The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast – The Shame Of Narcissistic Abuse

Intro

The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast aims to provide awareness, understanding, and education about the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse. In this episode, the speaker, Caroline Strossen, shares her personal experience of being in an abusive relationship and coming out of it. She discusses the struggles of self-criticism, the discovery of narcissistic abuse, and the importance of therapy in healing from trauma.

Main Takeaways

The Journey of Self-Discovery

• Caroline’s mother was a covert narcissist, and she had little knowledge about narcissistic abuse until after her own experience.
• Therapy can be helpful in processing the trauma of narcissistic abuse and understanding the lack of remorse or emotion from the abuser.
• Caroline’s therapist advised her to stop waiting for her narcissistic abuser to show remorse or emotion and recommended her to Google “narcissistic sociopath.”
• Through her research, Caroline found articles about narcissists and realized her ex-husband was a covert narcissist.

Overcoming Shame and Self-Criticism

• Caroline struggled with shame and guilt for not realizing the abuse earlier.
• Criticizing herself was a protective mechanism for Caroline’s body to stay in a state of freeze.
• Caroline had to move through the freeze to heal herself and move through the fight or flight response.

Releasing Suppressed Emotions

• Suppressing natural responses can lead to chronic illness and inflammation, as excess cortisol stays in the body.
• Many people suppress their emotions, which can lead to digestive issues and disease.
• Discharging energy through techniques like brain swatting and somatic experiencing can help release suppressed emotions.
• Aggression can be released in a healthy way through techniques like brain swatting and somatic experiencing.

Healing and Moving Forward

• Chronic illness does not have to define a person’s identity.
• Somatic work is important to work with the nervous system and heal trauma.
• Professional help is available for those who have experienced narcissistic abuse and want to turn their pain into power.
• Social media and community support are available for those who have experienced narcissistic abuse.
• It is important to know that you are not alone in this experience.
• Healing and moving forward from narcissistic abuse is possible.
• Post-traumatic growth is achievable with intention and effort.

Summary

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Caroline Strossen shares her personal experience of narcissistic abuse, starting from her realization that her mother was a covert narcissist. Through therapy and research, she discovered the traits of narcissistic sociopaths and identified her ex-husband as a covert narcissist. This journey of self-discovery helped her understand the lack of remorse or emotion from the abuser and validated her experiences.

Overcoming Shame and Self-Criticism

Caroline struggled with shame and guilt for not recognizing the abuse earlier. She realized that self-criticism was a protective mechanism that kept her body in a state of freeze. To heal herself and move through the fight or flight response, she had to let go of self-blame and be kind to herself.

Releasing Suppressed Emotions

Suppressing natural responses can have detrimental effects on physical health, leading to chronic illness and inflammation. Caroline emphasizes the importance of discharging energy through techniques like brain swatting and somatic experiencing to release suppressed emotions. By allowing aggression to be released in a healthy way, individuals can prevent illness and disease.

Healing and Moving Forward

Caroline highlights that chronic illness does not define a person’s identity. Somatic work, such as working with the nervous system, is crucial in healing trauma. She encourages survivors of narcissistic abuse to seek professional help and utilize social media and community support. It is important to remember that healing and moving forward from narcissistic abuse is possible, leading to post-traumatic growth with intentional effort.

Conclusion

The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast provides valuable insights into the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse. Caroline Strossen’s personal journey of self-discovery, overcoming shame and self-criticism, releasing suppressed emotions, and healing and moving forward offers hope and support to survivors. With the right resources and a supportive community, individuals can turn their pain into power and achieve post-traumatic growth.