OM DENNE EPISODE
Episode 116: "Narcissists don't want repair, they wan't control."
What if the person everyone admires is the very person making you question yourself behind closed doors?
This week, I'm joined by licensed creative arts therapist and narcissistic abuse specialist Melissa Guttman for a conversation that completely changed the way I think about narcissism, self-trust, and intuition.
We explore why narcissistic people are often highly successful, charismatic, and influential, why narcissistic abuse can be so difficult to recognize while you're in it, and how these dynamics slowly erode your ability to trust yourself.
Melissa breaks down the subtle signs of narcissistic abuse, the difference between emotional immaturity and true narcissistic patterns, why therapists often miss these dynamics, and what it actually means to go low-contact or no-contact with someone who continually harms you.
We also talk about intuition, betrayal blindness, gaslighting, and how healing often involves reclaiming access to what you already knew all along.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why narcissists are often charming, confident, and highly successful
- The "mask drop" that often happens in narcissistic relationships
- Love bombing, devaluation, gaslighting, and coercive control
- The difference between vulnerable, communal, and grandiose narcissism
- Why narcissistic abuse can feel so confusing and disorienting
- How narcissistic dynamics show up in families, friendships, romantic relationships, and coaching spaces
- The concept of FOG (fear, obligation, and guilt)
- Gray rock, yellow rock, low-contact, and no-contact strategies
- Why therapists sometimes unintentionally miss narcissistic abuse
- The connection between narcissistic abuse and losing touch with your intuition
- Betrayal blindness and the parts of us that learn not to know what we know
- Rebuilding self-trust after years of second-guessing yourself
Connect with Melissa:
Therapeutic Voice Lessons (You Are Song)
Melissa on Instagram (@fallengoldenchild)
Connect with Caitlan:
Book Power Move Here & Get This Current Pricing for Life!
Learn More About Power Move
Set up a Discovery Call to get 20 minutes of Caitlan's feedback on your business
Produced by Caitlan Siegenthaler
Cover Art by Kiara Opara
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That is a beautiful energetic exchange for Caitlan creating the show.
