Covert Narcissism Recovery: How You Know Healing Is Happening

Covert narcissism recovery often shows up quietly—through internal safety, self-trust, and a nervous system that no longer lives on high alert.

Many survivors wonder how to tell whether they’re actually healing, especially when there’s no closure, no apology, and no clear “finish line.” This episode shifts the focus away from the covert narcissist and back to you—helping you understand the subtle but powerful signs that healing is taking root.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why healing isn’t a milestone, but a shift in internal safety

• How recovery continues even without closure or acknowledgment

• What it means to feel safer inside your own body and mind

• The connection between nervous system regulation and healing

• How self-talk changes as recovery progresses

• Why perfectionism fades as internal safety grows

• How emotions stop feeling like emergencies and become information

• Three simple check-ins to stay focused on your healing path: body, thoughts, and feelings

This episode is for anyone recovering from covert narcissistic abuse who wants reassurance, clarity, and grounded guidance on what healing actually looks like—without waiting for anyone else to change.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Healing from Covert Narcissism
02:43 The Importance of Internal Safety
06:25 Recognizing Signs of Healing
09:39 Practicing Self-Compassion and Acceptance
12:54 Honoring Your Limits and Emotions
16:30 Distinguishing Healing from Numbness
17:52 Practical Steps for Healing

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 IS 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.

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