Welcome back to The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast. I’m Stephanie Buckley an AMFT Solution-Focused Therapist who specializes in ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and narcissistic relationships. I'm also a mom to a now-thriving 22-year-old neurodivergent son, and I’ve been married for over three decades. If you want to go deeper, I do extended deep dives over on Patreon at Patreon.com/ThePathToPeaceTherapyPodcast, where I cover subjects that are too complex or sensitive to fit into this main feed. You’ll find bonus episodes, scripts, and tools waiting for you there. Don’t forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episod
In this episode, we're diving into the profound physical and psychological toll of being in a relationship with a narcissistic individual. We'll explore the science behind your body's survival mechanisms, from the constant state of hypervigilance to the four key trauma responses: fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. Most importantly, we'll provide actionable tools and techniques for calming your nervous system and finding a sense of safety, even when your external environment feels chaotic.
Key Concepts Discussed:
- Hypervigilance: Understanding the state of being in a constant high-alert mode, and how this impacts your body's allostatic load.
- Trauma Responses: A breakdown of the four main ways your body reacts to perceived threats fight, flight, freeze, and fawn and how these responses play out in narcissistic dynamics.
- Nervous System Regulation: Practical tools for calming your body, including somatic awareness, grounding techniques, and vagus nerve stimulation.
- Establishing Boundaries: The importance of creating psychological and physical boundaries to protect your energy and reclaim your sense of self.
Tools and Exercises:
- The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
- Diaphragmatic Breathing with Extended Exhale
- The "Grey Rock" Method
- Mindful Self-Compassion Break
Stephanie Buckley
Parenting Strategist & Family Systems Coach
Creator of The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast
Website: ThePathToPeaceTherapy.com
Podcast: The Path to Peace Therapy Podcast (Apple & Spotify)
Instagram: @ThePathToPeaceTherapy
Pinterest: ThePathToPeaceTherapy22
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