Crush Your Divorce, Protect Your Peace: A Conversation with Attorney & Author Bree Sullivan-Howell

Aug 22, 2025

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Divorcing a covert narcissist is not just about paperwork—it’s about survival. Today on the Covert Narcissism Podcast, I sit down with Bree Sullivan-Howell, a seasoned family law attorney with over two decades of experience and the author of Crush Your Divorce and Keep Your Faith and Crush Your Comeback. Bree brings both practical wisdom from the courtroom and heartfelt guidance for the personal and spiritual battles that survivors face.

In this powerful conversation, Bree and I dive deep into:

Why narcissists view their spouse and children as possessions—and what happens when you dare to break free.
The reality of post-separation abuse and how it shows up in custody battles and court filings.
How legal abuse works—and why narcissists weaponize the legal system to keep control.
Practical steps for documenting emotional abuse in ways that hold weight in court.
The critical importance of building a support team—attorney, therapist, coach, and trusted allies—so you’re not fighting this battle alone.
How to become a safe haven for your children while navigating accusations of parental alienation.
Why it’s essential to avoid clinical labels in court and instead focus on facts and behaviors.

Bree also shares her faith-based perspective on reclaiming worth, hope, and freedom—reminding us that there is life after narcissism.

If you’re in the thick of a high-conflict divorce, this episode is a roadmap of both strategy and encouragement. You’ll walk away with clarity on what to expect, how to prepare, and the confidence that you are not alone in this fight.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BY RENEE SWANSON, COVERT NARCISSISM PODCAST, AND CNG LIFE COACHING IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE USED FOR DIAGNOSIS PURPOSES AND NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR CLINICAL CARE. PLEASE CONSULT A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR GUIDANCE SPECIFIC TO YOUR CASE.

THIS MATERIAL DISCUSSES NARCISSISM IN GENERAL. RENEE SHARES STORIES FROM HER PERSONAL EXPERIENCES AS WELL AS FROM THOSE SHE HAS TALKED WITH FOR SEVERAL YEARS. HER MATERIAL DOES NOT CLAIM THAT ANY SPECIFIC PERSON HAS NARCISSISM AND SHOULD NOT BE USED TO REFER TO ANY SPECIFIC PERSON AS HAVING NARCISSISM. PERMISSION IS NOT GRANTED TO LINK TO OR REPOST THIS MATERIAL TO SUPPORT AN ALLEGATION OR SUPPORT A CLAIM THAT ANY SPECIFIC PERSON IS A NARCISSIST. THAT WOULD BE AN UNAUTHORIZED MISUSE OF THE MATERIAL AND INFORMATION PROVIDED.