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

162. The Power of Moving in Silence After Narcissistic Abuse

Hey, Survivor!
After narcissistic abuse, it can feel tempting to announce your independence, explain your choices, or prove you’re moving on. But less is more.
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I explain why moving in silence is one of the most powerful and protective choices you can make. We’ll talk about how narcissists respond when they receive no reaction, why oversharing leads to re-engagement and re-traumatization, and how silence helps you regulate your nervous system and reclaim your peace.
If you’re healing from narcissistic abuse and ready to stop explaining yourself, this episode is for you.
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
#NarcissisticAbuse #TraumaHealing #EmotionalAbuseRecovery 
#BoundariesAreSelfCare #NervousSystemHealing 
#SurvivorSupport #ReclaimYourPeace

161. The Polite, Professional Narcissist - How Abuse Hides in Plain Sight

Hey, Survivor!
Narcissistic abuse doesn’t always look volatile or obvious. Sometimes it’s calm, polite, credentialed, and protected by institutions.
In Episode 161 of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, we explore the polite, professional narcissist—the kind who hides behind charm, titles, faith language, or public service while causing harm behind the scenes. We break down why these individuals are often protected, where they operate, and how organizational systems can enable abuse.
You’ll learn about DARVO, organizational narcissism, and why survivors are often dismissed or silenced when abuse doesn’t match stereotypes. Using Dr. Sears’ LEAN wellness framework, this episode offers grounded tools for clarity, regulation, and self-trust—especially after the holidays, when professional and community contact increases.
If you, or someone you know, have ever felt confused, invalidated, blamed, or punished for speaking up in a “respectable” environment, this episode will help you name what happened—and trust yourself again.
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
#NarcissisticAbuseAwareness #WorkplaceNarcissism #NarcissisticSafeHaven #DARVO #Gaslighting #TraumaInformed #TheVibrantSurvivor

160. Surviving the Holidays After Narcissistic Abuse: Gentle Ways to Stay Grounded, Connected, and Well

Hey, Survivor!
The holidays can be especially difficult for survivors of narcissistic abuse and trauma. Court stress, family dynamics, grief, and loneliness can leave you feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I share ways to step back from retraumatizing spaces this season and opt for gentle, practical ways to protect your mental, emotional, and physical health during the holidays.
We talk about the healing power of connection, safe community, creativity, service, and rest—and the importance of prioritizing your peace.
You don’t have to push through pain to prove your strength.You don’t have to do the holidays alone.
Connection heals what isolation conceals.
If you, or someone you know, need practical holiday support, this episode is for you.
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

159. When Justice Is Heavy: Trauma, Courtroom Stress, and Choosing Self-Care During the Holidays

Hey, Survivor!
In this episode of The Vibrant Survivor Podcast, I’m sharing what it was like to attend two emotionally intense court hearings in one week…on the same day—a murder sentencing, and a pre-trial evidentiary hearing—and how supporting victims can be retraumatizing for survivors.
During the sentencing hearing, as family members, friends, and community members read victim impact statements, my body responded before my mind could. I experienced hyperventilation, emotional flooding, and nervous system overwhelm—a powerful reminder that trauma lives in the body, not just the mind.
With holidays approaching—and this season already carrying heavy anniversary trauma—I made the intentional decision to step back from court proceedings until after the new year. Not because I don’t care. Not because justice doesn’t matter. But because healing requires regulation, rest, and boundaries.
The holidays can intensify grief, loss, and trauma responses—especially for those navigating court systems, injustice, or unresolved pain. 
If you, or someone you know, need permission to pause, breathe, and choose peace this season, this episode is for you.
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
#TraumaHealing #CourtroomTrauma #NarcissisticAbuseRecovery #HolidayTriggers #TheVibrantSurvivor #TraumaInformed #SelfCareIsStrength #HealingJourney

158. A Recipe for Narcissistically Abusive Relationships

Hey, Survivor!
In today’s episode, I break down the “recipe” behind narcissistically abusive relationships: the predictable blend of truth, lies, urgency, flattery, and psychological manipulation that keeps survivors stuck, confused, and doubting their own reality.
If you’ve ever wondered “How did I miss this?”, today’s episode will show you the answer:You didn’t miss anything — you were intentionally misled.
We’ll talk about trauma bonding, intermittent reinforcement, and cognitive dissonance… and why highly empathetic, intelligent, trustworthy people are  targeted.
You’ll learn:
The 6 “ingredients” narcissists use to manufacture trust
Why mixing a little truth with a lot of lies is so effective
How your nervous system gets trained to bond to chaos
How to rebuild clarity using Dr. Sears’ L.E.A.N. pillars
How to reframe shame, take back your power, and ground yourself in truth
Whether the narcissist in your life was a partner, parent, friend, coworker, or authority figure — this episode gives you the clarity and validation you deserve.
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

157. The Narcissist Will Use You to Woo: How Manipulators Borrow Your Goodness to Get What They Want

Hey, Survivor!
In today’s episode, we uncover a tactic every survivor of narcissistic abuse needs to understand:
The narcissist will use you to woo.
Using your name… your reputation… your kindness… your credibility… even your faith language, scripture, or values — narcissists will borrow any part of your goodness to soften their manipulation and influence others. This is called borrowed credibility, and it’s rooted in coercive control.
I share a real story from the murder trial involving fake emails, spiritual guilt language, and reputation abuse — and we explore why survivors often miss this pattern until long after the relationship ends.  We’ll dig into the psychology behind this deception and L.E.A.N. into healing.
This is a validating, grounding, empowering episode for anyone who has ever been used, misrepresented, or manipulated by someone they trusted.
You were the good one.You were the credible one.And the fact they borrowed your light shows how bright you shine.
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

156. Choosing Peace. Giving Thanks.

Hey, Survivor!
In this short Thanksgiving episode, I’m sharing a heartfelt message of gratitude for you — the one doing the hard healing work every single day. Whether your week is calm, complicated, or emotionally charged, this episode gives you three grounding tips for a peaceful holiday, especially if you’re navigating family dynamics, trauma memories, or feelings that surface this time of year.
Inside the episode, you’ll learn:
How to protect your peace when old triggers or stressful people show up
Why boundaries are a form of self-love (not selfishness)
One simple grounding practice you can use in the car, at the table, or in the bathroom for a quick reset
How gratitude supports trauma recovery without avoiding your real feelings
A short, heartfelt message to remind you that you are worthy, growing, and not alone
Whether you’re spending this holiday week with others or keeping it quiet and cozy this year, this episode is your reminder that you deserve gentleness, rest, and joy — exactly as you are.
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

155. How Well Did You Really Know the Narcissist? What Distance, Deception, and Community Reveal

Hey, Survivor!Struggling with guilt, self-blaming and shaming for not seeing the narcissist for who and what they are?  In this episode, I’m talking about why it’s hard to really know narcissistic and toxic individuals, the power of proximity, healthy relationships and healing.  You can uphold truth, release guilt and shame, and gain clarity, after narcissistic abuse.  Your community matters!
If you, or someone you know, need clarity after the chaos, this episode is for you.
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

154. Why Narcissists Always Play the Victim And How Survivors Break Free From the Script

Hey, Survivor!Tired of the narcissist playing victim, after causing chaos, confusion and harm?  In this episode, I’m talking about DARVO, bad acting, why this gut punch is especially hurtful, and how to overcome it.  You can reclaim your power after this narcissistic abuse tactic and heal.  Your truth and peace matter!
If you, or someone you know, need validation and empowerment, this episode is for you.
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

153. When Justice is Finally Served: Healing After a Narcissist's Conviction

Hey, Survivor!What happens when justice is served, and the narcissist is finally held accountable?  In this episode, I’m sharing the murder trial verdict, and various emotions that survivors can experience when truth is validated and consequences are coming.  You can reclaim your health in the midst of the chaos and drama that the narcissistic or toxic individual in your life creates .  Your truth and healing matter!
If you, or someone you know, need healing help after justice, this episode is for you.
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