can still cause intense emotional turmoil. In this episode, I'll guide you through the process of healing your inner wounds, enabling your nervous system to handle future triggers and recover from past trauma. What your going to hear may sound harsh and difficult to hear, but trust me, if you fully embrace this episode, your ability to heal from narcissistic abuse will have never been...

It’s the summer holidays! In this episode, I want to help those of you with children, as school breaks can often bring about challenges in their behavior. Children may react strongly to narcissistic individuals, leading to increased dysregulation when they are with you. During school holidays, your children might end up spending time with a narcissistic person. To ensure their well-being, I'll guide you through effective preparations and steps you can take to protect your children. We'll...

Have you ever heard your narcissistic partner say, "You can have money whenever you want, just ask"? Unfortunately, many narcissists use money as a tool to control their partners, and it's easy to fall into this trap. In this episode, I'll talk about financial abuse, early warning signs in a relationship, and how you can heal from this and achieve financial independence. What you will learn in this episode: How narcissists use money as a tool to control and abuse. What you can do to...

Do you ever feel stuck in your healing journey, despite your sincere efforts to return to the person you were before encountering a narcissist? It's a common situation where we believe we're making progress, only to be overcome by anger and experience sudden outbursts that seem to set us back in our healing process. This cycle, known as the trauma response cycle, can be overcome. In this episode, I'll guide you on completing this cycle, enabling you to move forward in your healing and reach...

As a mother of two teenagers, I frequently contemplate their ability to navigate relationships and recognize potential warning signs. In this episode, I aim to empower teenagers by highlighting 10 crucial red flags they should be aware of in relationships. By recognizing these signs, they can identify when a relationship may not be healthy and possibly avoid becoming involved with a narcissistic partner. What you will learn in this episode: How to discuss what a healthy relationship is...

Introversion, anxiety, empathy… these definitely aren’t behaviours we think of when we picture a narcissist, but they are the traits that the hardest to spot narcissists have. Let me introduce you to the covert narcissist. The covert narcissist can fly under the radar until it’s too late, and I want to share with you 10 signs that someone may be a covert narcissist to help you steer clear of them, whether they’re your current partner, a potential partner, a friend or even a family member. ...

Are you feeling frustrated and helpless in your journey to lose weight and improve your overall health? If you've experienced narcissistic abuse, you may be surprised to learn that your body's response to trauma can contribute to weight retention. In this episode, I will guide you through effective strategies to break free from this cycle and regain control of your well-being. I’ll help you discover how you can prioritize your health, heal from narcissistic abuse, and pave the way for a...

On Thursday, I'll be celebrating my 50th birthday!! I want to use this milestone and episode to reflect on how narcissistic abuse impacted me, how my childhood wounds still affect me, and the steps I'm taking to live a fulfilling life with a positive and forward-looking mindset. What you will learn in this episode: How to stop saying “when” and make today your day one. Reflections on my healing journey and where I’ve come from. How to be an advocate for your own health and be...

Breathing is one of the only conscious and unconscious systems of our body, and being intentional with our breath can have a huge impact on our well-being. In this episode, I’ll share with you the breathwork and breathing techniques I use to not only help me heal from narcissistic abuse but to heal my childhood wounds.  What you will learn in this episode: How to recognise our existing breathing patterns and what they signify. How to shift our nervous system into a state of calm. ...

I was recently a guest on the We Can Do Hard Things podcast with Glennon Doyle and I wanted to dive deeper into what I discussed there and share with you the issues about the medicalization of narcissistic personality disorder and why we can’t treat narcissism after the fact without looking at the root cause first. I’ll also share my opinion on the overuse of the word narcissist and why people casually putting that label on others is dangerous. What you will learn in this episode: The root...