Unveiling Shadows: A Deep Dive into Narcissism with Chelsey Brooke Cole | Ep. 82

In this enlightening episode of Order Within, host Brandon Ward shifts focus towards understanding the nuances of narcissism, discussing the different types and how to recover from narcissistic abuse.

Joined by therapist Chelsea Brooke Cole, who specializes in narcissistic abuse and relational trauma, they delve into the various ways that narcissism manifests in individuals within our society. 

A key point raised is the significant role of self-reflection in combating narcissistic behaviors and tendencies. The episode also highlights the importance of recognizing one's thoughts and feelings, rebuilding a relationship with oneself, and setting boundaries as crucial steps in healing and moving forward after enduring a toxic relationship. 

Join us as we shed light on this lesser-talked-about phenomenon in society and arm you with the understanding and tools to navigate and heal from narcissistic relationships. So without further ado, let's dive in.

Table of Contents

00:00 Introduction to Narcissism

01:27 Understanding Narcissistic Abuse with Chelsea Brooke Cole

03:13 Types of Narcissists

05:14 The Narcissistic Spectrum and Self-Reflection

08:35 The Prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

12:49 Types of Narcissists: Malignant and Neglectful

45:16 The Narcissistic Cycle of Abuse

49:39 Finding Yourself Amidst Narcissistic Abuse

01:02:26 Setting Boundaries and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse

01:06:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What You’ll Gain

• Understanding Narcissism: The audience will gain a clearer understanding of what narcissism actually entails, going beyond the superficial portrayal of narcissism as mere self-involvement to its psychological underpinnings.


• Recognizing Types of Narcissism: Listeners will learn about the different manifestations of narcissistic behavior, which could range from overt grandiosity to covert manipulation, helping them to identify these traits in various relationships and interactions.


• Identifying Narcissistic Behavior: Insights into the common components of narcissistic behavior and how such behaviors may show up subtly in daily interactions.


• Impacts of Narcissistic Abuse: The discussion will shed light on how narcissistic abuse affects individuals, which can be particularly validating for those who have struggled to put a name to their experiences.


• Recovery and Healing: The episode promises to offer guidance on the pathways to recovery, including how to heal and build resilience after experiencing narcissistic abuse.


• Awareness and Prevention: By understanding narcissism more deeply, listeners might be better equipped to protect themselves from potential abuse or to see the red flags in relationships and situations early on.

Key Actions

1. Self-Reflection: Engage in self-reflection to recognize any personal experiences with narcissistic individuals and to identify patterns that may need addressing in one's own life.


2. Set Boundaries: Learn to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships to protect against narcissistic behavior.


3. Seek Support: Encourage those who have experienced narcissistic abuse to reach out for professional help or join support groups to share their experiences and healing journeys.


4. Healing Practices: Adopt healing practices such as mindfulness, therapy, and journaling to process experiences related to narcissism.


5. Practice Compassion: Develop compassion for oneself and others wh