How do you tell family or friends there’s a narcissist in your life — especially when you’re still trying to make sense of it yourself?

In this episode of Strings Attached: Surviving the Narcissist, we talk honestly about one of the most painful stages of narcissistic abuse recovery — the moment you realise something isn’t right, and the fear of speaking it out loud.

Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic partner, narcissistic parent, or toxic family system, explaining emotional abuse to people who haven’t experienced it can feel isolating, invalidating, and even re-traumatising.

We explore:

• How to talk to family about narcissistic abuse

• Why people may defend or minimise narcissistic behaviour

• The reality of trauma bonding within family systems

• What to do when you’re not believed

• Setting boundaries with narcissistic parents or partners

• Protecting yourself emotionally after disclosure

• Why emotional and coercive abuse is often misunderstood

• How to build a safe support network during narcissistic abuse recovery

This episode is grounded in lived experience. We don’t diagnose. We focus on patterns, impact, and emotional safety.

If you’re questioning whether you’re overreacting…
If you’ve been told “that’s just how they are”…
If you’ve tried to explain narcissistic behaviour and felt dismissed…

You’re not alone.

We also share practical boundary strategies for survivors in different healing phases — whether you’re newly aware (The Spark), detaching (The Scorchline), or rebuilding your life after abuse (The Embers and The Rise) .

This is a space for survivors of narcissistic abuse, emotional manipulation, trauma bonding, gaslighting, and toxic family dynamics.

Emotional safety matters. Your experience is valid.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step in your healing.

🕒 Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome & Why This Conversation Is So Hard
Why speaking up about narcissistic abuse feels risky and exposing.

05:10 – Do You Even Need the Label “Narcissist”?
Why focusing on patterns and impact matters more than diagnosis.

12:30 – Telling Family & Friends: What We Expected vs Reality
Why disclosure can lead to minimisation, defence, or disbelief.

20:45 – When Family Side With the Narcissist
Understanding trauma bonding within family systems.

28:15 – What If They Don’t Believe You?
Self-validation, protecting your nervous system, and choosing safe people first.

35:20 – Practical Boundaries After You Speak Up
Limiting exposure, one-on-one contact, and protecting yourself from group dynamics.

42:00 – Building a Support Network That Actually Helps
Why safe community matters in narcissistic abuse recovery.

46:30 – Closing Reflection: Emotional Abuse Is Real Abuse
Why your experience deserves seriousness and support.

In this episode of Strings Attached, Noah and Rose discuss the challenging yet essential decision of going low or no contact with narcissistic individuals.They explore the emotional journey involved, practical tips for implementing these boundaries, and the importance of self-care during this process.

The conversation highlights the complexities of family dynamics, societal pressures, and the role of flying monkeys in maintaining toxic relationships.

Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the significance of prioritizing one's mental health and well-being in the face of narcissistic abuse.Chapters

00:00 Understanding Low and No Contact

03:27 The Emotional Journey of Going No Contact

08:19 Practical Tips for Low Contact

11:35 Navigating the Transition to No Contact

16:34 Implementing No Contact: Challenges and Strategies

21:02 Societal Pressures and Cultural Expectations

27:15 Navigating Family Dynamics and Boundaries

34:26 Understanding the Role of Flying Monkeys

44:07 Coping with Emotional Reactions

49:46 Practical Tips for No Contact

57:31 The Journey to Healing and Self-Respect

59:25 Outro

The Healing Journey from Narcissistic Abuse | The Phoenix Path

Healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t linear — and it isn’t something you “just get over.” It’s a journey. And it is possible.

In this episode of Strings Attached, hosts Noah and Rose walk you through the stages of recovery from narcissistic abuse using the Phoenix Path — a grounded framework that reflects the real emotional process survivors go through, from confusion and trauma to empowerment and personal growth.

We talk honestly about why recognising narcissistic abuse is so difficult, especially when manipulation and gaslighting distort your sense of reality. We explore the emotional fallout many survivors experience — including trauma responses and complex PTSD — and why grief, guilt, and emotional chaos are normal parts of the healing journey.

This conversation focuses on what actually helps: self-care that supports nervous system healing, learning to set and hold boundaries, accessing support groups, and understanding that recovery happens in stages — not all at once. We also discuss letting go of labels, grieving the person you thought they were, and slowly rebuilding a life that feels safe, grounded, and your own.

This episode isn’t about fixing yourself — because you’re not broken. It’s about emotional recovery, reclaiming your power, and remembering that life after narcissistic abuse can include peace, clarity, and even post-traumatic growth.

If you’re navigating trauma, working on your mental health, or standing at the beginning of your healing journey, you don’t have to do it alone.

You can change.
You can heal.
And you can thrive beyond what hurt you.

🎧 We’re here with you.

00:00 The Healing Journey Begins

07:28 Navigating the Inferno of Emotions

16:29 Finding the Scorch Line: Seeking Help

27:31The Role of Education in Healing

27:59 Understanding Narcissistic Abuse and Seeking Support

30:24 Establishing Boundaries and Practicing Self-Care

35:05 Navigating No Contact and Communication Strategies

38:41 Removing the Power of Labels and Grieving

43:03 Stabilizing and Rebuilding After Trauma

48:06 Thriving and Embracing Post-Traumatic Growth

53:24 Outro