Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Insights from the Couch! We are thrilled to have the incredible Jacqueline Whitmore with us today. Jacqueline is America’s foremost etiquette expert, author, and certified speaking professional. In this episode, we explore the importance of professional presence, intentionality in your career, and how to navigate pivotal transitions. Jacqueline shares her journey from hospitality marketing to becoming a leading voice in etiquette, offering valuable insights on building confidence, developing your personal brand, and mastering the art of making others feel comfortable. Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it is empowering!

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Welcome and introduction of guest Jacqueline Whitmore, etiquette expert and author.
[1:11] - Professional success must be intentional. Jacqueline shares why.
[3:50] - The importance of planning and setting goals, especially for women moving into leadership roles.
[5:48] - Defining etiquette and why it’s about making others feel comfortable, not just manners. [8:10] - Transitioning careers and how to take those first steps, including finding a mentor and continuing education.
[12:01] - Building confidence through trial and error, and why failure doesn’t define you.
[16:00] - The challenges women face with confidence, especially in high-paying jobs and leadership roles.
[19:24] - Communicating assertively while staying poised and maintaining professionalism.
[25:12] - How to control your emotions in high-pressure situations and become a respected leader.
[30:12] - Breaking out of your comfort zone: Why you need to challenge yourself to grow.
[31:20] - Acknowledging the importance of mentorship and relationship-building in your career. [34:49] - Networking tips: How introverts and ambiverts can excel at making meaningful connections.
[38:38] - Final reflections on living "above the line" with intentionality in your professional life.

Resources:
Jacqueline Whitmore’s website: https://etiquetteexpert.com/

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

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In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we are back with Vanessa Reiser for part two of our deep dive into narcissistic abuse. We continue unpacking the signs, behaviors, and long-term effects of dealing with narcissists, including the devastating post-separation abuse that often follows the end of these toxic relationships. Vanessa explains key terms like gaslighting, hoovering, and supply, providing listeners with practical tips on how to recognize and protect themselves from narcissistic behaviors.

Vanessa also offers valuable insight into what recovery looks like—how to escape, heal, and rebuild your life after enduring this form of psychological manipulation. If you’ve ever struggled in a relationship with a narcissist or suspect someone in your life might be manipulating you, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll walk away feeling empowered and ready to reclaim your life.

Episode Highlights:
[1:39] - Understanding key terms like gaslighting, hoovering, and narcissistic supply.
[6:00] - What is hoovering? Why narcissists come back, and how to protect yourself.
[7:45] - What happens when you cause "narcissistic injury"? The risks of confronting a narcissist.
[10:40] - Can you neutralize a narcissist in a relationship if you can’t leave? Practical advice.
[12:01] - How to safely get out of a relationship with a narcissist: Tips for planning your exit.
[14:01] - Minimizing contact and communication with a narcissist when planning to leave.
[19:29] - Encouraging your children to think independently to avoid narcissistic relationships.
[21:42] - First steps in emotional healing after leaving a narcissist.
[24:13] - Finding the right therapist or coach for support and how to protect yourself legally.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we dive into the complex world of narcissistic abuse with the incredible Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. Together, we explore what it’s really like to experience this insidious form of domestic violence, how to identify narcissistic behaviors early on, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Vanessa shares her personal story of surviving narcissistic abuse, shedding light on the psychological manipulation that victims face and the steps they can take to heal and escape.

This episode is packed with insights on understanding narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), the difference between someone acting narcissistically versus having NPD, and the trauma bonds that make it so difficult for victims to break free. Whether you're dealing with a narcissist in your life or just curious about the subject, this episode will open your eyes to the tactics used by these master manipulators and the hope that lies in recovery.

Episode Highlights:
[3:10] - Vanessa’s personal journey: From working in the Bronx to becoming an advocate for domestic violence survivors.
[6:10] - What is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how does it differ from narcissistic behavior?
[9:22] - Red flags to watch for in a relationship: Love bombing, superficial charm, and fast-moving affection.
[12:46] - How long can a narcissist hold their mask before revealing their true self?
[15:33] - The dangerous cycle of abuse and why victims struggle to leave.
[18:25] - The role of intermittent reinforcement and how victims become addicted to the narcissist’s approval.
[22:16] - The biological and psychological factors that drive narcissistic behavior.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!