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

Hey, Survivor!

Feeling behind in your healing journey, after narcissistic or toxic relationships?  Under pressure to “get over it” or “move on?”  You’re not alone or crazy.  This episode will reframe those tired, toxic narratives.  Trauma healing is a journey, not a race.  So, you need to pace yourself.  You’ll learn why trauma recovery requires slowness, how the nervous system recalibrates after emotional abuse, and how to honor y...

Hey, Survivor!

Why does narcissistic abuse feel so devastating? In this episode, we unpack betrayal trauma — how your body and brain respond when someone you depend on is also the one causing harm.

Learn how betrayal trauma impacts memory, attachment, identity, and nervous system regulation — and how to begin healing using evidence-based insight and Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. framework.

🎧 Listen now and remember: Betrayal shakes trust - ...

Hey, Survivor!

Have you ever looked back on your narcissistic relationship and thought, “How did I not see this?” If you’ve been feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or questioning your intelligence after narcissistic abuse, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we unpack why survivors often feel foolish — and why that feeling is actually a trauma response, not a character flaw. You’ll learn how manipulation, trauma bonding, and betra...

Hey, Survivor!

Feeling like your “no” doesn’t matter? In this episode, we break down 7 ways narcissists test your boundaries, why it hurts, and how to protect yourself without guilt. Learn evidence-based insights on narcissistic behavior and relational aggression;  and practical tools to improve your health and wellbeing and reclaim your power.

If you, or someone you know, need help reinforcing your boundaries, this episode is for...

Hey, Survivor!

Narcissistic and toxic female friendships can be hazardous to your health and well-being.  In this episode, we’re unpacking the hidden harm and why it hurts so deeply.

You’ll learn:

• Why betrayal trauma hits harder in same-gender relationships
• 7 subtle signs a “friend” may be manipulating, competing, or controlling
• How cove...

Hey, Survivor!

Setting boundaries can feel painful — not just for others, but for you. In this episode, I share how guilt shows up when we stop people-pleasing, why others resist boundaries, and how you can protect your peace without abandoning yourself. We’ll cover trauma-informed insights, holistic healing through Dr. Sears’ LEAN framework, and practical tools for holding boundaries with confidence and compassion.

If you’re heali...

Hey, Survivor!

After narcissistic abuse, it can feel tempting to announce your independence, explain your choices, or prove you’re moving on. But less is more.

In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I explain why moving in silence is one of the most powerful and protective choices you can make. We’ll talk about how narcissists respond when they receive no reaction, why oversharing leads to re-engagement and re-traumatizat...

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...