The Narcissist, The “Let Them” Theory, And Internal Family Systems
No Visible Bruises
In this episode of No Visible Bruises, I’m exploring something that’s gone viral recently, Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory and whether it actually supports or harms survivors of narcissistic abuse, domestic abuse, and coercive control.On the surface, the “Let Them” approach sounds freeing. Let them ignore you. Let them walk away. Let them show you who they are.But when you’re a survivor, especially someone recovering from relational trauma, “letting them” isn’t always simple. It can activate shame, abandonment wounds, or even put you back in harm’s way.So today, I’m...
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The Physiology of Gaslighting
No Visible Bruises
Before we dive in, I’m thrilled to invite you to a free live masterclass I’m hosting, “Pain to Purpose: Building a Trauma Informed Business for Survivors of Narcissistic & Domestic Abuse.” on Sunday, the 29th of June. I’ll pop the link below and if you can join me live, fantastic. But even if you can’t, still register and I’ll send you the recording. If you’re reading this after the date of the 29th, still click on the link and I’ll send the recording over. Alone I can do so little, but collectively we can really facilitate a change in the world around narcissistic abuse,...
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The Stealthy Danger Of The Covert Narcissist
No Visible Bruises
In this episode, we shine a light on one of the most misunderstood forms of narcissistic abuse……..the covert narcissist. Unlike the loud, arrogant narcissist that many imagine, the covert narcissist operates in far more subtle and insidious ways. They may seem shy, quiet, or even vulnerable to the outside world but behind closed doors, the manipulation runs deep. In this episode, I explore: • What makes covert narcissistic abuse so hard to identify • Why survivors often doubt themselves and struggle to explain what’s happening • How covert narcissists use guilt, shame, victimhood,...
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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...
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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....
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineHave 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 journey, as the path to recovery is not an easy one. Seek support, explore your emotions, and reclaim your voice. Your well-being is paramount, and with the right guidance, you can break free from the cycle of narcissistic abuse.
0:00 Introduction and Podcast Rebrand
1:14 Upcoming Episodes and Guest Interviews
2:48 Identifying Narcissists and the Narcissism Spectrum
4:44 Impact of Narcissistic Relationships on Victims
7:41 Physiological and Emotional Effects of Narcissistic Abuse
11:36 The Abuse Cycle and Trauma Bond
13:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Quiz link
https://m.me/carolinestrawson?ref=podcast
Podcast Resources:
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Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse
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Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse
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Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/
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Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson
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My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/