THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness

Hey, Survivor!

Narcissistic abuse doesn’t always look volatile or obvious. Sometimes it’s calm, polite, credentialed, and protected by institutions.

In Episode 161 of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, we explore the polite, professional narcissist—the kind who hides behind charm, titles, faith language, or public service while causing harm behind the scenes. We break down why these individuals are often protected, where they operate, a...

Hey, Survivor!

The holidays can be especially difficult for survivors of narcissistic abuse and trauma. Court stress, family dynamics, grief, and loneliness can leave you feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I share ways to step back from retraumatizing spaces this season and opt for gentle, practical ways to protect your mental, emotional, and physical health during the holidays.

We tal...

Hey, Survivor!

In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I’m sharing what it was like to attend two emotionally intense court hearings in one week…on the same day—a murder sentencing, and a pre-trial evidentiary hearing—and how supporting victims can be retraumatizing for survivors.

During the sentencing hearing, as family members, friends, and community members read victim impact statements, my body responded before my mind...

Hey, Survivor!

In today’s episode, I break down the “recipe” behind narcissistically abusive relationships: the predictable blend of truth, lies, urgency, flattery, and psychological manipulation that keeps survivors stuck, confused, and doubting their own reality.

If you’ve ever wondered “How did I miss this?”, today’s episode will show you the answer: You didn’t miss anything — you were intentionally misled.

We’ll talk about trau...

Hey, Survivor!

In today’s episode, we uncover a tactic every survivor of narcissistic abuse needs to understand:

The narcissist will use you to woo.

Using your name… your reputation… your kindness… your credibility… even your faith language, scripture, or values — narcissists will borrow any part of your goodness to soften their manipulation and influence others. This is called borrowed credibility, and it’s rooted in coercive cont...

Hey, Survivor!

In this short Thanksgiving episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude for you — the one doing the hard healing work every single day. Whether your week is calm, complicated, or emotionally charged, this episode gives you three grounding tips for a peaceful holiday, especially if you’re navigating family dynamics, trauma memories, or feelings that surface this time of year.

Inside the episode, you’ll learn:

Hey, Survivor! Struggling with guilt, self-blaming and shaming for not seeing the narcissist for who and what they are?  In this episode, I’m talking about why it’s hard to really know narcissistic and toxic individuals, the power of proximity, healthy relationships and healing.  You can uphold truth, release guilt and shame, and gain clarity, after narcissistic abuse.  Your community matters!

If you, or someone you know, need cla...

Hey, Survivor! Tired of the narcissist playing victim, after causing chaos, confusion and harm?  In this episode, I’m talking about DARVO, bad acting, why this gut punch is especially hurtful, and how to overcome it.  You can reclaim your power after this narcissistic abuse tactic and heal.  Your truth and peace matter!

If you, or someone you know, need validation and empowerment, this episode is for you.

Know who you're dealing w...

Hey, Survivor! What happens when justice is served, and the narcissist is finally held accountable?  In this episode, I’m sharing the murder trial verdict, and various emotions that survivors can experience when truth is validated and consequences are coming.  You can reclaim your health in the midst of the chaos and drama that the narcissistic or toxic individual in your life creates .  Your truth and healing matter!

If you, or s...

Hey, Survivor! Have you ever been used by the narcissist to avoid consequences?  In this episode, I’m sharing about the latest hearing in the murder trial.  I’ll talk about the defense’s strategy, the prosecutor’s insights, and how you can recognize narcissistic manipulation tactics disguised as mental illness, physical ailments, victimhood or rationalizations.  You can prioritize your health and well-being by staying grounded in ...

Hey, Survivor! How do you reclaim your body and brain, after trauma?  In this episode, I’ll talk about a trauma healing and wellness workshop that I led for an awesome group of survivors.  I’ll share why a holistic approach to healing is important, especially whole food nutrition and exercise that’s fun for you.  Healing doesn’t begin when the narcissistic or toxic person who hurt you reaps what they’ve sown.  Your healing starts ...

Hey, Survivor! How do you self-regulate, when facing gaslighting, manipulation, and other toxic behaviors?  In this episode, I’ll talk about body-based regulation when systems, institutions, and people you thought you could trust turn against you.  I’ll share about the second round of hearings for 1 of the 4 school administrators who failed to protect students from a former teacher’s misconduct.  You can’t control the narcissist o...

Hey, Survivor! Ever tried drumming, as a trauma healing tool?  In this episode, I’ll talk about body-based regulation and the power of drumming.  I’ll share about my experience at a group healing session, what it felt like, the science behind it, and how you can put it into practice and improve your health and well-being.  Your safety matters!

If you, or someone you know, are looking to add more tools to your toolbox, this episode...

Hey, Survivor! What’s with the laughing, joking, smirking, during serious court hearings, like a murder trial?  In this episode, I’ll explain why people (including the narcissist, witnesses, counsel, judges, even you) sometimes laugh, joke, or smirk during serious hearings — why it can be triggering — and provide holistic tools to protect your body, mind, and spirit.  Other people’s behavior is their business.  But your health and...

Hey, Survivor! How do you triumph over trauma when testifying?  In this episode, I’m sharing my experience interviewing with a detective about the murders.  I explain why I decided to speak up after all these years, how I prepared, the feelings that came up, and how I dealt with them.  Re-telling what has happened to you can bring up a lot of hard feelings.  When and if you feel safe to do so, your voice can bring truth to light, ...

Hey, Survivor! How do you navigate overwhelming experiences — toxic people, narcissistic family members, work stress, grief, or healing from abuse?  In this episode, I’m sharing my emotionally heavy, retraumatizing experience at the murder trial.  Every-body experiences trauma differently.  It’s not a sign of weakness.  It’s human.  So, I’m sharing some grounding tools that will help you to calm your body and brain, and support yo...

Hey, Survivor! In this episode, I’m sharing my latest experience at the murder trial.  So, please listen to your body and take care as you’re tuning in.  I’m talking about what retraumatization looks like, feels like, and how you can navigate it and heal.  You’re stronger than you know!

If you, or someone you know, are dealing with retraumatization through trials [of any kind], this episode is for you.

Know who you're dealing with...

Hey, Survivor! This episode may be triggering, so I encourage you to listen to your body and practice self-care as you’re tuning in.  I’m sharing my experience at the first trial hearing of the alleged murderer.  I’ve also included some takeaways from my counseling session after the hearing.  And I’m giving you some healthy ways to navigate any trials, toxic relationships, or traumatic events you may be experiencing.  Your life an...

Hey, Survivor! Have you ever tried SoulCollage?  It’s an expressive arts practice developed by Seena B. Frost in the 1980’s that uses images, intuition, and the creation of collaged cards to explore different aspects of yourself.  In this episode, I’m sharing my experience with this process during a trauma healing group session.  And I’ve included 5 C’s of creative healing for survivors.  Your unique and creative healing matters!

...