Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Insights from Bree Bonchay
It enables us to justify bad behavior or rationalize bad behavior or even deny there s a problem. We have to get rid of that by doing these unconscious mental gymnastics. That causes a lot of stress because their belief, their value of wanting to be in a healthy and reciprocal relationship is in direct opposition to the fact that they re staying with somebody that s cruel and abusive to them.
Ever wondered how to truly heal from the scars of a toxic relationship? In this episode of 'The Savvy Shrink', host Andrea Schneider sits down with psychotherapist Bree Bonchay to dive deep into the journey of recovering from narcissistic abuse. With two decades of experience in mental health and trauma recovery, Bree offers a wealth of knowledge on the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder and psychopathy.
Bree and Andrea tackle the tough topic of cognitive dissonance—those conflicting thoughts and feelings that can keep you stuck in a cycle of emotional turmoil. They explore how this mental struggle manifests in various relationships, whether romantic, familial, or professional. You'll gain valuable insights into setting healthy boundaries and recognizing the devaluation stage, a common tactic used by narcissists to undermine their victims. The conversation isn't just about identifying problems; it's about finding hope and practical solutions.
Bree shares the importance of self-care and trauma-informed interventions for managing PTSD, offering listeners actionable steps to start their healing journey. She also highlights her advocacy work, including the founding of World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day, celebrated every June 1st. If you're dealing with the aftermath of a toxic relationship or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.
Bree's compassionate approach and Andrea's thoughtful questions create a supportive space for anyone seeking to understand and overcome the impact of narcissistic abuse.