Finding Peace After Narcissistic Abuse: Laura Richards’ Journey to Healing and Self-Love
Release Date: 10/29/2025
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info_outlineIn this episode of “Brave Hearts Speak”, host Lucia Severtson interviews Laura Richards, a survivor of decades-long narcissistic abuse and host of That's Where I'm At. Laura shares her journey from confusion and pain in an abusive marriage to finding healing, self-love, and peace. She discusses the challenges of recognizing psychological abuse, setting boundaries, and rebuilding her life. The conversation highlights the importance of community, storytelling, and bravery in breaking free from cycles of abuse, offering hope and guidance to listeners navigating similar experiences.
Timestamps
Before the Relationship: Longing for Love (00:04:43) Laura shares her early life, family trauma, and her deep need to be loved before meeting her ex.
Early Red Flags and Love Bombing (00:15:05) Laura recounts how she met her ex, the rapid progression of their relationship, and early signs of narcissistic abuse.
Control, Backhanded Compliments, and Covert Abuse (00:21:42) Laura describes subtle control tactics, covert narcissism, and the confusion it creates.
Finding Her Voice Through Therapy (00:28:14) Laura explains how therapy helped her find her voice, understand boundaries, and begin healing.
Suicidal Thoughts and the Turning Point (00:40:19) Laura discusses reaching a breaking point, the dangers of couples therapy with a narcissist, and her decision to leave.
Life After Leaving: Healing and Anger (00:47:53) Laura describes her initial healing, discovering her ex’s infidelity, and the anger that followed.
The Power of Vulnerability and Connection (00:54:05) Laura emphasizes the importance of sharing, vulnerability, and the rapid breaking of shame in community.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Laura, 'He never would even acknowledge me that way, so I always just felt like, do I matter?'
Laura, 'Once you start healing, you will not put up with anything. When you love yourself enough, you won’t put up with garbage.'
Laura, 'I needed to slow down, but I couldn’t because I had that deep need inside me to be loved.'
Laura, 'I didn’t realize I was being abused until after my divorce.'
Laura, 'I started to find my voice and understand that I have certain responsibilities, and other people have certain responsibilities, and I can walk through this world loving myself and being who I want to be.'
'Laura, 'I don’t need a minute. I need one word: peace. That’s the biggest thing—I walk in this world in peace.'
RESOURCES:
Connect with Laura:
COACH WITH LAURA: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/coachwithlaura
SELF WORTH RESET MINI COURSE: https://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com/minicourse
YOU’RE NOT CRAZY ebook: GET IT HERE
MARRIED TO A "NICE" GUY: GETTING OVER NARCISSISTIC ABUSE: SHOP HERE
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: http://www.thatswhereimatpodcast.com
COACH WITH LUCIA: COACH WITH LUCIA
TAKING STOCK OF YOUR RELATIONSHIPS (A Free Reflection Guide) - Get it Here!
A FREE INTERACTIVE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DEFINE ABUSE AND BRAVERY - GET YOURS NOW!
FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Brave Hearts Speak on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
VISIT OUR WEBSITE: THE BRAVE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY CENTER
JOIN OUR MEETUP GROUP FOR LOCALS TO DENVER, COLORADO – JOIN HERE!
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