No Visible Bruises

Latest Episodes:

Understanding Trauma Bonding In Abusive Relationships Apr 23, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever found yourself in a cycle of leaving an unhealthy relationship only to return, feeling trapped and unable to break free? This phenomenon, known as trauma bonding, is one I know well from my time with my ex-husband, but also stemming from my relationship to my father.

In this episode, we delve into:

What is trauma bonding and how to recognise it
How trauma bonding affects all types of relationships, not just romantic ones
The negative impact it can have on your self-perception

Trauma bonding can evoke feelings of frustration and vulnerability, often leading to a sense of powerlessness. Together, we explore the root causes, identify potential perpetrators, and discuss strategies to overcome trauma bonding once and for all.

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/

How To Break Out Of A Freeze Response Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Do you ever experience a sense of detachment from your surroundings? Even in the presence of others, you might feel as though you're not fully engaged.

My former spouse exhibited covert narcissistic traits, and I found myself stuck in a freeze response for decades. I was completely disconnected from reality, wearing a smile that masked my functional freeze.

In this episode, you will learn:

What a freeze response actually is
How to break out of a freeze response
Practical ways to restore your old self

A freeze response can have serious effects on your body and mind. Together we can understand why this happens, who may be causing it, and how to break out of your freeze response.

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/

Cheating Is Actually Betrayal Trauma Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Have you been cheated on? My ex-husband was a perpetual cheater, and yet I blamed myself for not being good enough for him. It took years of self-reflection and understanding to see that it wasn’t my fault, and so I want to pass on to you how to break the vicious cycle of cheating and betrayal.

In this episode, you will learn:

What is betrayal trauma and how it affects us
Why cheating is NOT normal
How to stop blaming yourself and see cheating for what it really is

Cheating causes a form of betrayal trauma which can have serious effects on your body and mind. Together we can understand why people cheat, why it isn’t acceptable, and how to value yourself and make the right decision when faced with betrayal.

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/

Why Not Knowing The Difference Between Abuse & Trauma Is Slowing Your Healing Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

Are you ready to reclaim your body from the grip of trauma? A healing path exists that will loosen trauma's roots and give you back control. Your wellness is within reach - all it will take is courage to face the past and it will give you power over your present.

In this episode you will learn:

Why trauma still lingers in your body after all these years
How to set yourself free from stored trauma in your body
How addressing core wounds helps healing
Insights into health conditions from exploring trauma root causes

Through gentle techniques and facing long-buried trauma, we may release what has festered and start to take back control. Your wellness lies within reach, if only you find the courage to face the trauma and take the first step on the road to wellness.

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/

How to Outsmart Toxic Bosses: Strategies for Surviving Narcissistic Leadership Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

Is narcissism more common in leadership roles? I believe that it is!

Successful leaders in business and politics may have to exhibit narcissistic traits in order to progress in their careers.

Narcissistic bosses tend to only show empathy and care when it benefits them, but may privately abuse you to gain "narcissistic supply." While not all leaders are narcissists, a handful of leaders can be very cut-throat, manipulative and abuse their power in subtle ways.

What you will learn in this episode:

How to identify narcissistic leaders and different types of narcissism
Why certain roles attract more narcissistic individuals
Examples of empathetic vs. narcissistic leaders
Strategies for dealing with a narcissistic boss
Impacts of narcissistic leadership styles

Leadership attracts those with narcissistic traits and in some cases enables them to thrive. So how do you “win” against narcissistic bosses?

Document problematic incidents.

Set boundaries to avoid providing "narcissistic supply".

Look for support from understanding colleagues.

Prioritise your mental health and consider finding a new job to remove yourself from their toxic influence.

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/

Trauma & Narcissism Redefined Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

I used to focus solely on narcissistic abuse and trauma recovery however, I realised I wanted to broaden the podcast to look at trauma and narcissism in a more holistic way.

I'll be sharing my personal journey with you - what led me to make the decision to rebrand and why I now call the show "Trauma and Narcissism Redefined". I'll also introduce you to some new frameworks I've learned, like Internal Family Systems therapy. In IFS we see our inner parts as having good intentions, even when their impact is destructive. I also think it's helpful to view our experiences through a nervous system lens rather than just focusing on pathology.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why the podcast was rebranded
What Internal Family Systems therapy is
My personal journey healing from trauma and overcoming mental health struggles

I also want to open up about my own healing journey. As you may know, I struggled for years after leaving a covert narcissistic relationship, with mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety and depression. I'll share with you what finally helped me heal. I hope my story provides hope and insights for your own journey.

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/

The Danger Of The Vulnerable Narcissist Mar 12, 2024

Show notes

We often picture a narcissist as being the person who enters a room full of confidence and aims to get the whole room to notice them, however, not all narcissists are the same, and in this episode, I’m going to discuss a type of narcissist that doesn’t get much attention, the Vulnerable Narcissist.

What you will learn in this episode:

The typical behaviours of a Vulnerable Narcissist
How a Vulnerable Narcissist uses sympathy to get what they want
What I look for when spotting a Vulnerable Narcissist

A Vulnerable Narcissist doesn’t try and win people over through being an outgoing character and acting with confidence, instead, they try to get their narcissistic supply by making you feel sympathy for them by painting themselves as the victim. This narcissist is often tricky to deal with as it can be very easy to feel sorry for them, so in this episode, I’ll teach you how to spot a Vulnerable Narcissist and not be drawn into their trap.

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/

The Word Narcissist Versus The Diagnosis Of Narcissistic Personality Disorder Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

We hear the word ‘narcissist’ thrown around so much these days, so much so that it feels like everyone is branded with the word. In this episode, I’m going to discuss how the word is used and the differences between the word being used casually and the actual diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

What you will learn in this episode:

What the word ‘narcissist’ actually represents.
Is the word ‘narcissist’ overused?
How a person becomes a narcissist and why we can’t rely on a medical diagnosis.

You shouldn’t feel shame in using the word ‘narcissist,’ after all, it isn’t a swear word… I also want to emphasise the point of how the medical diagnosis of narcissism is failing so many of us who suffer from narcissistic abuse. So, in this episode, I’ll show you how the casual use of the term is dangerous, but also how we can spot a narcissist, even without the person being medically diagnosed.

Podcast Resources:

Access my FREE 5 Video Mini-Series To Heal & Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/mini-series-ig
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/

Narcissism & Parenting Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

There are two words that should never be used at the same time, narcissism and parenting. Unfortunately, having children with a narcissist is a situation that so many people find themselves in, and it’s one of the biggest issues people come to me with. So, in this episode, I will discuss how you can raise your children successfully, even when their other parent is a narcissist.

What you will learn in this episode:

Why healing yourself is the biggest gift you can give to your children.
Strategies you can use to manage your emotions.
The common behaviours a narcissistic parent exhibits around their children.

The best thing that you can do for your children is to make sure you heal yourself. By prioritizing your healing, you pave the way for a healthier next generation. Children's nervous systems and behaviours are influenced by their surroundings, making it essential to model good behaviour by regulating our own emotions. This approach becomes even more crucial in mitigating the effects of a narcissistic parent's influence. I hope this episode can help you heal yourself, to ensure your children grow up loved and happy.

Podcast Resources:

Access my FREE 5 Video Mini-Series To Heal & Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/mini-series-ig
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/

What Happens When You Expose The Narcissist Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

When the narcissist knows you know and they’re exposed for who they truly are, it all unravels for them, but how does their behaviour change? One thing is guaranteed, they won’t admit to being in the wrong and they won’t change their behaviour for the better. All too often, they will try to shift the blame onto you and will do everything in their power to make you look like the bad person. So, in this episode, I will tell you how to deal with a narcissist when the truth starts coming out about the person they really are.

What you will learn in this episode:

The common actions a narcissist takes to counter-act the negative perception about them.
What you can do to ensure you’re believed and that you’re not the bad person in the relationship.
How to address questions and claims you may get, such as “he doesn’t seem that bad” or “he’s so nice to me!”

To show you how a narcissists behaviour changes when their actions are exposed, I will share the story of what my ex-husband did when he knew that I knew he was cheating. I’ll tell you how he tried to make the break-up look like he was doing the nice thing for me and how the abuse escalated post-seperation.

Podcast Resources:

Access my FREE 5 Video Mini-Series To Heal & Thrive After Narcissistic Abuse https://carolinestrawson.com/mini-series-ig
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/

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