Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in healing from covert narcissistic abuse come from just one sentence—something so simple, so true, it rewires your entire nervous system. In this part one episode, I’m sharing five powerful one-liners my therapist said that helped me finally recognize the emotional abuse I had been living through—and start the real work of healing.

We talk about what it means to stop apologizing for your emotions, how guilt isn't a moral compass, and why setting boundaries with a covert narcissist often feels like you're doing something wrong (spoiler: you’re not). If you’ve been walking on eggshells, second-guessing your every move, or struggling to trust yourself, this episode will speak directly to your experience.

Inside Part One, we’ll explore:

• “You’re not crazy. You’re just traumatized.” — how gaslighting in relationships makes you doubt your reality

• “It’s not your job to set yourself on fire to keep other people warm.” — the trap of self-abandonment in toxic relationships

• “Feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong.” — how manipulated guilt keeps you stuck

• “You can love someone and still walk away.” — choosing emotional freedom over fantasy

• “The apology you're waiting for probably isn’t coming. Heal anyway.” — reclaiming closure on your own terms

These are more than just quotes. They’re turning points. Because sometimes, all it takes is one honest phrase to start unraveling years of confusion and pain. Subscribe so you don't miss part two!

Covert narcissism sends you spinning into cognitive dissonance circles! But your brain and your gut were never supposed to be enemies. They're both trying to protect you—just in different ways. Healing begins when they stop arguing and start working together, guiding you out of the confusion and back into clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Covert abuse hijacks your logic and intuition.

• Your gut has always known the truth—you just needed your brain to stop making excuses.

• Healing starts when you trust yourself enough to stop gaslighting your own feelings.

If you've ever felt torn between what your brain tells you and what your gut knows deep down, this episode is for you.

💬 Your story matters, and you deserve to be heard without judgment.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing, check out my coaching services at [your website]. And don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes where we mix truth, healing, and just a little bit of sarcasm—because sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.

In this part two conversation, Renee Swanson and Jerry Wise delve into the complexities of covert narcissism, exploring the impact of guilt in relationships with narcissistic individuals. They discuss the importance of self-focus and reframing one's internal environment to foster healing and personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes that it is never too late to reclaim oneself and that closure comes from within, not from external validation.

Takeaways

Guilt often stems from family dynamics, especially with narcissistic parents.
It's crucial to distinguish between true guilt and family guilt.
Reclaiming oneself is possible at any age.
The closure we seek comes from within, not from others.
Self-focus is essential for healing from narcissistic relationships.
Understanding the systems dynamics can help in recognizing unhealthy patterns.
It's important to accept where you are in your healing journey.
You don't need the approval of dysfunctional family members to change.
Reframing our thoughts can create a healthier internal environment.
Humor can be a coping mechanism for dealing with narcissistic abuse.