• Covert Narcissism and Christianity with Guest Kathy
    Nov 1 2024
    Everyone dealing with covert narcissism deals with FOG, but Christians have a extra layer of FOG to handle. FOG stands for Fear, Obligation and Guilt. These 3 issues keep a victim of covert narcissism trapped for years and decades. If you add Christianity to this, it becomes nearly impossible to see things clearly. You are already dealing with the fear of your partner's reactions, fear of upsetting them, and fear of abandonment. Add to this the fear of disobeying God and being condemned to hell. You live under the obligation to be loyal and supportive spouse. Add to this the obligation to be submissive and dutiful, plus the obligation to be intimate with a partner who constantly pushes you away. You are overwhelmed with guilt when you fail at all the things you now feel responsible for, such as keeping them satisfied and happy. Add to this the enormous guilt because of how you think and feel about your spouse and because you can't make things better. The Christian perspective certainly adds another layer of FOG to an already dense situation.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

    • Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
    • Are you searching for people who get it?
    • Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
    • Are you running in circles in your mind?
    • Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
    • Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

    I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com

    Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

    http://www.covertnarcissism.com

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

    #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

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    30 mins
  • Covert Narcissism Screws with Your Mind
    Oct 27 2024

    I stood in my own home and realized that I was frozen, absolutely stuck. What to fix for dinner, what to watch on tv, when to sit down and read my book. I was no longer capable of making even small decisions. This is life with a covert narcissist.

    I can't decide where to go for dinner or what to cook. I can't figure out which bathroom to use in my own home. I can't decide which shirt to wear around the house. All because of the belittling comments, controlling comments, self-focused comments, and victim comments. These are never-ending and incredibly destructive.

    When I say that our mind is in overdrive, you cannot possibly understand this unless you have lived it. If you have lived it, you know exactly what I mean.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

    • Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
    • Are you searching for people who get it?
    • Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
    • Are you running in circles in your mind?
    • Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
    • Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

    I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com

    Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

    http://www.covertnarcissism.com

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

    #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

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    17 mins
  • Coercive control with Eleanor Marks
    Oct 25 2024

    Coercive control is a pattern of behavior used to dominate, manipulate, and control another person, typically in the context of intimate relationships. It is a form of emotional and psychological abuse that can also include physical or sexual violence but is often more subtle and sustained.

    The goal of coercive control is to strip the victim of their autonomy and independence, making them dependent on the abuser. This type of control puts the covert narcissist in charge and leaves the target at the mercy of their moods, attitudes, behaviors, and wants.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

    • Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
    • Are you searching for people who get it?
    • Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
    • Are you running in circles in your mind?
    • Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
    • Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

    I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com

    Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

    http://www.covertnarcissism.com

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

    #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

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    23 mins
  • Snapshot of the Relationship with a Covert Narcissist
    Oct 20 2024
    “I started this relationship looking for reasons to like him, but I ended it fighting against all the reasons that I hated him.” I have so many people voice this to me. You don't want to hate them. You fight against that for years, but your heart just keeps screaming louder. You spend years wondering what is wrong with you. Why can't you just focus on the good and move on? There are good traits and good days with them. I’m supposed to dwell on that, right? But why can’t I? What’s wrong with me?

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

    • Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
    • Are you searching for people who get it?
    • Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
    • Are you running in circles in your mind?
    • Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
    • Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

    I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com

    Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

    http://www.covertnarcissism.com

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

    #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

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    22 mins
  • Trauma Bonding Part 2
    Oct 18 2024

    Let’s remember what trauma bonding is - In a simple definition, it is when the one who has hurt you is the one you turn to help you feel better. Trauma bonding feels like, “you’ve broken me into pieces but you’re the only one who can fix me.” The more you reach out to this covert abuser for love, recognition, comfort, validation, support, reconciliation, or closure, the stronger the trauma bond becomes. You could even call trauma bonding a conditioned dependency. You have been conditioned to rely on this person to help you feel relief from your internal stress. They make you hurt by the way they treat you, and they make you feel better because a healthy relationship with them is what you desire. No one else can make you feel better about that relationship. They can talk with you about it. They can help support you and care for you. But no one can take away that deep internal pain that an intimate covert abuser causes. So you continue to do everything in your power to make peace with this person. You dig in so hard because you desire it SO much! So what do we do about it? I’m going to give you 10 strategies. All 10 might not apply to you. All of us are different. Take the ones that feel right to you and start applying them to your life. Later come back and listen again, you might find a few more that will help you in the new place that you are in.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse. •Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone? •Are you searching for people who get it? •Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do? •Are you running in circles in your mind? •Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them? •Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world? I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse http://www.covertnarcissism.com https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism
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    26 mins
  • Covert Narcissism and the Lack of Emotional Nourishment
    Oct 13 2024

    People blow you off, saying you are making a big deal out of nothing. You’re just being too sensitive. You need to get tougher. You need to learn to stand up for yourself. But yet when you try, you get blamed for being the problem. So what's the big deal? Why am I spending a lifetime learning about covert narcissism? Because it matters!! Covert narcissists erase who you are. They rob you of your perspective, identity and personality.

    How do we stop this cycle? By giving our kids and our world emotional nourishment. Emotional nourishment is key for anyone’s emotional development. Emotional nourishment is not about how I feel towards another person. It is about acknowledging and caring for how they feel. Emotional nourishment is giving someone the feeling of being accepted and valued for who they are, and the freedom to express themselves without fear of judgment. This sure doesn’t sound like the environment with a covert narcissist. Not at all!! They are the exact opposite.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

    • Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
    • Are you searching for people who get it?
    • Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
    • Are you running in circles in your mind?
    • Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
    • Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

    I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com

    Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

    http://www.covertnarcissism.com

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

    #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

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    18 mins
  • Trauma Bonding Part 1 (Special Throwback Episode)
    Oct 10 2024

    Why can’t I actually leave this relationship? I want to! I’m tired of being treated this way. I’m tired of the ups and downs. I want stability. I want peace. I want less drama. Why can’t I actually walk away? Why do I keep coming back? Why do I continue to give them another chance, over and over? What is wrong with me? Am I crazy? If this is you, what you are experiencing is trauma bonding. Trauma bonding keeps us tied to this person, no matter how badly they treat us. How does this work? Trauma bonding occurs when a narcissistic person repeats a cycle of abuse with a target which fuels a need for validation and love from the person being abused. It is a psychological addiction and a survival tactic developed by the victim. Trauma bonding develops due to a cycle of intermittent rewards and punishments and a conditioning of the victim. The victim, you build hope, eagerly awaiting the next positive time together and a reprieve from the suffering. You do everything in your power to help this to happen, just knowing that it will come. That confidence is there because you do consistently get breadcrumbs of very loving and rewarding moments. The more you reach out to this covert abuser for love, recognition, comfort, validation, support, reconciliation, or closure, the stronger the trauma bond becomes. The longer period of time or more cycles that you have lived through with this abuser, the stronger the trauma bond is.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse. •Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone? •Are you searching for people who get it? •Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do? •Are you running in circles in your mind? •Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them? •Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world? I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse http://www.covertnarcissism.com https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism
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    22 mins
  • The Covert Narcissist and Their Learned "Good" Behavior
    Oct 6 2024

    I’m surrounded by narcissists. Is everyone a covert narcissist?

    Is every marriage affected by this? I can’t take anything at face value.

    Right now in today’s world, I feel like we can’t take anything at face value anymore. The news says one thing. Social media says another. At times, it truly feels like we are surrounded by a fake world. Covert narcissism is absolutely a part of this fake world.

    Covert narcissism is narcissistic traits hidden behind and covered up by learned good behavior. This behavior is extremely different publicly than in private. Don't be fooled by their public persona.

    I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.

    • Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?
    • Are you searching for people who get it?
    • Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?
    • Are you running in circles in your mind?
    • Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?
    • Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?

    I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at www.covertnarcissism.com

    Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse

    http://www.covertnarcissism.com

    https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson

    https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism

    #Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

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    20 mins