The Covert Narcissism Podcast

Welcome to Part Two of Things My Therapist Said That Deserve to Be on T-Shirts. We’re continuing the conversation with five more transformative truths that cut through confusion, emotional manipulation, and internalized blame—especially for anyone navigating covert narcissistic abuse. These one-liners don’t just help you name what’s been happening—they help you stop second-guessing yourself and start reclaiming your peace. Whether you're living with a covert narcissist, healing after a painful breakup, or just trying to trust your gut again, this episode is packed with insight, validation, and practical trauma recovery tools. In this episode, we’ll unpack: “If they only treat you well when you’re useful, it’s not kindness. It’s convenience.” — identifying narcissistic behavior masked as affection “Of course you're exhausted. You're carrying emotional loads that aren’t yours.” — the invisible weight of narcissistic abuse “Peace isn’t boring. You’re just addicted to chaos.” — learning to tolerate emotional safety again “Gaslighting isn’t an argument. It’s a control tactic.” — naming the real dynamic of covert narcissistic manipulation “Your gut knew before your brain was ready.” — reconnecting with your intuition after emotional abuse Each segment is a reminder that you’re not overreacting—you’re responding to a situation that was never safe to begin with. Your gut instinct was right. Your feelings are valid. And your healing doesn’t need their permission.

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in healing from covert narcissistic abuse come from just one sentence—something so simple, so true, it rewires your entire nervous system. In this part one episode, I’m sharing five powerful one-liners my therapist said that helped me finally recognize the emotional abuse I had been living through—and start the real work of healing. We talk about what it means to stop apologizing for your emotions, how guilt isn't a moral compass, and why setting boundaries with a covert narcissist often feels like you're doing something wrong (spoiler: you’re not). If you’ve been walking on eggshells, second-guessing your every move, or struggling to trust yourself, this episode will speak directly to your experience. Inside Part One, we’ll explore: “You’re not crazy. You’re just traumatized.” — how gaslighting in relationships makes you doubt your reality “It’s not your job to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.” — the trap of self-abandonment in toxic relationships “Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.” — how manipulated guilt keeps you stuck “You can love someone and still walk away.” — choosing emotional freedom over fantasy “The apology you're waiting for probably isn’t coming. Heal anyway.” — reclaiming closure on your own terms These are more than just quotes. They’re turning points. Because sometimes, all it takes is one honest phrase to start unraveling years of confusion and pain. Subscribe so you don't miss part two!

Covert narcissism sends you spinning into cognitive dissonance circles! But your brain and your gut were never supposed to be enemies. They're both trying to protect you—just in different ways. Healing begins when they stop arguing and start working together, guiding you out of the confusion and back into clarity. Key Takeaways: Covert abuse hijacks your logic and intuition. Your gut has always known the truth—you just needed your brain to stop making excuses. Healing starts when you trust yourself enough to stop gaslighting your own feelings. If you've ever felt torn between what your brain tells you and what your gut knows deep down, this episode is for you. 💬 Your story matters, and you deserve to be heard without judgment.If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, check out my coaching services at [your website]. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we mix truth, healing, and just a little bit of sarcasm—because sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.

In this part two conversation, Renee Swanson and Jerry Wise delve into the complexities of covert narcissism, exploring the impact of guilt in relationships with narcissistic individuals. They discuss the importance of self-focus and reframing one's internal environment to foster healing and personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes that it is never too late to reclaim oneself and that closure comes from within, not from external validation. Takeaways Guilt often stems from family dynamics, especially with narcissistic parents. It's crucial to distinguish between true guilt and family guilt. Reclaiming oneself is possible at any age. The closure we seek comes from within, not from others. Self-focus is essential for healing from narcissistic relationships. Understanding the systems dynamics can help in recognizing unhealthy patterns. It's important to accept where you are in your healing journey. You don't need the approval of dysfunctional family members to change. Reframing our thoughts can create a healthier internal environment. Humor can be a coping mechanism for dealing with narcissistic abuse.

Jerry Wise, a seasoned family systems therapist with over 45 years of experience, joins to explore the intricate dynamics of narcissism and self-differentiation. He shares insights on the significance of personal growth and how to escape the toxic patterns shaped by narcissistic families. They discuss the emotional baggage of guilt and shame and the importance of separating inherited beliefs from one's true self. Listeners learn that self-love is crucial for healing and that understanding one's identity can help maintain relationships with narcissists.

What happens when the fairy tale was never a fairy tale to begin with? In this powerful episode, Renee Swanson is joined by Andrea, the candid and courageous voice behind the hit podcast How Not to Suck at Divorce. Andrea doesn’t just share her story—she lays it all out. The red flags she ignored. The justifications she clung to. The slow unraveling of her identity. The physical collapse that finally forced her to confront the truth. Together, Renee and Andrea dive deep into: The invisible trauma of covert emotional abuse How your childhood shapes the dysfunction you tolerate The cost of trying to “make it work” while losing yourself Why the hardest part isn’t leaving—it’s everything that comes after The importance of creating a plan... and what happens when it all falls apart Andrea’s brutal honesty, dark humor, and heartfelt wisdom remind us that healing starts with bravery—and that no matter how broken you feel, there is a way through. 💬 “Your life will never get better unless you get brave.” — Andrea This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, scared, or unsure about whether change is even possible. You’re not alone. And your future can look nothing like your past. 👉 Listen now—and get ready to feel seen.👉 Then hop over to How Not to Suck at Divorce for even more practical tools and fierce support.

In this episode, we’re diving into the conversations I wish I could have had with the covert narcissist in my life. The words I rehearsed but never said. The truths I buried for the sake of “keeping the peace.” The sarcasm I bit back. The boundaries I swallowed. All of it. Because sometimes, the only way to make sense of the madness that is covert narcissistic abuse is to talk it out—even if it’s only in your own head. We’re pulling back the curtain on: The emotional minefield of everyday life with a covert narcissist The way gaslighting turns simple moments into emotional warfare The mental gymnastics of the “circular conversation” The rage that gets disguised as “just a rough day” The slow erosion of your voice when you’re always managing their emotions You’ll hear my real thoughts—the ones I kept silent because saying them out loud would’ve meant inviting more chaos, more blame, more confusion. But here? We say them. We say them all. This isn’t just about venting. It’s about reclaiming the space to name what happened, to validate the version of reality you know you experienced, and to remind you that you’re not crazy. You’re not too sensitive. You’re not imagining it. You’re waking up. So grab your tea, your journal, or just a quiet moment in your car, and let’s process together. Because your voice matters. Even if it’s shaking. Even if it’s only just starting to come back. ✨ Leave this episode knowing: You don’t have to keep tapdancing around someone else’s dysfunction to be worthy of love, safety, or peace. You get to stop shrinking. You get to stop rehearsing. You get to heal. — 🔗 Want support on your healing journey? Your story matters, and you deserve to be heard without judgment. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, check out my coaching services at www.covertnarcissism.com. And don’t forget to subscribe for more empowering episodes like this one. #covertnarcissism #gaslighting #emotionalabuse #covertnarcissist #healingjourney #narcissisticabuserecovery #reclaimyourvoice #podcastforsurvivors

At the end of every episode, I say, “I wish you so much peace on your journey of healing.” But today, I want to pause and really talk about what that journey actually looks like—because healing from covert narcissistic abuse isn’t what most people think. When I first left, I believed healing meant I’d wake up one day and magically stop hurting. I thought it meant I’d feel strong and peaceful all the time. Instead, I felt confused, angry, exhausted… and sometimes even guilty for walking away. What I didn’t know then—but deeply understand now—is that healing isn’t a return to who you were before. That version of you doesn’t exist anymore. And that’s not a tragedy—it’s a transformation. Healing is not going back—it’s becoming. In this episode, I take you inside the real healing process: the grief, the guilt, the spiral staircase of progress. I unpack what we’re actually healing from—the chronic invalidation, emotional starvation, and deep erosion of self-worth that doesn’t leave bruises but leaves a lasting impact. You'll hear examples that hit home, like standing in the grocery store frozen by the realization that you don’t have to buy his favorite cereal anymore. Or crying in the bathroom because someone raised their voice, and it took you back. You’ll also hear what healing becomes: the moment you say no without explaining, the first night you sleep peacefully, the sound of your own laugh returning after years of silence. We’ll talk about: Why healing is not linear—and why that’s okay What it means to be on the healing path, even when it doesn’t feel like it How to recognize those quiet signs that you are making progress Why “being healed” isn’t a final destination—it’s a way of being And why grieving who you had to be to survive is part of the process too If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just move on already?”—this episode is for you. Because you’re not broken. You’re healing. And that journey deserves to be seen, honored, and spoken about with truth and tenderness. 🔔 Listen now and remember: Healing is happening inside of you, even on the days it feels invisible. As always, I wish you so much peace on your journey of healing—because it’s real, it’s sacred, and so are you.

In this raw and emotional episode, we’re diving deep into one of the most devastating dynamics in families with a covert narcissist: when the parent doing all the emotional labor is unseen, while the other parent gets all the praise. We unpack the covert narcissist’s relentless need for supply and scapegoats—and how this manipulative cycle plays out not just with their partner, but with their children. You’ll hear the heartbreaking truth of what it feels like to be the steady, loving, rule-setting parent while your kids are pulled toward the fun, charming, and performative parent who barely shows up... until the cameras are on. This episode is for the parents who make the lunches, wipe the tears, stay up worrying, enforce the rules, and still get painted as the “problem.” It’s for the ones who feel erased, blamed, and heartbroken. You’re not alone—and you’re not invisible. Tune in for validation, practical healing tools, and the reminder that your love leaves a lasting mark, even if your children can’t see it right now. The truth will rise. To the invisible parent: You are the anchor. You are the lighthouse. And one day, they will know.

I often get asked: •Why did this happen to me? •How did I get here? •How do I prevent it from ever happening again? •How do I heal from this? These are excellent questions and they are very related to each other. Why did this happen to me has a whole lot to do with how do I prevent it from ever happening again. How did I get here is tied closely with how do I heal from this. You need to know about Radical Personal Responsibility - Your special weapon that is unreachable for narcissistic individuals. Taking control of your own internal world is absolutely one of your greatest tools and something that covert narcissists can never do!! I want to explain this tool to you and then teach you how to use it. The first step is to become aware of your autopilot! I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse. •Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone? •Are you searching for people who get it? •Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do? •Are you running in circles in your mind? •Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them? •Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world? I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse http://www.covertnarcissism.com https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism