Decoding Narcissism: Healing from Toxic Relationship Patterns
Explore the often misunderstood world of narcissism with guest therapist Shannon Petrovich on The Light Inside. Discover the signs of narcissistic abuse, the impact of toxic relationship patterns, and strategies for healing.
Gain insights on navigating the fine line between love and manipulation in narcissistic relationships.
Key Topics of Discussion:
Toxic Behaviors in Narcissistic Relationships
- Love bombing, gaslighting, and devaluing are toxic behaviors commonly seen in narcissistic relationships.
- Love bombing involves overwhelming a partner with excessive affection and praise to manipulate and control them.
- It is crucial to recognize that love bombing is a manipulative tactic, not genuine love.
- Gaslighting manipulates a partner's perception of reality by denying their experiences, leading to confusion and self-doubt.
- Devaluing undermines a partner's self-worth through criticism and belittlement, aiming to exert power and control.
We explore why healing from narcissistic relationships involves healthy ego development, rebuilding a sense of self, setting boundaries, and prioritizingconscious-care. Understanding the difference between healthy esteem and narcissism is crucial.
Tune in to uncover the truth behind these complex dynamics and find a path to healing.
Timestamps:
[00:00:23] What does narcissism really mean?
[00:06:20] Narcissistic partner dynamics.
[00:09:39] Toxicity in relationships.
[00:15:18] Trauma bonding in relationships.
[00:19:20] Love Bombing and Healthy Boundaries
[00:22:22] Trauma bonds and relationships.
[00:25:40] Gut instinct vs. intuition.
[00:29:27] Narcissistic manipulation tactics.
[00:33:43] Narcissistic behavior warning signs.
[00:39:11] Self-sabotaging behaviors in relationships.
[00:42:06] Rebuilding sense of self.
[00:46:47] Embracing stillness and nature.
[00:50:35] Narcissism and self-esteem discussion.
[00:56:14] Embracing richness of emotions.
[00:58:25] Emotional Intelligence and Narcissism.
[01:03:00] Setting boundaries for safety.
[01:08:05] The fog of abuse.
[01:10:30] Rebuilding sense of self.
[01:15:01] Gaslighting and its origins.
[01:19:15] Narcissistic traits in our culture.
[01:23:06] The thin gray arc of complexity.
Featured Guest:
Shannon Petrovich
JOIN US ON INSTAGRAM: @thelightinsidepodcast
SUBSCRIBE: pod.link/thelightinside
Credits:
Music Score: Epidemic Sound
Executive Producer: Jeffrey Besecker
Mixing, Engineering, Production and Mastering: Aloft Media
Executive Program Director: Anna Getz
Shannon Petrovich
LCSW, LISAC, BCD
Shannon earned her Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College, and her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She completed her clinical licenses in Social Work and Substance Abuse Counseling in 1990, and became a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work in 2016.
She has worked in inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings, and is currently in private practice.
Her other experiences include developing and being the Clinical Director for a long-term residential rehabilitation program for youth, being the Clinical Coordinator for a day school for emotionally and behaviorally disordered youth, and developing and being the Clinical Director of a therapeutic boarding school for teens with substance abuse and other mental health issues.
In addition she brings a lifelong love of horses and many years of training and experience in equine assisted psychotherapy.
“My parents were both very committed to their work and specifically to improving the lives of others. They have always inspired me to have a positive impact on some small part of the world. During graduate school, and the thirty five years since then, I’ve sought to learn and develop the insights, skills and strategies to best help others heal and transform their lives.”