Trauma Bonds: Why You Feel Confused and Stuck After Narcissistic Abuse

In this episode of Help! I Have a Narcissist in My Life, Laurel Slade-Waggoner breaks down 3 powerful and often overlooked signs you may be dealing with a narcissist—even if they don't fit the typical stereotype. These early warning signs can help you: Recognize narcissistic behavior quickly Stop second-guessing yourself Protect your mental, emotional, and spiritual health Avoid getting pulled deeper into a toxic relationship Many people look back and say, "I wish I knew this sooner." This episode will give you the clarity and discernment you need now. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The #1 conversation pattern narcissists always reveal How narcissists react when they don't get what they want The dangerous mindset that makes narcissists impossible to reason with Why your instincts are often right when something feels "off" If you're dealing with confusion, emotional exhaustion, or manipulation… this will help you see things clearly. 📘 Get Laurel's Book: Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy 👉 https://www.slade-waggonercounselingservices.com/product-page/don-t-let-their-crazy-make-you-crazy 💬 Need Help or Have a Question? Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.slade-waggonercounselingservices.com/ 📌 Don't Forget: 🔔 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for more content on narcissistic abuse recovery

If you're an empath who keeps attracting narcissists… this is not random. In Episode 69 of Help! I Have a Narcissist in My Life, Laurel Slade-Waggoner breaks down the powerful—and often painful—connection between empaths and narcissists, and why so many compassionate, caring people end up in toxic, one-sided relationships. If you've ever felt: Drained from constantly helping others Responsible for someone else's emotions Unable to say "no" without guilt or fear Stuck in a relationship where you give everything and receive nothing 👉 This episode will bring you clarity, validation, and a path forward. 🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn: ✔️ What an empath really is (and why it's NOT a weakness) ✔️ Why narcissists are drawn to empaths ✔️ How narcissists use charm, victimhood, and manipulation to hook you ✔️ The difference between godly empathy vs over-empathy ✔️ How over-empathy forms (and why it keeps you stuck) ✔️ Practical steps to stop being exploited by narcissists ✔️ How to set boundaries—even if you feel trauma-bonded ✔️ Why learning to say "no" is key to your healing ⚠️ The Truth Most Empaths Need to Hear: Narcissists don't see your empathy as love… They see it as supply. And unless you heal your over-empathy, you may continue to: Attract toxic relationships Stay stuck in emotional abuse Feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and unseen But there IS a way out. 🙏 Biblical Encouragement & Healing This episode also shares powerful biblical truth and encouragement, including: 📖 Galatians 1:10 – Stop living to please people 📖 Proverbs 29:25 – Fear of man is a trap 📖 Galatians 6:5 – Each person carries their own load 📖 Jeremiah 30:17 – God restores and heals your wounds God does not call you to carry what was never yours. 💬 If This Spoke to You… You are not alone. You are not weak. And you are not crazy. You are likely wounded—and healing is possible. 📌 Next Steps: 👉 Subscribe for more content on narcissistic abuse recovery 👉 Leave a comment: "I'm healing" if this resonated with you 👉 Share this with someone who needs clarity and strength 📧 Connect with Laurel: 📩 Email: [email protected] 📖 Books: Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy https://www.slade-waggonercounselingservices.com/product-page/don-t-let-their-crazy-make-you-crazy 🌐 Visit Laurel's website for resources, sessions, and her monthly "Sanity & Strength" newsletter https://www.slade-waggonercounselingservices.com/

n this episode of Help: I Have a Narcissist in My Life, licensed counselor Laurel Slade Wagoner reveals the five most common baiting strategies narcissists use to control, confuse, and exhaust the people in their lives — and how you can break free. If you've ever felt manipulated, guilt-tripped, or emotionally drained by someone who twists every situation back on you, this episode will help you: ✅ Recognize narcissistic baiting tactics ✅ Learn biblical, practical ways to resist their manipulation ✅ Find peace and clarity in toxic relationships Through scripture-based wisdom and real-life examples, Laurel explains how to stay calm, set boundaries, and stop taking the narcissist's bait — so you can walk in freedom and emotional strength again. 💡 What You'll Learn The 5 narcissist traps that keep you stuck How to respond when they provoke, guilt-trip, or blame you Why staying silent or disengaging is often your strongest defense How to replace fear, obligation, and guilt with godly love and discernment 🕊️ About This Podcast "Help: I Have a Narcissist in My Life" is a faith-based podcast that helps you understand, heal from, and overcome narcissistic abuse through biblical truth, emotional awareness, and professional counseling insight. 🙏 Connect with Laurel Slade Wagoner 🌐 Website: slade-waggonercounselingservices.com 📚 Books: Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy | Don't Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy:  https://www.slade-waggonercounselingservices.com/product-page/don-t-let-their-crazy-make-your-kids-crazy 📧 Email: [email protected] 📖 Key Scriptures Mentioned Matthew 10:16 — "Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves." Proverbs 26:4 — "Do not answer a fool according to his folly." Isaiah 26:3 — "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast." ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Welcome 01:20 – What is narcissistic baiting? 03:15 – Bait #1 – They Provoke You to React 06:00 – Bait #2 – They Shift Responsibility 09:00 – Bait #3 – They Make You Chase Them 12:15 – Bait #4 – They Fish for Compliments 15:30 – Bait #5 – They Push You Away (Then Play Victim) 18:45 – How to Resist the Bait Biblically 20:00 – Final Prayer & Encouragement ❤️ If this episode helped you… 👉 Subscribe for more encouragement on overcoming narcissistic abuse  👉 Share this episode with someone who needs hope and clarity.

What do your children need from you when their other parent is narcissistic, manipulative, or emotionally chaotic? In this episode of Help! I Have a Narcissist in My Life, Laurel Slade-Waggoner explains how to protect your children's hearts, minds, and identity when they are exposed to a narcissistic parent's control, deceit, or emotional instability. You'll learn why trust is the foundation your children need most, how your consistency creates emotional safety, and how to respond when your children hear confusing or harmful messages from their narcissistic parent. Laurel walks listeners through a clear, faith-based, 4-step process to help children process difficult situations, ask questions without fear, and develop confidence in truth rather than manipulation. In this episode, you'll discover: What builds trust between you and your children How age-appropriate honesty protects your child's emotional health How to validate your child without attacking the narcissistic parent A practical problem-solving framework you can teach your children Why calm, consistency, and truth neutralize narcissistic control How to help your children feel safe, seen, and supported If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, navigating parental alienation, or trying to protect your children from emotional manipulation, this episode will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance rooted in biblical wisdom. You are not alone. Your children need you, and your steady presence matters more than you know.    

If you've ever asked yourself, "Why can't I break free from the narcissist in my life?" — this episode is for you. In Episode 66 of the Help! I Have a Narcissist in My Life Podcast, Christian Counselor and author Laurel Slade-Waggoner explains what trauma bonding really is, how it forms, and how you can finally begin to break free through biblical truth and God's strength. Learn why narcissists use love bombing, gaslighting, guilt, and manipulation to keep you trapped — and what the Bible says about protecting your heart, reclaiming your peace, and walking in freedom. In this episode, you'll discover: The 3 stages of trauma bonding and how they keep you emotionally stuck Why narcissists manipulate through intermittent kindness and cruelty How Scripture exposes the destructive patterns of narcissistic control Biblical steps to break trauma bonds and rebuild your confidence How to recognize the difference between toxic attachment and authentic love Key Message: You are not crazy. You are precious — and God can help you break free from the trauma bond that has kept you in confusion, fear, and emotional pain. Website: https://www.slade-waggonercounselingservices.com Contact Laurel: [email protected]

What do you do when the child you raised with love becomes controlling, entitled, or abusive as an adult? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Laurel Slade-Waggoner is joined again by Dr. David Clarke to tackle one of the most heartbreaking dynamics many parents face: navigating a relationship with an adult narcissistic child. Together, they offer biblical wisdom, righteous anger, practical strategies, and compassionate validation for parents dealing with verbal abuse, triangulation, financial manipulation, unlaunched adult children, and more. They also unpack: What to do if your adult child mirrors a narcissistic ex-spouse How to lovingly set boundaries without self-shame Why tough love is biblical love The difference between being responsible to vs. for your child When (and how) to stop enabling—and start healing The power of strategic truth statements and righteous anger Whether you're parenting through grief, guilt, or gaslighting, this episode will equip and encourage you to stand strong, walk wisely, and release what's not yours to carry. There is help, and there is hope. 📚 Learn more about Dr. David Clarke at davideclarkephd.com 📘 Get Laurel's books and resources at slade-waggonercounselingservices.com ------ 📬 Have Questions? Suggestions? Contact Us! Feel free to email Laurel with any questions or topics you'd like addressed in upcoming episodes. Your input helps shape our future content! 💡 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating and review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Don't forget to subscribe to our email community for updates on future podcasts, books, and free monthly tools to help you stay sane and strong. 📚 Books by Laurel Slade Wagoner: "Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy" "Don't Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy" Available for purchase at https://www.sladewagonercounselingservices.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! God bless you. 🕊️

Navigating a toxic work environment? In this insightful and practical episode, Laurel tackles the complex challenges of dealing with narcissistic bosses, colleagues, and subordinates. Drawing on biblical wisdom, clinical experience, and her own personal journey, Laurel explores the difference between healthy and unhealthy narcissism in the workplace—and the profound impact toxic individuals can have on organizations and those who work with them. You'll learn: - How to identify narcissistic behaviors and red flags at work - The psychological and emotional toll workplace narcissists inflict - Strategies to set healthy boundaries, document interactions, and protect your well-being - The importance of recognizing your own vulnerabilities and codependent tendencies - When and how to involve HR or seek organizational accountability - Biblical principles and practical steps for confronting, coping, or determining when it's time to move on This episode includes powerful scripture reflections, a healing activity to help you review your career path, and a closing prayer for all who face toxic work dynamics. ----- 📬 Have Questions? Suggestions? Contact Us! Feel free to email Laurel with any questions or topics you'd like addressed in upcoming episodes. Your input helps shape our future content! 💡 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating and review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Don't forget to subscribe to our email community for updates on future podcasts, books, and free monthly tools to help you stay sane and strong. 📚 Books by Laurel Slade Wagoner: "Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy" "Don't Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy" Available for purchase at https://www.sladewagonercounselingservices.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! God bless you. 🕊️

In this powerful and truth-packed episode, Laurel Slade-Waggoner sits down with longtime friend and fellow counselor, Dr. David Clarke, to tackle some of the most common (and painful) questions they receive from those in narcissistic relationships. They discuss how narcissists manipulate, gaslight, and keep their victims trapped—and why so many women ask, "Am I the narcissist?" (Hint: you're not!). Dr. Clarke shares his wisdom on righteous anger, trauma bonding, biblical reasons for divorce, why narcissists don't change, and how to protect your kids from their destructive influence. Whether you're navigating a narcissistic spouse, co-parent, or family member, this episode is packed with clarity, validation, humor, and hope. Don't miss the encouragement and empowerment from two counselors who get it. 📚 Learn more about Dr. David Clarke at davideclarkephd.com 📘 Get Laurel's books and resources at slade-waggonercounselingservices.com ------ 📬 Have Questions? Suggestions? Contact Us! Feel free to email Laurel with any questions or topics you'd like addressed in upcoming episodes. Your input helps shape our future content! 💡 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating and review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Don't forget to subscribe to our email community for updates on future podcasts, books, and free monthly tools to help you stay sane and strong. 📚 Books by Laurel Slade Wagoner: "Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy" "Don't Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy" Available for purchase at https://www.sladewagonercounselingservices.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! God bless you. 🕊️

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of "Help! I Have A Narcissist In My Life" podcast with your host, Laurel Slade Wagoner! In Episode 62, we delve into one of the most challenging aspects of dealing with narcissists: navigating the holidays and family gatherings. 🎄 From overwhelming emotions to chaotic family dynamics, Laurel shares practical and faith-based strategies to maintain your peace and sanity.  Learn how to: -Refuse to give narcissists power over your holiday joy -Implement crucial boundaries to protect your mental health -Recognize common narcissistic behaviors and equip yourself with effective coping mechanisms 💬 Whether you're hosting or attending a family gathering, these tips will empower you to handle the holiday season with grace and strength. Laurel draws from personal experience, biblical wisdom, and psychological insights to guide you through this difficult time. 🔔 Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for more episodes filled with support and actionable advice for navigating life with narcissists. ***** 🌟 Key Highlights: 00:00 Empowerment and neutralizing narcissistic behavior during holidays. 06:15 Maintain peace, handle narcissists biblically, reflect values. 09:10 Find healing in nature and helping others. 12:04 Narcissists behave disruptively; self-centered, entitled, provoking. 6:26 Focus on flexibility and children's needs during celebrations. 20:09 Set boundaries with narcissists; prioritize self-care. 22:30 Detach from narcissists, embrace personal responsibility, pray 25:46 I appreciate your friendship and support. ***** 📬 Have Questions? Suggestions? Contact Us! Feel free to email Laurel with any questions or topics you'd like addressed in upcoming episodes. Your input helps shape our future content! 💡 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating and review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Don't forget to subscribe to our email community for updates on future podcasts, books, and free monthly tools to help you stay sane and strong. 📚 Books by Laurel Slade Wagoner: "Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy" "Don't Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy" Available for purchase at https://www.sladewagonercounselingservices.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! God bless you. 🕊️

Description: Welcome to Episode 61 of the "Help! I Have A Narcissist In My Life" podcast with your host, Laurel Slade Wagoner. In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the manipulative behavior known as narcissistic breadcrumbing. Laurel explains how narcissists subtly and deceitfully maintain control over their victims by offering minimal cooperation and sporadic attention. 🔖 In this episode, you will learn: The connection between narcissistic stonewalling and breadcrumbing. How breadcrumbing creates confusion, doubt, and a false sense of hope in victims. Real-life examples and manifestations of narcissistic breadcrumbing. Practical steps to empower yourself and stop the cycle of breadcrumbing. 🌟 Key Highlights: [00:00:14] Introduction and gratitude to listeners. [00:02:12] Understanding narcissistic stonewalling. [00:04:47] What is narcissistic breadcrumbing? [00:06:49] How victims fall into the breadcrumbing trap. [00:11:05] Examples from real-life scenarios. [00:20:01] Three-step process to empower yourself against breadcrumbing. [00:22:30] Healing activity and practical applications. [00:23:40] Power Scriptures and a prayer for the listeners. 📬 Have Questions? Suggestions? Contact Us! Feel free to email Laurel at lslade4izon.net with any questions or topics you'd like addressed in upcoming episodes. Your input helps shape our future content! 💡 Stay Updated: Subscribe to our podcast and leave a rating and review. Your feedback is incredibly valuable! Don't forget to subscribe to our email community for updates on future podcasts, books, and free monthly tools to help you stay sane and strong. 📚 Books by Laurel Slade Wagoner: "Don't Let Their Crazy Make You Crazy" "Don't Let Their Crazy Make Your Kids Crazy" Available for purchase at sladewagonercounselingservices.com 🙏 Thank you for listening! God bless and take care. 🕊️ #NarcissisticAbuse #Breadcrumbing #MentalHealth #ManipulationTactics #Empowerment #Healing #Podcast #Narcissism 🔗 Links: Visit our website: sladewagonercounselingservices.com