Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Are you walking on eggshells, questioning your sanity, and starting to wonder if your partner’s behavior is actually...narcissism? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the challenging and often painful question of whether you might be married to a narcissist. Narcissism isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis; it has shades, nuances, and layers, which can make it tough to recognize and even harder to deal with. Chapters: 00:45 - The Signs You’re Married to a Narcissist 10:47 - The Two Types of Narcissists: Wounded vs. Malignant.  19:12 - Inside the Narcissistic Relationship Cycle 27:00 - Can a Relationship with a Narcissist Work?  44:42 - Strategies to Navigate Conflicts.  If you're in a relationship with someone who might be a narcissist, I know how exhausting and frustrating communication can be. That's why I created my free 2-part video training, Communication That Connects. You’ll learn practical tools to de-escalate arguments, protect your emotional well-being, and build healthier patterns of connection, even with difficult personalities. I hope you check it out. ❤️ And don’t forget to join me for this week’s livestream on Thursday at 12 pm MT / 2pm ET on YouTube, where we’ll chat all about being married to a narcissist. You can ask an anonymous question in advance at https://www.growingself.com/dear-lisa. If you know someone else who could benefit from this episode, send it over to them! Let’s keep looking out for each other.  Xo, Dr. Lisa GrowingSelf.com  

Are You Exhausted Trying to Help Someone Who Won’t Change? Here’s What Actually Works! Have you ever bent over backward trying to help someone you love, only to feel like you’re getting nowhere? You’re not alone—and I’ve got good news: people can change. But here’s the kicker: they’ll only do it when it comes from within. In this episode, I’m breaking down the psychology of change, the stages people go through, and the surprising reason why trying to force change never works (spoiler alert: it usually backfires). You’ll also learn powerful, actionable strategies to: ✅ Set healthy boundaries (without guilt). ✅ Protect your emotional well-being (because you matter too!). ✅ Provide the kind of support that actually encourages growth. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and frustrated, and instead discover the most effective way to empower someone on their journey—this is for you. 🎧 Timestamps You’ll Love: 00:00 – Why It Feels Impossible to Change Someone Else 01:15 – Can People Really Change? (Yes, But Here’s the Secret) 03:45 – The Real Power of Intrinsic Motivation 06:20 – The Stages of Change: Where Your Loved One Might Be 12:40 – Setting Boundaries That Encourage Growth 18:55 – Avoiding the Trap of Enabling 23:15 – Free Tools to Help You and Your Loved One BONUS GOODIES! 👉 Want to help a loved one uncover what’s really holding them back? Share my free What’s Holding You Back? Quiz with them—it’s designed to uncover hidden obstacles, subconscious blocks, and personal strengths to help them move forward with confidence. 👉 Don’t miss this week’s YouTube Livestream: How to Help Someone Who Doesn’t Want to Help Themselves (Thursday, 12 pm MT). You can even submit an anonymous question ahead of time here: www.growingself.com/dear-lisa. This conversation could change everything. See you there! 🎥

Are political differences with people you love threatening to tear your relationships apart? You’re definitely not alone! Today, we’re diving deep into the delicate dance of keeping relationships healthy across political divides.  In this episode, I’m sharing the strategies to help you navigate tricky conversations with grace, keep your cool, and protect your own happiness along the way. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to preserve the connections you care about most, even when politics threaten to tear you apart. Stick around to the end—I’ve got some free resources to help you practice these skills and share them with your loved ones. Let’s jump in!   Timestamps: 00:00 - Are Political Differences Threatening Your Relationships?   04:22 - Assess the Importance of Each Relationship   07:32 - Radical Acceptance (It's Tough, But Worth It!)   11:12 - Emotional Regulation - How to Stay Cool   16:49 - Focus on the Positives (Yes, Really!)   23:09 - Set & Maintain Healthy Boundaries   32:18 - Advanced Skills: Radical Curiosity and Empathy   39:06 - Free Resources + Final Thoughts If you loved this episode, don’t miss the next video in this series! Let’s keep building those relationship skills. P.S. Need a little more support? Check out my free Communication That Connects 2-Part Video Series. Also, join me Thursday at 12 pm MT for a live session right here on YouTube on this very topic, how to navigate political differences in relationships. You can even submit an anonymous question right here.  

Feeling stuck in relationship conflicts? Discover how to break free from negative communication cycles that keep couples trapped. The host shares personal experiences and highlights key strategies to repair bonds. Learn about the hidden patterns shaping your perceptions and when it's time to seek professional help. Plus, gain actionable insights to foster healthier connections. Tune in for a transformative discussion that empowers you to take control and rebuild your relationship!

"This wasn't supposed to happen!" Have you ever felt life throw you a curveball so big it knocked you flat? It’s that gut-punch moment when plans unravel, your candidate didn't win, dreams dissolve, and you’re left wondering, “Now what?” In this episode, I’ll take you through the tools and mindset shifts needed to transform disappointment into personal growth. We’ll talk about the power of radical acceptance, why it’s okay to feel all the feels, and how to find the hidden opportunities in setbacks. Timestamps:   00:00 Intro: Life’s Unexpected Curveballs   01:22 Embracing Disappointment: Feel All the Emotions   05:46 Finding the Lesson in Loss   15:23 Radical Acceptance and Moving Forward   18:36 Steer Clear of Destructive Reactions   21:16 What Does This Make Possible? 24:15 Conclusion and Free Resources   PS: Get free access to my Emotional Wellness Collection, a personally curated podcast and blog collection designed to help you grow and stay well emotionally.  Also, don’t miss our live Q&A this Thursday at 12 PM MT on YouTube, where we’ll dive even deeper into this topic. Submit an anonymous question in advance here: https://www.growingself.com/dear-lisa See you there!  

How strong is your intuition? Do you trust your inner wisdom? More importantly… can you tell the difference between intuitive thoughts and anxiety? Today you’re going to learn how to trust your gut!  In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Brittney Carmichael, intuitive healer and founder of Shine School, as we dig into how to tell the difference between intuition and anxiety, the subtle cues of inner wisdom, and ways to strengthen this instinct into a true superpower. Whether you’re an intuitive veteran or someone just starting to listen to that quiet inner voice, this conversation will give you the practical tools you need to better understand, trust, and strengthen your intuitive thought. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: Intuition or Anxiety? 02:23 - Intuition vs. Fear: Brittany’s Insights 05:14 - Building Intuitive Strength  10:39 - Brittany’s Journey to Inner Wisdom 20:24 - Understanding Your Inner Voice 29:54 - Self-Love as a Foundation for Intuition 33:02 - Power of Positive Self-Talk 49:17 - How to Trust Your Inner Wisdom *P.S.* Want to dig even deeper? Take the free "What's Holding You Back?" quiz and get clarity on what might be standing in your way. Plus, join me for this week’s Livestream Q&A on Intuitive Thought, Thursday at 12 pm MT,on Instragram, Facebook, or Youtube. Submit an anonymous question in advance here: https://www.growingself.com/dear-lisa.  

Ever feel like the love, support, or security you needed growing up was just… missing? And now, you’re feeling the effects in your relationships, your self-esteem, or even your ability to create the life you *really* want? If this hits home, don’t worry—you’re not stuck!  This week I’m joined by THE legendary Dr. Dan Siegel, and we’re diving deep into the powerful process of reparenting yourself. Together, we’re going to show you how to rewire your brain for emotional healing, break free from past patterns, and build healthy, fulfilling relationships. ✨ In this episode, you’ll learn: - How childhood experiences shape your adult life (but don’t define it!) - The healing power of contingent communication in relationships - Practical strategies like the *Wheel of Awareness* for personal growth - The importance of presence over perfection in parenting—and in life! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Emotional Healing 02:41 The Importance of Childhood Development 06:29 Understanding Contingent Communication 13:55 The Impact of Early Experiences on Adult Life 14:31 Healing from the Past 20:12 Developing Healthier Relationship Patterns 21:19 Understanding Temperament and Personality 23:35 The Enneagram and Attachment Insecurity (Really!) 27:09 Practical Techniques for Personal Growth 30:25 The Role of Agency, Bonding, and Certainty 35:33 Achieving Wholeness and Integration 38:26 Resources and Final Thoughts 🌟 Want more? Grab this free resource I created for you: a curated collection of all my best articles and podcasts on attachment, emotional healing, and healthy relationships at https://www.growingself.com/connections/. And… drumroll please! Join me for this week’s live Q&A on Thursday at 12 pm MT on Youtube, Instagram, and/or Facebook where I’ll be talking about emotional healing and reparenting yourself! Got a question? Ask me anonymously in advance using this link: https://www.growingself.com/dear-lisa   Let’s grow together! 🌱   Love,   Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby  

Ever feel like your friendship is taking more out of you than it gives? If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a relationship that feels draining, toxic, or just plain bad, you’re in the right place. In this episode of Love, Happiness & Success, I’m sitting down with Dr. Marisa Franco, a brilliant psychologist and bestselling author of Platonic, to talk about one of the toughest aspects of relationships—knowing when a friendship is no longer serving you. Together, we’ll dive into the signs of toxic friends, how attachment styles play a role in our friendships, and whether or not these kinds of relationships can be saved. You’ll learn practical strategies to spot the red flags, approach difficult conversations with kindness and clarity, and—if it comes to it—find the courage to end friendships that have run their course. Here’s what we cover: [00:00] The Friendship Trap: Why difficult friendships are harder to leave than romantic ones. [03:57] Attachment Styles in Friendships: How your past impacts your present friendships. [11:40] Making Positive Changes: How to recognize toxic patterns and start healing. [17:34] Conflict or Goodbye? How to assess if this friendship can be saved. [28:21] Deciding to End a Friendship: When enough is enough, and how to let go with grace. If you’ve ever wondered whether a friendship is worth fighting for or it’s time to walk away, this episode is for you. Ready to dig deeper? Take my free self-esteem quiz to see how your self-worth might be impacting your relationships: How Healthy is Your Self-Esteem? Also, I’d love for you to join me for this week’s YouTube Livestream on Thursday at 12 pm MT, where we’ll talk even more about navigating toxic friendships. Submit an anonymous question in advance right here: Dear Lisa. I’ll see you there! — Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Does your therapist talk too much about themselves during YOUR sessions? This is a common issue, and it can really get in the way of your work. They’re on your dime, and your time with them should be all about you—not an outlet for them. Frankly, knowing too much about your therapist can even be a barrier to positive outcomes. The reality is, we therapists are human, and we have our own personal and professional growth trajectories. That’s why I’ve created a new side project: Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. In one of my latest episodes, I had a big sister-style heart-to-heart with therapists about how to contain their own "stuff"—because if we don’t, it can splash onto our clients. And I wanted to share this episode with you so you could share it with them. Here ya go: https://www.growingself.com/self-disclosure-in-therapy-how-much-is-too-much/ Use it as a way to start a courageous conversation with your therapist about what you need, what you want, and what’s working—or not working—in your relationship. Plus, you’ll be providing them with a resource that supports their growth. Win, win, win! If you’re a therapist reading this, I have so much for you! Connect with me at growingself.com/therapists to access this episode and many more on how to flourish and thrive in this career we all love. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Breakups are brutal. I know you're wondering, “How long will it take before I finally feel like myself again?” Trust me, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the million-dollar question: How long does it really take to get over a breakup? And, even more importantly, what do you need to DO in order to move forward and not get stuck in the past?  I'm joined by Kendra Allen, the amazing host of Breakup Bestie, and together we unpack the factors that impact your healing timeline. Spoiler alert: it’s different for everyone! But we’ve got insights, personal stories, and actionable advice to help you make sense of your own process and feel more empowered as you heal. We’re covering everything from how long it takes to feel "okay" again, to why some relationships hurt more than others, and how to know if you’re truly moving on. Plus, Kendra shares her journey of transformation after addiction and abusive relationships, offering you hope that growth is possible—even when it feels like the pain of heartbreak will never end. Join us to learn about: 00:00 – The Hardest Question After a Breakup: How Long Will This Take? 05:40 – Kendra’s Story: From Addiction to Empowerment 12:19 – Why Some Breakups Take Longer to Heal Than Others 19:32 – The Emotional Rollercoaster: What Healing Really Looks Like 29:00 – Handling Triggers: Holidays, Anniversaries & More 37:15 – How to Know if You’re Truly Healing or Just Surviving 45:20 – Next Steps: Tools and Advice for Moving On   If you’re hurting after heartbreak, this one’s for you. Thanks for tuning in, and/or for sharing this episode with a friend or loved one who is feeling stuck in heartbreak, and needs some direction for how to move forward.   xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby   PS: Want to see how far along you are in your breakup recovery? Take my free quiz, How Over Your Ex Are You? 👉 Take the Quiz Join me for a live Q&A this Thursday at 12 PM MT on YouTube, where we’ll tackle the topic of Getting Over Your Ex. Submit your questions anonymously in advance ( Ask Here) Or just jump into the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. See you there!