Breaking Free: Understanding Trauma Bonds and Narcissistic Addiction
Trauma bonding is something really difficult to break and in the masterclass that I'm going to host, I'll be taking you through those four stages and talking to you about what happens in the brain, mind and body, but also some steps that you can start to do to release that trauma bond and break the addiction to a narcissist.
Ever felt trapped in a relationship that seems impossible to leave, even though you know it's toxic? In this episode of 'The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast', Caroline Strawson tackles the complex and often misunderstood concept of trauma bonding. With her characteristic empathy and expertise, Caroline breaks down why we can become physiologically addicted to narcissists. It's not just emotional; there's a biological aspect that makes these bonds incredibly tough to break.
Caroline explains how our bodies and minds react to the highs and lows of a narcissistic relationship, creating a cycle that's hard to escape. She dives into the science behind this addiction, discussing the hormones that play a role and how our bodies are wired to protect us, sometimes in ways that aren't helpful in the long run. But it's not all doom and gloom. Caroline offers practical steps and insights on how to break free from these toxic bonds.
She shares tools and techniques from her Trauma Informed Narcissistic Trauma Recovery Programme™, which integrates methods like Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing to help listeners heal. If you're looking for a way out of a narcissistic relationship or trying to understand why it's so hard to leave, this episode is a must-listen. Caroline's approach is both compassionate and actionable, providing a roadmap for those ready to reclaim their lives and move towards post-traumatic growth.