Betrayed by Charisma: When Charm is a Mask for Manipulation
Lisa A Romano Breakdown to Breakthroughs
Release Date: 08/25/2025
Lisa A Romano Breakdown to Breakthroughs
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If you were raised in a dysfunctional, toxic home, and you struggle today with codependency, self-worth, and relationships, it is easy to lose a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Childhood trauma arrests the mind in a state of hypervigilance, worry, and fear. And although that is not your fault, if this is your experience, until we stop, look within, and take the time to integrate the past with the now, our future becomes a copy of the past, like it or not. There is great hope for the one willing to go within. Lisa A. Romano gently unpacks why so many of us feel stuck chasing...
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Codependency is an umbrella term used to describe a broad spectrum of emotional, mental and behavioral, subconscious, and automatic trauma responses developed in early childhood as an adaptation to chronic, inescapable stress. While over-functioning as a small child, to avoid rejection, the child's nervous system learns to scan their environment for potential threats. This scanning is called hypervigilance, and it also exiles the inner child into an abyss. Children of toxic, dysfunctional parents, families, and circumstances are denied the compassionate adult, whose role is to mentor, teach,...
info_outlineIn this powerful episode, trauma-informed life coach and codependency recovery expert Lisa A. Romano explores the hidden dangers of falling for charisma—especially for adult children of narcissistic or emotionally immature parents. If you've ever been drawn to someone magnetic and charming, only to feel emotionally used, discarded, or confused, this episode will help you understand the deeper psychological dynamics at play.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
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Why individuals with abandonment trauma and codependent traits are especially susceptible to charm
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How narcissists use charisma as a tool of emotional manipulation and control
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The devastating impact of betrayal by someone who once made you feel special, seen, or chosen
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How to distinguish real connection from performative affection
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Why ignoring your gut instincts leads to emotional disorientation—and how to start trusting yourself again
Why This Matters
Charisma is not the same as character. For those who have experienced childhood emotional neglect, the attention of a charismatic partner can feel intoxicating—like love, validation, and safety all rolled into one. But when that charm is weaponized by someone with narcissistic tendencies, it can leave you emotionally devastated and doubting your sense of reality.
This episode is for anyone ready to wake up from the spell of manipulative charm and step into a more grounded, self-aware, and emotionally empowered life.
Take the Next Step
Lisa’s 12 Week Breakthrough Method is a neuroscience-based program designed to help you uncover the subconscious beliefs keeping you stuck in toxic relationship cycles. Learn how to heal from emotional abuse, build a healthy self-concept, and reconnect to your intuition.
Explore the Breakthrough Method at 50% Off
https://www.lisaaromano.com/12-wbcp