My Survivor Story Of Covert Narcissistic Abuse - Divorce, Debt & Depression
No Visible Bruises
In this powerful and personal episode, I share my own survivor story as a woman who lived through the devastation of covert narcissistic abuse. I open up about the day my life completely changed when my covert narcissistic ex walked out, leaving me with two children, over £70,000 of debt, and a nervous system in collapse. I spiralled into depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and eventually complex PTSD. I lost my home, my confidence, and for a long time, my sense of self. This episode is for anyone who’s ever questioned their reality. Anyone who has been told it wasn’t abuse because there...
info_outline
Narcissistic Abuse, Food Noise & Metabolic Disorder
No Visible Bruises
Narcissistic Abuse, Food Noise & Metabolic Disorder In this episode, I’m joined by Nikki Antonaccio, who shares how surviving narcissistic abuse as a child shaped everything from her relationship with food to her metabolism and how that trauma rewired her behaviour in ways that didn’t make sense until much later.We talk about how trauma from narcissistic abuse doesn’t just live in the mind, it lodges itself in the body, in the nervous system, in metabolism. For Nikki, it showed up as people-pleasing, chronic stress, disordered eating and shutdown and it’s not a lack of willpower....
info_outline
My Childhood & Narcissistic Abuse Caused My Lyme Disease
No Visible Bruises
This is not the kind of story that wraps up neatly with a bow. Rebecca Fraser’s story is raw, messy, and unfinished because healing after deep betrayal, family fracture, and years of abusive relationships with narcissists is never clean or simple. It’s the kind of survival story that digs into the parts most people don’t want to talk about, the shame, the loneliness, the repeated heartbreak, and the unbearable weight of carrying trauma in your body for years.In this episode, Rebecca shares her lived experience of growing up in a home torn apart by infidelity and addiction, being cast as...
info_outline
Narcissistic Marriage, Alcoholic Mother & Emotionally Unavailable Father
No Visible Bruises
In today’s episode, I sit down with Radka Crossley, an incredibly courageous woman whose story will stay with you long after the episode ends. Radka spent 18 years in an abusive marriage to a narcissist, but the roots of her pain began long before that. Raised by an alcoholic mother and an emotionally unavailable father, her nervous system was wired for survival from a very young age. Together, we explore how her early childhood environment shaped the parts of her that tolerated abuse, ignored red flags, and questioned her own worth. This episode is a powerful exploration of inner child...
info_outline
Cocaine Numbed The Pain Of Narcissistic Abuse
No Visible Bruises
In today’s episode, I interview Mandy Metters, a recovered cocaine addict. You’ll hear her story of resilience, strength and shame that because of her abuse, she turned to drugs to numb out the pain of feeling worthless. She grew up with a narcissistic, alcoholic father and was diagnosed with bi polar. Or was this all because of trauma? Mandy’s courage and resilience shine through alongside the pain of the shame. You will see us examine those shame parts of her and the emotions still trapped in her body due to the trauma of experiencing narcissistic abuse. This one is definitely for you...
info_outline
Narcissistic Abuse & Cheating - A True Story of Bigamy
No Visible Bruises
In our 2nd episode of my rebranded podcast, No Visible Bruises sharing real survivor stories of narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse and coercive control, I sit down with Sandra Dec. I knew this would be a raw yet familiar conversation about narcissistic abuse. But very quickly, her story unfolded into something far more complex, a web of betrayal, cheating, hidden pasts, and shocking truths that could rival any Netflix drama. What began as love was built on lies- bigamy, secret families, manipulation, and the slow erosion of self-worth. But Sandra’s story is not just about what happened to...
info_outline
Narcissistic Abuse Caused My Rheumatoid Arthritis
No Visible Bruises
Today marks the launch of our rebranded podcast, No Visible Bruises sharing real survivor stories of narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse and coercive control, and the long-lasting physiological impact of trauma not just the psychological. In our very first episode, we sit down with Kirstie Haysman, who bravely shares her experience of narcissistic abuse and how it intertwines with her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. This conversation is one not to miss. We explore: • How chronic conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, IBS and others can be linked to the trauma of relational abuse • What...
info_outline
A Survivor's Guide to Healing from Narcissistic Abuse
No Visible Bruises
Can you imagine the hidden wounds left by a narcissist's mind games? My journey shows how abuse hurts more than just the heart. As a survivor of narcissistic abuse you often feel stuck, thinking your pain defines you, but real strength comes from understanding how trauma lives in the body. By learning new ways to heal, like body-based therapy and nervous system support, people can rebuild their lives. The path from hurt to healing isn't quick, but it's about taking small, kind steps forward. Each victory whether earning your own money, finding a new career, or feeling stronger inside...
info_outline
Transactional Love & Narcissistic Abuse
No Visible Bruises
Do you know the invisible weight of transactional love? As someone who has walked through the emotional minefield, I understand how every interaction becomes a calculated performance. The narcissist conditions you to believe your worth is transactional and you constantly have to prove your value through endless giving, pleasing, and sacrificing. Your authentic self disappears and is replaced by a version carefully crafted to avoid criticism and earn microscopic fragments of affection. Each day becomes an exhausting dance of walking on eggshells, anticipating their next emotional...
info_outline
Are They Really A Narcissist??
No Visible Bruises
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, are they really a narcissist? The complexities of narcissistic relationships can be overwhelming, leaving you questioning your own sanity. However, it's crucial to understand that the word "narcissist" is merely a label, not a definition of your worth. The spectrum of narcissism is vast, with varying behaviors and traits that can make it challenging to pinpoint. Remember, no true narcissist would ever question their own narcissistic tendencies. If you find yourself pondering this, it's a sign that you're not the problem. Instead, focus on your healing...
info_outlineHave you been through the narcissistic abuse cycle? The insidious pattern of love bombing, devaluation, and hoovering can leave you feeling trapped, questioning your own sanity. Caught in the web of this toxic dynamic, the trauma bond becomes a physiological addiction. Your body craves the dopamine highs and cortisol rushes, even as your mind yearns for peace. But know this: the fault lies not with you, but with the manipulative tactics of the narcissist.
Recognising the patterns of this cycle is the first step towards reclaiming your power. Through intentional self-care and somatic healing, you can break free from the narcissistic abuse and rediscover your true, authentic self. The journey may be arduous, but the rewards of liberation and self-love are worth the effort. Take that first brave step towards a life free from the narcissist's control.
0:00 Understanding Narcissistic Behavior
1:27 Caroline Strawson's Journey and Mission
2:29 Challenges of Leaving a Narcissistic Relationship
5:42 The Narcissistic Abuse Cycle: Love Bombing
8:49 The Narcissistic Abuse Cycle: Devaluation
11:14 The Narcissistic Abuse Cycle: Hoovering
13:19 Breaking the Trauma Bond
15:44 The Role of Somatic Healing in Trauma Recovery
17:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Podcast Resources:
-
Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
-
Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
-
Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
-
Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
-
My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/