Aware And Prepared
Hello! This is the Aware and Prepared podcast. I'm your host, Mandi Pratt, a trained domestic violence advocate. I teach women and vulnerable populations how to be street smart. I'm a mom with a gnarly backstory from almost two decades ago. The FBI showed up at my door one day to alert me that my abusive ex had become wanted for multiple bank robberies. Our story was in the news (a few times). I was tired of feeling vulnerable and learned how to keep myself and my son safer. I wish when I was a young woman I'd known about red flags to watch for in relationships, and had learned how to be street smart. This podcast is for 15-year-old me and is meant for families and community groups to listen to together. After all, women's safety is a community issue. I'll share with you stories like mine and interview detectives, psychologists and many other experts to NOT only hear their jaw-dropping stories, but also what we learn from them to prevent harm for our every youth and grown up listening. I don't want anyone else to have to go through what I did - scared, vulnerable and needing decades of counseling and healthcare to heal. I want you to feel safer with less fear and more power!
You can find more from me at my website or my Instagram:
WEB: https://womenawareandprepared.com/podcast/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/womenawareandprepared/
Aware And Prepared
Recovering From Narcissistic Abuse and Complex PTSD: Dr. Dorian’s Story and Advice
What happens when the person you most trusted turns out to be the source of your deepest pain? Hear Dr. Marina Dorian, a psychologist and mindfulness-based counseling professor share her powerful journey of reclaiming her life from narcissistic abuse. She unveils the psychological and physical toll of living with and co-parenting alongside a narcissist, offering a profound exploration of manipulation, gaslighting, and coercive communication.
What are the different types of narcissists, the signs of abuse, and its complex impact on survivors? Learn invaluable tools for healing!
LESSONS LEARNED
Recognizing Manipulation: Understand the subtle tactics of narcissistic manipulation and how they erode self-trust and independence.
The Power of Awareness: Awareness is the first step to breaking free from unhealthy dynamics.
Reclaiming Self-Worth: Healing begins with realizing your inherent value and setting boundaries to protect it.
Healing Is a Process: Recovery from abuse takes time, patience, and self-compassion, but it’s possible.
Building self-awareness and emotional resilience helps in recognizing and preventing future toxic relationships.
Parallel Parenting Over Co-Parenting: Minimize conflict by maintaining clear boundaries and limiting direct interaction. Focus on your child’s well-being without engaging in the narcissist’s manipulations.
RESOURCES
Commonly recommended resources for dealing with narcissistic relationships and co-parenting include:
- Books:
- "The Parallel Parenting Solution" by Carl Knickerbocker
- "Will I Ever Be Free of You?" by Karyl McBride
- "Co-Parenting With a Toxic Ex" by Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine
- Websites and Support Groups:
- Therapists and Legal Experts: Seek a therapist and / or lawyer specialized in narcissistic abuse
- Apps: OurFamilyWizard or Talking Parents: Communication tools designed to keep co-parenting interactions business-like and on record
Dr. Marina Dorian Instagram
JOIN Mandi’s email list so you are notified of when her self defense course is live again and for workshop info. Sign up at awareandprepared.life at the bottom of the website.
Reach Mandi through her website AwareAndPrepared.Life or Instagram @WomenAwareAndPrepared