Intro
In this episode of “The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast,” host Caroline Strossen takes a non-pathologizing approach to narcissism. She focuses on a human-centered approach, recognizing that healing is in the survivor’s hands. Caroline integrates Internal Family Systems therapy and somatic work healing into her approach, helping survivors move from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth after narcissistic abuse.
Main Takeaways
Understanding Narcissism and Healing
- Caroline Strossen hosts the Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast to provide awareness, understanding, and education about the effects of narcissistic abuse.
- She takes a non-pathologizing approach to narcissism, focusing on a human-centered approach and recognizing that healing is in the survivor’s hands.
- Caroline’s approach helps survivors move from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth after narcissistic abuse.
- Understanding narcissists as wounded individuals can help survivors heal without demonizing them.
- Abuse is still abuse, and there is no excuse for one human being to abuse another.
Caroline’s Approach and Resources
- Caroline integrates Internal Family Systems therapy and somatic work healing into her approach to understanding narcissism through a trauma-informed lens.
- Caroline was recently a guest on the We Can podcast as a narcissist expert, discussing her unique approach to narcissism.
- Caroline’s Instagram and Facebook accounts have a blue tick to distinguish them from fake accounts.
- Caroline’s free Facebook group, “Narcissistic Abuse and Trauma Recovery,” is a safe and secure space for survivors of narcissistic abuse to support each other.
- Caroline Strauss and her team run a safe and supportive Facebook group for survivors of narcissistic abuse.
Understanding Narcissism and Diagnoses
- The DSM is a book used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental health disorders.
- The traits listed in the DSM for narcissistic personality disorder can be seen as protective parts of an individual.
- Chemical imbalances are not the sole cause of mental health disorders like depression.
- Narcissistic personality disorder is more nuanced and complex than just a set of nine traits.
- Root cause and interpretation of events need to be considered in diagnosing mental health disorders.
Internal Family Systems and Healing
- Internal Family Systems model can help recognize narcissistic traits and their impact on the nervous system.
- Internal Family Systems model can help identify childhood wounds and protective parts that develop as a result.
- Narcissistic traits can stem from childhood trauma and a core wound.
- Narcissistic individuals have protective parts that take no ownership or responsibility and continually project pain outwardly.
- The key difference between a codependent and a narcissist is that a codependent can access self-energy and separate from protective parts, while a narcissist cannot.
Summary
Understanding Narcissism and Healing
Caroline Strossen takes a non-pathologizing approach to understanding narcissism, emphasizing the importance of recognizing narcissists as wounded individuals. By understanding this, survivors can heal without demonizing their abusers. Abuse is never excusable, but healing is in the survivor’s hands.
Caroline’s Approach and Resources
Caroline integrates Internal Family Systems therapy and somatic work healing into her approach to understanding narcissism through a trauma-informed lens. She has been a guest on the We Can podcast as a narcissist expert and runs a safe and supportive Facebook group for survivors of narcissistic abuse.
Understanding Narcissism and Diagnoses
The DSM is used to diagnose mental health disorders, but it’s important to recognize that narcissistic personality disorder is more complex than a set of traits. Chemical imbalances are not the sole cause of mental health disorders, and root causes and interpretations of events need to be considered in diagnoses.
Internal Family Systems and Healing
The Internal Family Systems model can help survivors recognize narcissistic traits and their impact on the nervous system. It can also help identify childhood wounds and protective parts that develop as a result. Narcissistic traits often stem from childhood trauma and core wounds. Understanding these dynamics can empower survivors to focus on their own healing.
Conclusion
Healing from narcissistic abuse is a challenging journey, but it is possible with the right support and resources. Caroline Strossen’s non-pathologizing approach and integration of Internal Family Systems therapy offer survivors a trauma-informed lens to understand narcissism and move towards post-traumatic growth.
