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:
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