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*Disclaimer: The opinions shared in this episode are rooted in lived experience and are not intended to diagnose any individuals mentioned or not mentioned.

Surviving narcissistic abuse can feel like losing yourself piece by piece.

In this week’s conversation, Dr. Nicole sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Katherine Miura to talk about narcissistic abuse, manipulation, and the patterns that keep people trapped in toxic relationships. They unpack love bombing, trauma bonds, and the emotional confusion that often leaves survivors questioning their own reality.

If you have ever felt drained, isolated, or unsure how a relationship became so painful, this episode is a reminder that awareness is the first step toward healing. As you reclaim your voice, you begin rebuilding the parts of yourself that were slowly worn down.

Song of the week: Smiling Faces Sometimes by The Undisputed Truth

Topics Covered:

00:00:00 – Episode Snippet

00:05:06 – Katherine’s journey and turning point

00:06:45 – Brainwashing behind narcissistic abuse

00:11:38 – Abuse by deception

00:16:53 – Predator-prey relationships  

00:19:01 – Uncovering the narcissist’s mask

00:23:31 – Why victims are often not believed

00:26:17 – What causes narcissism?

00:29:40 – How narcissists manipulate couples therapy

00:39:20 – Curb your empathy

00:46:13 – What love bombing looks like in relationships

00:48:13 – Setting boundaries and rebuilding yourself

00:49:35 – Stop becoming your own abuser 

00:51:01 – Healing the inner child

00:55:40 – Awareness

00:56:23 – Connect with Katherine

Key Takeaways:

“Narcissistic abuse destroys you piece by piece until you become dependent on the person hurting you.”

“Abuse by deception works because we trust like sheep without a brain.”

*Want to join our membership community, the R&R Collective™? The doors have reopened and will close again on 4/1/26. Apply today! (The deadline to apply is 3/23.) bit.ly/yncapply

About Our Guest
Katherine Miura is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and survivor of narcissistic abuse. Through her private practice and educational work, she helps survivors recognize manipulation, break trauma bonds, and rebuild healthy relationships grounded in self-awareness and healing.

Connect with Katherine:
Website: https://www.katherinemiura.com
Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Katherine-Miura-LMFT-Author

About Your Host

Dr. Nicole is a pediatrician, the owner of a successful healthcare consulting company, a riveting keynote and TEDx speaker, and the mom of two beautiful young adult daughters. From the outside, she appeared to have it all. But in 2023 she faced the most difficult challenge of her life- ending a 28-year marriage and navigating heartbreak, deception, and loss. Dr. Nicole is committed to creating a safe space where other women who have experienced a “divine disruption” can heal, recover, and THRIVE!

Connect with Dr. Nicole:

Web: https://yournextchapter.co/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yournextchapter_co

FB:https://www.facebook.com/yournextchapter.co

Join our email community:  https://yournextchapter.myflodesk.com/community

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