THE VIBRANT SURVIVOR -How to Identify a Narcissist, Narcissistic Abuse, Toxic Relationships, Trauma Healing, Health, Wellness

185. Supporting the Survivor Parent After Narcissistic Abuse

Hey, Survivor!
In this episode, I’m talking about something rarely discussed in trauma recovery: supporting the survivor-parent after narcissistic abuse.
We explore caregiving, forgiveness, accountability, aging, trauma, healing family dynamics, and what it looks like to help someone reclaim life after years spent in survival mode.
If you’ve ever loved a parent who survived dysfunction while carrying wounds of their own, this episode is for you.
Listen and remember: Don’t just survive.  Heal and thrive!
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

184. Healing Beyond Willpower with Dr. Regina Ragasa

Hey, Survivor!
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Regina Ragasa, a triple board-certified physician in Family Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine.  We’re talking about the gap between health knowledge and real-life behavior change.
We explore why trauma survivors often struggle to implement what they already know about health, and how shame, stress, and survival responses can interfere with sustainable lifestyle change.
During our conversation, Dr. Ragasa explains her LIVEN Method—a framework centered on Listening, Imperfection, Validation, Empowerment, and Normalization—to help clinicians and patients build trust and create lasting change through human connection.  She also talks about the “humble plate” vs. celebratory foods, and how cultural food traditions and identity come into play.
If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what to do but not being able to follow through, this episode is for you. 
Connect with Dr. Regina Ragasa:
Instagram: @CaliWellnessDocWebsite: CaliWellnessDPC.com
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

183. How Narcissists Make You Feel Played, Fooled, and Used

Hey, Survivor!
In this episode, we’re talking about the emotional aftermath of narcissistic abuse and why so many survivors feel embarrassed, fooled, or deeply ashamed after manipulation.
We explore trauma bonding, psychological manipulation, self-trust, and how survivors can heal from the painful realization that they were emotionally deceived.
If you’re self-blaming and shaming after the narcissist has been exposed, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:   “See the signs, reclaim your mind.” 
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

182. Graduation Season with a Narcissist is Exhausting!

Hey, Survivor!
Graduation season can be emotionally complicated when narcissistic family dynamics are involved.
In this episode, we explore why milestone events often trigger narcissistic behavior, common manipulation tactics during family celebrations, and practical ways to protect your peace while staying present for meaningful moments.
If you’re navigating narcissistic dynamics while celebrating someone special in your life, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:   “Guard your peace, let chaos cease.” 
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

181. When the Narcissist Is Gone… But the Damage Remains

Hey, Survivor!
One of the hardest parts of narcissistic abuse is realizing the relationship may end—but the aftermath often doesn’t.
In this episode, I’m talking about the lingering emotional, financial, and nervous system impact survivors can experience long after the narcissist is gone.
If you’ve ever felt like you were left holding the bag after a toxic relationship, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:   “The resilience that helped you survive, can help you rebuild your life.”
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

180. Nobody Talks About the Crash After Survival Mode Ends

Hey, Survivor!
After years of hypervigilance, stress, trauma, and emotional survival, what happens when the crisis finally ends?
In this episode, I’m talking about the physical and emotional “crash” many trauma survivors experience after prolonged periods of stress—including nausea, shaking, exhaustion, emotional numbness, brain fog, and nervous system dysregulation.
Following the end of the murder trial I’ve spoken about on this journey, I share what it felt like when my body finally began to come down from years of anticipation and survival mode.  It’s similar to what you’d experience after narcissistic abuse, divorce, toxic relationships, and other traumatic situations.
If you’ve ever felt strange, exhausted, or emotionally overwhelmed after finally closing a toxic or traumatic chapter, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:  “Survival kept you alive.  But purpose helps you thrive.”
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

179. When a Long Trauma Chapter Finally Begins to Close

Hey, Survivor!
After 8 years, the jury in the murder trial reached a verdict—and my body reacted before my mind could catch up.  Can you relate?
In this episode, I’m talking about what happens in the nervous system when a long season of trauma, hypervigilance, stress, and uncertainty may finally be ending.
We often think closure will feel peaceful, but trauma survivors can experience shaking, overwhelm, nausea, emotional flooding, and exhaustion when closure finally comes.
I share insights on trauma healing, nervous system regulation, emotional wellness, and the practical grounding tools helping me stay present during this deeply emotional week.
If you’ve ever waited a long time for justice, clarity, or the end of a painful chapter, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:  When your body shakes, your spirit wakes. 
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

178. When Someone Else's Unhealed Trauma Becomes Your Trigger

Hey, Survivor!
Are the people who love you - or claim to love you - healed enough to support you?  I’m talking about a painful but important reality in trauma healing in this episode.
When your pain triggers someone else’s unresolved trauma, their response can feel confusing, invalidating, or hurtful. What looks like avoidance, defensiveness, or betrayal could be a trauma response of its own—but that doesn’t make it safe for you.
If you’re looking to identify trauma responses in relationships and sharpen your discernment, this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:  Don’t let someone’s incapacity affect your tenacity. 
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

177. Why "Narcissism" Isn't Overused - It's Finally Being Named

Hey, Survivor!
Is the word “narcissism” and the like overused?  I’m talking about it in this episode.
For survivors, having language to describe patterns of behavior over time can be a critical part of healing. When that language is dismissed, it can reinforce confusion, self-doubt, and silence.
If you, or someone you know, have experienced trauma, the loss of language, and need to understand why naming your experience matters - even without a formal diagnosis - this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:  Words for your feelings and dealings can help with your healing. 
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com

176. Why Survivors Go Quiet After Trauma (And What It Really Means)

Hey, Survivor!
In this episode, I’m talking about something I’ve experienced personally and witnessed during recent court proceedings: survivors going quiet after trauma.
We’ll talk about the nervous system, guilt and shame, triggers, and the loss of language that often follows trauma.
If you, or someone you know, have ever withdrawn, stopped responding, or felt like you didn’t have the capacity to engage with others—this episode is for you.
🎧 Listen now and remember:  When you or others have gone quiet… respect it, don’t deny it. 
Know who you're dealing with.  Know who you are.
💚Lesley
Book your call here.
Become a Vibrant Survivor insider here.
Let's connect on IG!  Share today's episode and tag me @thevibrantsurvivor
Contact support@lesleycain.com