The Narcissist, The “Let Them” Theory, And Internal Family Systems

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 brighter future. What you will learn in this episode: The reasons our body clings onto weight to help deal with abuse. Why we stay in a trauma response even though we’re not in danger. What you can do to alter your bodies reaction to stress and lose weight.  I’ll share my own battles with my body during and after the narcissist in my life and how I try to navigate these issues to not only be healthier but to help further my healing from narcissistic abuse. This episode will not only give you insight into why you’re struggling to lose weight but actions you can take to get yourself onto the right path.  Come and join my FREE Masterclass: Healing Codependency, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery & Nervous System Regulation - The 3 Step Formula to heal and thrive after narcisisistic abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/three-step-formula-masterclass 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/

20 Jun 202321min

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 intentional about your healing. When a birthday comes around, it’s a time when we often reflect on our lives, but it’s important to note that you cannot get your time back. What you can do is make today the time to create changes so you can live your life in the best possible way. I hope this episode shows you how to reset your mindset and use today as your day one. Come and join my FREE Masterclass: Healing Codependency, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery & Nervous System Regulation - The 3 Step Formula to heal and thrive after narcisisistic abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/three-step-formula-masterclass 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/

13 Jun 202323min

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. The difference between breathwork and breathing techniques. I’ll show you the difference between breathwork and breathing techniques, and a regime for you to follow that will markedly improve your ability to handle your emotions. These are all techniques that I do myself and they are truly life-changing. Not only do they help us reconnect with ourselves after narcissistic abuse, but they also help us tone our vagus nerve to help us heal from our childhood wounds.  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/

6 Jun 202327min

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 cause of narcissistic personality disorder How a narcissist should be diagnosed through Internal Family Systems Why you’re negative habits could be caused by narcissistic abuse In this episode, I’ll also discuss the varying levels of narcissistic abuse and what can cause a narcissist to escalate their behaviour, why you shouldn’t try to change a narcissist, and why you can only focus on your own healing. A massive welcome to those of you who are joining me for the first time from Glennon’s podcast, I hope I can help you on your journey of recovering from a narcissist.  You can listen to my episode on We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32GVLWRE73ioSSKSFvNSXZ?si=dfzFyKfLTMWpN3q7DbNEvw 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/

30 Mai 202328min

Anxiety, depression, self-sabotage and brain fog are all symptoms that we’d love to be able to solve, but learning why you have these symptoms is necessary to start the healing process. Today I’m so excited to bring one of my certified coaches onto the podcast. Valerie Clark is an expert in midlife, menopause and narcissistic abuse and we’re going to discuss how these all interact together and how they have a significant impact on our healing and outlook.  What you will learn in this episode: How to recognise trauma and understand how it impacts your midlife wellbeing Strategies to reclaim your health and well-being during menopause  How to find your sense of worth, live your life and not just exist  In this episode, Valerie shares her personal journey of realizing the profound impact of trauma on her experience of menopause. She transformed her midlife from mere survival to a thriving phase. Valerie's expertise and insights will empower you and instil a belief in the possibility of finding light at the end of the tunnel. Connect with Valerie here: FREE WEBINAR 1 June @ 7pm, Reclaiming Your Power: A woman’s journey to healing from narcissistic abuse: https://49d1-valerie.systeme.io/reclaiming-your-power-as-a-woman-webinar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerieclarkcoaching Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midlifeandmenopause LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-clark-coaching-midlife-menopause-mind/ 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

23 Mai 202337min

Adopting a positive mindset towards divorce can have a profound impact on the outcome, your emotional recovery, and financial independence. I am delighted to be joined today by Karen Chellew and Catherine Shanahan, who will guide you in taking small but meaningful steps to achieve a better outcome while navigating a divorce with a narcissistic partner. Let's move past denial and begin the journey towards a brighter future. What you will learn in this episode: How to get what you’re entitled to, not what your ex-narcissist thinks you're entitled to. Tactics to take emotions out of the divorce and approach negotiations with a well-thought-out strategy Why taking control of your divorce can rapidly improve your healing from the narcissist In this episode, Karen and Catherine will share their personal experiences of going through emotionally challenging divorces that centered around finances. These experiences have motivated them to assist others facing similar difficulties. Be sure to listen to the entire episode as they share valuable tips and strategies to help you navigate your own divorce smoothly and ensure that you receive what you deserve. Learn more about Karen, Catherine and My Divorce Solution here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydivorcesolution/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mydivorcesolution Website: https://mydivorcesolution.com/ MDS Financial Portrait Assessment: https://mydivorcesolution.com/financial-portrait/ MDS Community and Online Course 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/

16 Mai 202344min

We have the power to either let our urges define us or to harness them to become stronger and wiser. Learning how to manage our impulses is crucial in all areas of life, especially when it comes to dealing with a narcissist. In this episode, I will share with you a positive psychology intervention that has helped me become less impulsive and that can help you too. What you will learn in this episode: The importance of managing impulses in all areas of life, especially when dealing with a narcissist. A positive psychology intervention that can help you become less impulsive and manage your urges effectively. Techniques for recognizing the value of resisting your urges and challenging your mindset to make rapid improvements in different areas of your life. I'll show you how recognizing the value of resisting your urges and challenging your mindset can lead to rapid improvements in your life. This intervention will not only help you deal with a narcissist but can also benefit you in other areas such as avoiding unhealthy habits like overeating, procrastination, and impulsive shopping. Save this episode for future use and use the meditation to help you navigate your future urges with ease. Resources: Join my FREE Live & Interactive Workshop on Learning How To Positive Parent With A Narcissist: https://carolinestrawson.com/workshop 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/

9 Mai 202322min

To become your own rescuer is the ultimate gift you can give yourself. In this episode, I'll share my personal experience of realizing this truth during my own healing journey. I’m sure that if I had known this earlier, my healing process would have been much quicker. What you will learn in this episode: •    The importance of rescuing yourself and taking control of your own happiness. •    The negative consequences of solely relying on others to fulfill your happiness and sense of self-worth. •    How to empower yourself and prioritise self-love and care I'll delve into how putting my happiness into the hands of others for decades led to a loss of self-worth. While helping and being kind to others absolutely brings me joy, I've come to understand that my own happiness cannot solely depend on the actions of others. My desire to please others had built up anger and resentment inside me, which is common in narcissistic relationships. I hope this episode serves as a catalyst in your own healing journey, guiding you towards realizing the importance of rescuing yourself. 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/

2 Mai 202314min