Ever feel like you’re trapped in the same exhausting emotional pattern, playing out different versions of the same draining scene? Welcome to Karpman’s Drama Triangle – a psychological concept that’s particularly revealing in relationships with narcissists and toxic people. The Three Core Positions In any toxic situation, you’ll typically spot these three roles: The Victim: […]
There’s a peculiar weight to family estrangement that only those who’ve lived it truly understand. It’s not just the decision itself—it’s the countless mini-decisions that follow. The birthday cards you don’t send. The Christmas invitations you decline. The hospital updates you hear through the grapevine. But here’s what’s important to remember: if you’re reading this […]
We’re living in an increasingly compassionate era of mental health awareness. Society is gradually embracing the understanding that emotional struggles are complex, nuanced, and deserve empathy amd support. This shift towards tolerance and understanding is genuinely beautiful—a testament to our growing emotional intelligence. But compassion doesn’t mean absolving people of responsibility for their actions. And […]
If you’ve listened to our podcast or you’re a member of our Facebook community, you’ll have seen how much we love hearing all about your Weekly Wins! For those of us that have weathered the storm of narcissistic or emotional abuse, you might find yourself struggling to recognise your own progress. It’s all too easy […]
Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, but not all conflict is productive or healthy. When disagreements become toxic, they can damage the bond between partners, friends, or family members. A sign of a strong relationship is that you’re comfortable managing conflict and can repair a relationship afterwards. If you’re not sure if the […]
When you hear “self-care”, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps a vision of a candle-lit bath with soothing music and a glass of wine. While that’s certainly one form of self-care, it’s far from the whole picture. The idea that self-care is just about indulgent “me-time” has gained popularity, but in reality, […]
If you often find yourself bending over backwards to make others happy, even at the expense of your own wellbeing, you might be a people pleaser. It’s a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? And why does this tendency develop, especially in those who’ve grown up with narcissistic […]
Apologies can be tricky. We all know that feeling when someone says “sorry,” but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. So, what makes a good apology? More importantly, how can you, as the recipient, tell the difference between a genuine apology and one that’s just lip service? Here are seven things that make a good […]
Have you ever encountered someone who reacts explosively to even the slightest criticism or setback? This reaction might be what’s known as narcissistic rage. The impact of living with a parent or partner prone to outbursts of rage can lead to people-pleasing and the feeling of “walking on eggshells”, sacrificing your own needs and emotions […]
When people talk of sexual abuse in a trauma context, they’re usually talking about overt sexual abuse. However, another form of sexual abuse exists, and it’s something that can be much harder to identify and understand. Covert sexual abuse involves actions that are sexual in nature but don’t include sexual contact, making it a subtle […]
