No Visible Bruises

Latest Episodes:

Redefining Narcissism Sep 26, 2023

Show notes

How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse FREE Masterclass: Sunday 1st October 8pm UK time/3pm EDT/12pm PDT: https://carolinestrawson.com/healing-masterclass

My approach to defining what a narcissist is differs from the mainstream healthcare definition, I’m going to explain why. When I had a narcissist in my life, they behaved very differently in the public eye compared to how they behaved behind closed doors. They could easily fool anyone into thinking that they weren’t a narcissist, which is why the clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder is problematic.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why the clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder is wrong
What a healthcare professional looks for when diagnosing a narcissist
Who you can go to for validation that a person in your life is a narcissist

In this episode, I'll discuss my current perspective on narcissism, shedding light on the factors that have shaped my approach and I'll explore how my experiences have led me to adopt this particular viewpoint. Additionally, I'll offer my thoughts on ways in which the clinical diagnosis of narcissism could undergo enhancements for a more accurate and nuanced understanding.

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/

A Narcissists' Sex & Porn Addiction with Dr Douglas Weiss Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

The most difficult topics to discuss are often the most harmful. That's why I've created this episode to provide a safe space for talking about how sex and pornography can harm relationships, especially when dealing with narcissistic individuals. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Doug Weiss, and together we'll cover topics ranging from porn addiction to what he terms "intimacy anorexia," as well as how narcissists use sex to abuse their partners.

What you will learn in this episode:

How narcissists use sex and porn to abuse their partners
What you can do to find safe intimacy after leaving a narcissist
Why porn addiction and narcissism go hand in hand

Dr. Doug Weiss is the President of the American Association for Sexual Addiction Therapy. He is also the Executive Director of Heart to Heart Counseling Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Heart to Heart Counseling Center is dedicated to 'healing the brokenhearted' and focuses on sexual addiction, intimacy anorexia, sexless marriages, partner betrayal trauma, and various related areas. They offer virtual counselling and coaching services for these concerns and have assisted numerous individuals and couples in their journey to recovery.

Connect with Dr. Douglas Weiss

Resources:

Join the VIP Waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist
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/

The Shame Of Narcissistic Abuse Sep 12, 2023

Show notes

Many of us who've experienced narcissistic abuse often blame ourselves and carry the shame. But it's important to understand that we're not at fault. We need to find healthy ways to release our anger and heal from our abusive past. In this episode, I'll share my story of overcoming shame and finding healing, and I'll show you how you can do the same.

What you will learn in this episode:

How to overcome our abusive past and heal our inner thoughts
Why we often blame ourselves instead of the abuser
How holding onto shame and guilt can lead to chronic illness

Have you ever wondered, "Why did I stay so long?" or thought, "How could I have been so foolish?" These self-blaming questions often arise when we've been through abuse, but it's important to remember that the blame lies with the abuser, not us. It's natural to feel responsible as a way to protect ourselves from future harm, but we must acknowledge that we're not to blame. To begin healing from narcissistic abuse, we need to let go of the anger from our past.

Resources:

Join the VIP Waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist
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/

Covert Financial Abuse By The Narcissist Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever heard your partner say, "Don't worry, I'll handle everything and put it in my name," or "Just let me know if you need anything"? While these phrases might seem like generosity, they can actually be signs of financial abuse. In this episode, I’ll explore covert financial abuse and how narcissists use it to gain control, leaving you with little financial independence and making it hard to leave the relationship. But fear not, I'll guide you on reclaiming your financial independence and safely exiting the relationship.

What you will learn in this episode:

How narcissists hide their control behind generosity.
Why so many people suffer from covert financial abuse without noticing.
How to become financially independent and safely leave a narcissist.

I’ll share a story about a woman I once helped. She left her partner after enduring years of financial abuse, where nothing, not even her phone number, was in her name. She couldn't even get a phone in her own name due to her lack of credit history, as everything financial was tied to her partner. Tune in to discover how you can regain control of your finances and prevent a situation like this. It's important to know that healing from this form of narcissistic abuse is possible.

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/

Self Care Is A Priority After Narcissistic Abuse Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on how you treat yourself? It might feel uneasy, as we often treat ourselves worse than we would treat others. Imagine treating someone else the way you treat yourself – it would likely disturb you. But there's a way to improve this. In this episode, I'm discussing the topic of self-care. I admit I neglected self-care after my divorce, but now I've made it a vital part of my life. Because without self-care, true healing becomes difficult.

What you will learn in this episode:

What self care looks like and what you can do to make time for yourself.
How to find time for yourself even if you’re a mother with children or have a hectic work schedule.
A holistic approach to healing to ensure we’re physically, emotionally and psychologically healthy.

I'll talk about my own self-care routine and share tips for incorporating it into your schedule. Whether it's just 5 minutes of solitude or treating yourself occasionally, these small acts can greatly aid in recovering from your past. Let's agree to make a pact – a promise to each other – that we'll prioritize self-care and extend the same kindness to ourselves as we do to our loved ones.

Resources:

Join the VIP Waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist
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/

Borderline Personality Disorder Versus Complex PTSD Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

Incorrect diagnoses lead to incorrect treatments. This worries me because I often see individuals who've endured narcissistic abuse being wrongly labelled with Borderline Personality Disorder. In this episode, I'll talk about how experts diagnose personality disorders and explain why there's a frequent mix-up, causing those with Complex PTSD to be misdiagnosed.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why Complex PTSD looks like Borderline Personality Disorder
What traits a doctor will look for when diagnosing personality disorders
How to ensure you’re treatment is addressing the right underlying reasons

We need to get curious about what you’re going through. Remember, trauma doesn't have to define your life forever. However, if misdiagnosed, you might receive the wrong treatment. I'll explain why misdiagnoses happen and offer insights on how to guide your healing journey towards the right path.

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/

Hope After Narcissistic Abuse Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

I can remember being homeless, in debt and struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression like it was yesterday. If you had told me that I’d be where I am today back in 2013, I wouldn’t have believed you, but I’m living proof that we cannot only survive narcissistic abuse but can thrive after it. So in this episode, I’m going to share with you my reflections on how I got to where I am today and show you that anything is possible.

What you will learn in this episode:

How I went from being homeless and in debt to where I am today
The one thing you can do to get the ball rolling on your healing
An inside look into what I teach in my trainings

Make sure you listen to the whole episode as I share some very exciting news about how my teaching is about to become a proper qualification, making it the first officially qualified program that teaches narcissistic trauma informed coaching. If you’re interested, you can join the VIP Waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification here: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist

Resources:

Join the VIP Waitlist for my Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification: https://carolinestrawson.com/ntic-waitlist
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/

Celebrities & Narcissistic Abuse Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Celebrities, just like regular people, sometimes face abusive relationships with narcissists. In this episode, I'll explore how these high-profile individuals cope with such challenges and heal from their emotional wounds. Drawing from my experience working with celebrities, I'll share valuable insights into their coping mechanisms and the lessons we can all learn from their experiences.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why abusive relationships don’t end when the abuse first starts
The impact fame and money has on individuals suffering abuse
How celebrities tend to mask their pain instead of heal

I'll explore the reasons behind celebrities' struggles with alcohol or drug abuse, as well as the common tendency among all of us, including celebrities, to seek ways to mask our pain instead of addressing it directly. It's crucial to remember that we can't fully understand someone else's experiences, so we should avoid passing judgment on their relationships. However, we can draw valuable lessons from high-profile abusive relationships to aid in our own healing journeys. Let's focus on using these insights to facilitate personal growth and healing.

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/

Self Healing After Narcissistic Abuse Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

Time alone is not enough to heal narcissistic abuse. While it might hide some wounds temporarily, triggers can still cause intense emotional turmoil. In this episode, I'll guide you through the process of healing your inner wounds, enabling your nervous system to handle future triggers and recover from past trauma. What your going to hear may sound harsh and difficult to hear, but trust me, if you fully embrace this episode, your ability to heal from narcissistic abuse will have never been more clear.

What you will learn in this episode:

Methods to become more intentional in your healing
The most powerful tool to healing from narcissistic abuse
How to grow out of codependency

If you want to deeply heal, you need to be intentional about it, as time does not heal narcissistic abuse. In this episode, I’m going to ask you what are you doing to intentionally heal yourself, as I don’t want you to do what I did and sit around for four years waiting for someone to make your life better. The biggest gift that you can give to yourself is to work on yourself intentionally and this is truly the secret to healing 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/

School Holidays, Narcissistic Abuse & Dysregulated Children Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

It’s the summer holidays! In this episode, I want to help those of you with children, as school breaks can often bring about challenges in their behavior. Children may react strongly to narcissistic individuals, leading to increased dysregulation when they are with you. During school holidays, your children might end up spending time with a narcissistic person. To ensure their well-being, I'll guide you through effective preparations and steps you can take to protect your children. We'll focus on safeguarding their nervous system and addressing any potential trauma responses they may have.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why your children behave badly around you.
What causes trauma responses and how a childs nervous system functions.
The five items to calm your childs five senses.

When your children spend time with a narcissist, they might come back feeling agitated or scared, leading to bad behavior. But don't worry, I have a simple and fun solution to help them release these feelings. This project is not only enjoyable for the start of the school break but also very helpful for when they experience their trauma response.

Resources: