The Covert Narcissism Podcast

In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the painful reality behind “kind” gestures that aren’t kind at all. When a homemade cheesecake or a perfectly crafted cup of coffee is offered by someone who’s spent years neglecting your needs, it can feel like a calculated move—a manipulation tactic meant to keep you tethered to your old wounds. Through raw storytelling and a “Choose Your Own Adventure” narrative, you’ll hear firsthand how these token gestures, far from mending the past, often serve as a reminder of every invalidating moment and boundary crossed. This episode isn’t just about the seemingly small acts; it’s about reclaiming your power, trusting your gut, and choosing your own path toward healing. If you’ve ever felt that a sweet gesture was really an insult in disguise, this episode is for you. Listen in for an honest conversation about emotional abuse, the traps of covert narcissism, and the critical steps to rebuild your life on your own terms. Your journey to healing starts here. Take the next step in your healing: If you’re ready to break free and reclaim your life, check out my coaching services at www.covertnarcissism.com. You deserve more than crumbs. ❤️

Many of us have been taught to focus on the good—to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable and to not judge. These are not bad lessons to live by, but do they apply to our spouse in a toxic relationship? Or are we unintentionally ignoring red flags in covert narcissistic abuse? In this episode, we explore: 🔹 How focusing only on the good enables covert narcissistic behavior 🔹 The confusion and emotional turmoil of benefiting from the good while suffering from the bad 🔹 How your self-reflection gets used against you 🔹 How cognitive empathy (not real empathy) is used as a tool by covert narcissists 🔹 Why ignoring the bad doesn’t make it disappear—and what to do instead If you’ve ever struggled with forgiving and forgetting, convincing yourself to focus on the good while ignoring the damage, working extra hard to not judge, this episode is for YOU. It will give you clarity and validation. #CovertNarcissism #NarcissisticAbuse #Gaslighting #EmotionalAbuse #RecognizingCovertNarcissism #HealingFromNarcissisticAbuse #ToxicPositivity #FaithAndHealing #ForgiveButDontForget #ReclaimYourTruth   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

Have you ever felt like your reality was rewritten right before your eyes? Covert narcissists are experts at controlling the narrative, erasing your perspective, dismissing your feelings, manipulating reality, and shaping how others see you. This is a key tactic in covert narcissistic abuse, leaving victims feeling unheard, invalidated, and questioning their own sanity. In this episode, we break down: 🔹 Signs of covert narcissism and how they erase your perspective 🔹 The sneaky ways they use gaslighting in relationships to distort the truth 🔹 How they manipulate others with covert narcissistic behavior 🔹 Tips for dealing with a covert narcissist and reclaiming your truth If you’ve ever felt like your story is being rewritten, you’re not alone. Recognizing covert narcissism is the first step toward breaking free and healing. Tune in now and learn how to take back control. Your story matters. Your voice matters. 💙 #CovertNarcissism #Gaslighting #CovertNarcissisticAbuse #RecognizingCovertNarcissism #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #BreakingFreeFromCovertNarcissism #EmotionalAbuse #ReclaimYourTruth #SettingBoundaries   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

Have you ever tried to figure out someone’s true intentions? Have you been suspicious of the intentions behind one’s behaviors? Have you ever asked yourself, Yeah but what do they really want? Covert narcissists hide their true intentions. You can feel this when you talk with them. Something just doesn’t feel quite right. It doesn’t feel genuine. Everything they do and say has a hidden agenda. What is that agenda? What are their true intentions? The true intentions of a covert narcissistic person are: •to rely on others to build them up, to build their self-esteem •to earn compliments and recognition •to gain admiration and the feeling of being important •to confirm that they are better or higher in status than you •to create confusion in others so they can maintain their superior confidence over your obvious inferiority •to win your apologies and continue to boost their superiority •to validate that they are a good person How do we know this? How can you identify it in your own situation? What do you do about it? To join our upcoming group coaching session, reach out to me at renee@covertnarcissism.com or renee@cnglifecoaching.com For more information on the group sessions, visit https://www.covertnarcissism.com/group-session 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

Have you ever felt like you were walking on eggshells, analyzing every glance, every sigh, every subtle shift in body language—just trying to figure out what went wrong this time? Covert narcissists don’t always use words to manipulate, dismiss, or control. Sometimes, their most powerful weapon is silence itself. A heavy sigh, an eye roll, a dismissive shrug—these small, seemingly insignificant gestures carry messages that cut deep. And when words and actions don’t align, you’re left questioning your own reality. In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of how nonverbal communication was used to control, punish, and erode my sense of self—without a single word being spoken. We’ll uncover: 🔹 The subtle nonverbal cues that signal arrogance, entitlement, and silent disapproval. 🔹 How covert narcissists use body language to gaslight and emotionally withdraw. 🔹 The devastating impact of this form of manipulation—and how to spot the red flags. 🔹 The key differences between genuine nonverbal communication and the learned, performative gestures of a narcissist. 🔹 How to protect yourself, set boundaries, and reclaim your sense of reality. If their words say, “I love you,” but their body language screams, “You don’t matter,” you are not imagining it. The mixed signals are real, and you deserve clarity. Listen now to break free from the silent manipulation and start trusting what you feel—not just what they say. Subscribe for more insights on covert narcissism and healing Because your story matters, and you deserve to be heard—without judgment. 💙   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 #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

After a family vacation that he thought was a wonderful family trip, Justin’s covert narcissistic mother pulled him aside to tell him how disappointed she was in him. What he saw as a very balanced and enjoyable trip, she only saw that she did not get enough attention and focus from his wife and him. She pushed her unhappiness onto them. Growing up with a covert narcissistic parent, you experience extreme amounts of gaslighting, blame shifting, and passive aggressive behavior. Unknown to you, this often causes you, the child, to doubt yourself and work hard to do everything perfectly. However, you still never seem to be good enough, which often manifests as a core of shame.  Moving into adulthood it is crucial to work through those trapped feelings and learn to set boundaries with this parent. If you resonate with this story and are struggling to get out from under the grasp of a covert narcissistic parent, please reach out today. You do not have to do this alone! Support is crucial as you work through the craziness! I wish you so much peace. 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 #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

Have you ever looked back on something a covert narcissist did and thought, Did that really just happen? In this episode, we’re diving into the most jaw-dropping, mind-bending, and downright bizarre behaviors of covert narcissists. These behaviors are so absurd that they leave you questioning reality. If you’ve experienced the surreal world of covert narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you. Your story matters. Share your experience and connect with others on the path to healing. 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 #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

Growing up with a covert narcissistic mother can set the stage for a lifetime of fixing, pleasing, and sacrificing your own needs. In this episode, Cara shares her journey of living under the shadow of covert narcissism and how it shaped her identity as a fixer and a people pleaser. From the unfillable emotional hole left by her mother to the toxic relationships she found herself drawn to, we explore how covert narcissistic abuse created patterns she didn’t even realize she was repeating. Cara discusses the moment of clarity when she asked her mother to see a therapist with her—and her mother’s hurtful refusal that left her questioning her own sanity. Through inner child healing and learning to be her own anchor, she has taken steps to break the cycle and create a life of freedom, peace, and self-love. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of toxic relationships and struggle to heal from a narcissistic parent, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about reclaiming your life, setting boundaries, and finally putting yourself first.   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 #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast Keywords: covert narcissism, covert narcissistic mother, narcissistic abuse, people pleaser, codependency, inner child healing, breaking free from covert narcissism, emotional abuse recovery, toxic relationships, self-love and healing.

How Healing Transforms Your Responses to a Covert Narcissist Healing doesn’t change the covert narcissist. It changes YOU! Healing transforms your responses and reactions to their abusive tactics. This episode of Covert Narcissism Podcast explores how healing empowers victims to break free from the quicksand of covert narcissistic abuse and reclaim their confidence. Through relatable examples, we uncover the subtle but destructive tactics covert narcissists use to manipulate and control. You’ll hear how interactions that seem innocent at first—like dismissing your achievements or denying your reality—can leave you questioning yourself and spiraling into self-doubt. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay this way. Healing transforms your responses, shifting the dynamic from reactive and self-doubting to calm, clear, and empowered. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to deal with a covert narcissist spouse or partner when they dismiss your achievements, gaslight you, or criticize your efforts. How healing from covert narcissistic abuse empowers you to respond with confidence rather than defensiveness. The difference between pre-healing reactions—like over-apologizing or seeking their approval—and post-healing responses that prioritize your well-being. Real-life examples of navigating common scenarios, including criticism, gaslighting, silent treatment, and emotional outbursts. This episode will help you recognize the patterns of covert narcissism, understand why their behavior is not your fault, and inspire you to start or continue your healing journey. Healing doesn’t change the covert narcissist, but it transforms how you respond to their manipulation—setting you free from their control and rebuilding your self-worth. Whether you’re just starting to understand covert narcissism or deep into your recovery, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you thrive. 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 #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

Have you ever felt like you missed out on your childhood because you were too busy parenting your own parent? This episode of Covert Narcissism Podcast dives deep into the hidden trauma of parentification—a heartbreaking dynamic where children take on adult responsibilities to meet the emotional or physical needs of their caregivers, especially covert narcissistic parents. Growing up as the emotional support system, household manager, or peacekeeper in a volatile home leaves lasting scars. Many adult children of covert narcissists share similar experiences: managing their parent’s emotions, walking on eggshells to avoid conflict, or being praised only when their achievements made the parent look good. These children often internalize guilt, low self-esteem, and the belief that they are responsible for fixing others’ problems—a mindset that can persist well into adulthood. In this episode, we uncover: What is parentification? The difference between instrumental parentification (cooking, cleaning, managing tasks) and emotional parentification (being your parent’s therapist or confidant). Real-life examples of how covert narcissistic parents burden their children with adult responsibilities, leaving them to miss out on the carefree joy of childhood. The long-term effects of growing up with a covert narcissistic parent, from difficulty trusting others to struggles with self-worth and parenting their own children. Healing and reclaiming your life, including setting boundaries, processing trauma, and embracing the childhood joy you never had. If you grew up feeling like your worth was tied to your parent’s approval or you’re still carrying the emotional weight of their needs, this episode will resonate deeply. You’ll gain insights into why you feel this way and actionable steps to heal and break the cycle. Tune in and learn how to turn your pain into wisdom, rebuild your confidence, and create a life rooted in self-love and emotional freedom. Your story matters, and healing is possible. Listen now!