Breaking the Mold

Understanding Narcissism: Healing from Toxic Relationships with Dr. Emily Blake

Alysa Scanzano Season 1 Episode 26

How do you break free from a toxic relationship? How do you recognize the warning signs before it’s too late? In this deeply insightful episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Blake to uncover the truth about narcissistic behaviors, emotional manipulation, and the journey to healing.

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning someone’s intentions, feeling stuck in a cycle of confusion and self-doubt, or wondering why a relationship doesn’t feel right, this conversation is for you. Dr. Blake shares her expertise on narcissistic traits—like love bombing, breadcrumbing, and trauma bonding—and explains how these behaviors take root and impact relationships.

Together, we’ll explore:

  • The signs of narcissistic personality traits and how to spot them
  • Why narcissists struggle with empathy and how they maintain control
  • The difference between narcissistic traits and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
  • Trauma responses like dissociation and the “fawn” response—and how they show up in relationships
  • Strategies to protect yourself, set boundaries, and rebuild your life after toxic relationships

This episode is more than just an exploration of narcissism. It’s a practical guide to understanding the patterns that keep us stuck and the steps we can take to create healthier, more fulfilling connections. Whether you’re recovering from narcissistic abuse, supporting someone who is, or reflecting on your own past relationships, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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