No Visible Bruises

Pre-order my NEW book here: http://carolinestrawson.com/pre-order   At forty, I believed my life was over. I had just ended a relationship with a covert narcissist and felt he had taken the best years of my life, leaving me with nothing but a downhill journey.  However, I came to realise that I was blaming others for my feelings and was stuck in a functional freeze response. On the surface, I seemed to function normally, going through the motions of daily life and maintaining appearances. Yet, deep inside, I was grappling with trauma that I hadn't fully acknowledged or addressed.  This internal struggle left me feeling isolated and disconnected from my true self, as I had built a façade to hide my pain. It became clear that to truly heal, I needed to confront these buried emotions and take responsibility for my own healing journey. In this episode, we will explore: Why we shouldn’t blame other people for how we feel How to break out of a functional freeze response Beginning to heal after a narcissistic relationship My new book, ‘How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse’ really is your essential guide to leading a better life and not blaming yourself for what happened in your narcissistic and abusive relationships. Where you are right now isn’t where you have to stay. Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/  

Pre-order my NEW book here: http://carolinestrawson.com/pre-order   Join my FREE Trauma Bonding Masterclass, 8pm BST Sunday 30th June: https://carolinestrawson.com/trauma-bond Even if you can’t attend live, sign up to be sent a copy of the recording after it concludes.   We’ve all experienced trauma. It isn’t an event or person, it’s what happens inside of us and that can reinforce how we feel. It’s a weight you carry everywhere you go. You can’t talk yourself through healing, you have to feel to heal. I want you to thrive and flourish and step into post-traumatic growth, leading a better life than the one you’re trying to leave behind.   In this episode, we will explore: Not blaming yourself for always being in narcissistic relationships What it means to “feel to heal” Tapping into your past and beginning to move forward   My new book, ‘How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse’ really is your essential guide to leading a better life and not blaming yourself for what happened in your narcissistic and abusive relationships. Where you are right now isn’t where you have to stay.   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Join my FREE Trauma Bonding Masterclass, 8pm BST Sunday 30th June: https://carolinestrawson.com/trauma-bond Even if you can’t attend live, sign up to be sent a copy of the recording after it concludes.   Do you find yourself constantly attracting toxic and narcissistic individuals, unable to break free from the cycle? You’re not alone. This isn't just a coincidence—it’s an addiction. But rest assured, there is hope and a brighter future awaits you.   Reflecting on my own experience, I remember the dark days spent in a toxic and narcissistic relationship with my ex-husband. Each day, I felt more worthless, often finding my only solace in the comfort of baggy tracksuits. I was paralysed, unable to muster the energy or desire to do anything at all.   In this episode, we will explore: Why We’re Drawn to Narcissists Breaking Free from Abusive Relationships The Brain and Body's Role in Trauma Bonding   This cycle of despair is rooted in a phenomenon known as trauma bonding. Trauma bonding is more than just an emotional connection; it’s a physiological addiction that takes hold within our bodies, always hoping for a lasting change that never comes. Understanding this can be the first step towards breaking free and reclaiming your life.   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Join the waitlist for my Safe and Sound Protocol program: https://carolinestrawson.com/ssp-waitlist   Do you ever find yourself unable to enjoy the music you once loved or find that your ears are particularly sensitive to loud noises?    You're not alone. This can be a common experience for those who have endured significant stress or trauma. In my case, I experienced this first-hand during my marriage to my ex-husband, who was a covert narcissist.   Over time, I developed a heightened sensitivity to sound. If someone dropped something near me, I wouldn't just startle like most people; I would jump out of my skin. This extreme response is a common consequence of narcissistic abuse and trauma.   In this episode, we will explore: What is a heightened startle response? How to manage and overcome it The biology behind heightened startle responses Why we tune out background noise and focus on human voices   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Pre-order my new book here: http://carolinestrawson.com/pre-order   Narcissism is a topic I’m really passionate about because I believe it’s widely misunderstood. The term "narcissistic" is often overused in our society, with many people being labelled as narcissists without truly exhibiting those traits.   Misusing the word "narcissistic" diminishes the experiences of those who have genuinely suffered from narcissistic abuse, invalidating their trauma and making it harder for them to be heard and understood.   In this episode, we will explore: The importance of breaking the taboo around narcissism and discussing it openly The need to share and acknowledge our experiences with abusive relationships without shame The fact that domestic abuse is not the only form of abuse and why recognising other forms is crucial   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Join my FREE parenting masterclass: https://carolinestrawson.com/parenting-masterclass   Parenting and narcissism are two words that should not be in any sentence. This abuse is not something you should have to deal with whilst trying to raise a family.   In this episode, we'll delve into: Understanding the traits and actions of a narcissistic co-parent and how they impact both you and your children. Strategies to shield your kids from the emotional and psychological effects of having a narcissistic parent. Practical advice on how to co-parent effectively with a narcissist, including setting boundaries and maintaining clear communication.   When I split up from my ex my children were 3 and 6 years old, and it was tough. Had I not split up from my ex husband, I would’ve still been codependent and feeling a lack of self-worth, which would have rubbed off on my children.   Now my kids are the kindest, most compassionate and self-confident young adults. They know that they are good enough for who they are and nobody else’s behaviour is ever a reflection of them. I am so incredibly fortunate to have them, and an important part of them becoming such brilliant young adults was my own healing journey.    Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Pre-order my new book here: http://carolinestrawson.com/pre-order   Are you struggling to find the mojo to get out and exercise again after you’ve experienced trauma? Maybe you’ve broken out of an abusive relationship and want to lose weight, but you just keep struggling?   Trauma, whether physical or emotional, can significantly impact your motivation and ability to engage in healthy behaviours. It’s perfectly normal to feel this way, and the journey to reclaiming your health and vitality can be challenging but incredibly rewarding. Understanding how trauma affects your mind and body is the first step towards recovery.   In this episode, we'll delve into: The science behind how our brain, mind, and body collaborate Understanding the motivation to exercise and why struggling to find it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or weak Discovering your own exercise routine without feeling pressured to conform to others   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Have you found yourself entangled with narcissistic individuals, struggling with a freeze response, or experiencing trauma bonding? If so, you're not alone. Join me in the launch of my latest book, "How To Heal After Narcissistic Abuse." This project is deeply personal, born from my own tumultuous journey through a challenging marriage with a covert narcissist. Back then, I didn't even understand what a narcissist truly was. It was a frightening experience, one shrouded in shame. Throughout that ordeal, I constantly blamed myself, unaware of the emotional, psychological, and financial abuse I was enduring.  Manipulated into believing I was at fault, I wish I had a guide like this to navigate my healing journey. But today, I'm grateful to be in a place where I can share this resource with you all. This book represents a collective step towards healing for each one of us. In this episode, we'll delve into: The significance of addressing narcissism in our society How my book provides a roadmap for healing from narcissistic relationships Exploring the various analogies used to understand narcissistic behaviour Pre-order my new book here: http://carolinestrawson.com/pre-order Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

Have you struggled to heal from past trauma or difficult childhood experiences? Do you find yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns or coping mechanisms without fully understanding why? What if there was a therapeutic approach that could help you gain insight into your inner world and see yourself and others in a more compassionate light?  Internal Family Systems therapy has helped many people recover from trauma by bringing awareness to how our experiences from the past still influence us today. Tune in to this episode to learn how exploring your core wounds through IFS may provide the breakthrough you've been looking for in your personal growth and healing journey. In this episode, we dive into: Parts therapy: Neuroscience-based trauma healing. Exiles and protectors: Resolve underlying issues. Childhood impacts: Insight into present life. IFS principles: Better relationships, well-being.   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/

There is a growing trend of women receiving diagnosis of borderline personality disorder or bipolar. The symptoms of which often arise from their experiences in abusive relationships.   Unfortunately, when these women seek help, they are frequently misdiagnosed. Instead of receiving appropriate support, they are often told to medicate and move on with their lives.   However, this approach is inadequate. Women in abusive relationships should be provided with the necessary help to break free from these situations. Furthermore, they should be supported in rebuilding their confidence and sense of self-worth.   In this episode, we delve into: Why women are being misdiagnosed with these conditions Why we need to rephrase ‘disorders’ and call them responses Understanding the root cause of why these behaviours show up   Podcast Resources: Join my FREE Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/thriveafternarcissisticabuse Access my low cost Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme https://go.carolinestrawson.com/heal-the-trauma-of-narcissistic-abuse Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinestrawson/ Find me on TikTok!: https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinestrawson My website: https://www.carolinestrawson.com/