Healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t just about moving on. It’s about rebuilding who you are and learning to trust yourself again.
In this episode, I’m answering your questions on what it takes to heal, navigate life after a narcissistic relationship, and co-parent in a way that gives your children stability. If dating again feels impossible or you find yourself second-guessing every new relationship, you’re not alone. Narcissistic abuse erodes your sense of self, and I’ll explain why taking time before jumping into something new is one of the best things you can do for your healing.
Leaving a narcissist isn’t just difficult. It requires a plan. I’ll share why revealing your intentions too soon can put you at risk, how to prepare emotionally and financially, and what to expect when dealing with high-conflict custody battles. I’ll also break down how narcissistic traits can be passed down through emotionally immature parenting and what you can do to help your children develop a healthy sense of self.
If you’re struggling to move forward, wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again, or trying to co-parent with someone who thrives on chaos, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how to take your power back.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Answering Listener Questions
01:55 How to Flirt After Healing from Heartbreak
03:00 Trust Issues Post-Narcissistic Relationship
05:07 Importance of Not Dating Immediately After Breakup
06:12 Reestablishing Sense of Self
08:18 Misinterpreting Behaviors in New Dates
11:09 Staying Present While Dating
12:34 Maintaining Sense of Self in New Relationships
13:49 First Steps After Telling Narcissistic Spouse About Divorce
18:04 Differences Between Narcissistic and Toxic Breakups
20:00 Emotional Immaturity in Parents
23:00 Learned Behaviors vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder
24:17 Accountability and Change
26:03 Narcissistic Tendencies in Children
27:08 Supporting a Loved One Dating a Narcissist
28:00 Isolation Tactics by Narcissists
30:29 Co-Parenting with a Narcissist
33:45 Demonstrating Healthy Boundaries
36:06 Closing
Links
Connect with Dr. Z: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/
https://www.zgrouptherapy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/
https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.z_psychologist
https://www.youtube.com/@DrJaimeZuckerman
Get my FREE breathing exercise here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/newsletter
Register for my on demand virtual courses here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/workshops
Order my workbooks! *Find Your Calm / Find Good Habits* http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/books
Shop my new Mindfully Messy hoodie here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/apparel
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.