Growing up with a covert narcissistic mother can set the stage for a lifetime of fixing, pleasing, and sacrificing your own needs. In this episode, Cara shares her journey of living under the shadow of covert narcissism and how it shaped her identity as a fixer and a people pleaser. From the unfillable emotional hole left by her mother to the toxic relationships she found herself drawn to, we explore how covert narcissistic abuse created patterns she didn’t even realize she was repeating.

Cara discusses the moment of clarity when she asked her mother to see a therapist with her—and her mother’s hurtful refusal that left her questioning her own sanity. Through inner child healing and learning to be her own anchor, she has taken steps to break the cycle and create a life of freedom, peace, and self-love.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in a cycle of toxic relationships and struggle to heal from a narcissistic parent, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about reclaiming your life, setting boundaries, and finally putting yourself first.

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?

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

Keywords: covert narcissism, covert narcissistic mother, narcissistic abuse, people pleaser, codependency, inner child healing, breaking free from covert narcissism, emotional abuse recovery, toxic relationships, self-love and healing.

Through relatable examples, we uncover the subtle but destructive tactics covert narcissists use to manipulate and control. You’ll hear how interactions that seem innocent at first—like dismissing your achievements or denying your reality—can leave you questioning yourself and spiraling into self-doubt.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay this way. Healing transforms your responses, shifting the dynamic from reactive and self-doubting to calm, clear, and empowered.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to deal with a covert narcissist spouse or partner when they dismiss your achievements, gaslight you, or criticize your efforts.
• How healing from covert narcissistic abuse empowers you to respond with confidence rather than defensiveness.
• The difference between pre-healing reactions—like over-apologizing or seeking their approval—and post-healing responses that prioritize your well-being.
• Real-life examples of navigating common scenarios, including criticism, gaslighting, silent treatment, and emotional outbursts.

Whether you’re just starting to understand covert narcissism or deep into your recovery, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you thrive.

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?

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

Have you ever felt like you missed out on your childhood because you were too busy parenting
your own parent? This episode of Covert Narcissism Podcast dives deep into the hidden trauma of parentification—a heartbreaking dynamic where children take on adult responsibilities to meet the emotional or physical needs of their caregivers, especially covert narcissistic parents.
Growing up as the emotional support system, household manager, or peacekeeper in a volatile
home leaves lasting scars. Many adult children of covert narcissists share similar experiences:
managing their parent’s emotions, walking on eggshells to avoid conflict, or being praised only
when their achievements made the parent look good. These children often internalize guilt, low
self-esteem, and the belief that they are responsible for fixing others’ problems—a mindset that can persist well into adulthood.
In this episode, we uncover:

What is parentification? The difference between instrumental parentification (cooking,
cleaning, managing tasks) and emotional parentification (being your parent’s therapist or
confidant).
Real-life examples of how covert narcissistic parents burden their children with adult
responsibilities, leaving them to miss out on the carefree joy of childhood.
The long-term effects of growing up with a covert narcissistic parent, from difficulty
trusting others to struggles with self-worth and parenting their own children.
Healing and reclaiming your life, including setting boundaries, processing trauma, and
embracing the childhood joy you never had.
If you grew up feeling like your worth was tied to your parent’s approval or you’re still carrying
the emotional weight of their needs, this episode will resonate deeply. You’ll gain insights into
why you feel this way and actionable steps to heal and break the cycle.
Tune in and learn how to turn your pain into wisdom, rebuild your confidence, and create a life
rooted in self-love and emotional freedom. Your story matters, and healing is possible. Listen
now!