Episode 34: Defining Empathy within Narcissistic Abuse with Wendy Behary, LCSW

Understanding narcissism isn’t about excusing it. It’s about equipping yourself to break free and protect your mental health, especially during times of heightened emotions like the holidays.

In this episode, Dr. Z is joined by Wendy Behary, expert in cognitive and schema therapy and author of “Disarming the Narcissist.” Together, they unpack the complexities involved in managing the dynamics with a narcissist. Wendy defines the role of empathy, not as sympathy or agreement, but as a tool for understanding narcissistic behavior, discerning your place within the dynamic, and strengthening your internal boundaries.

Wendy shares strategies for navigating interactions with narcissists, including maintaining neutral, confident communication and recognizing personal triggers. She also introduces the concept of schemas—deep-rooted emotional beliefs formed in childhood—and explains how identifying these patterns can help mitigate vulnerabilities within a narcissistic relationship.

Join Wendy and Dr. Z as they share actionable strategies to help you protect your peace this holiday season, nurture your well-being, recognize your progress, and stay grounded in challenging moments.

Featured

I Left. Now What? Healing From Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships (video)

$37.00

This workshop focuses on the process of healing from narcissistic abuse in relationships. More often than not, the abuse does not stop once the relationship has ended. It’s important that boundaries continue to be maintained long after the relationship is over. This workshop will discuss the patterns of abuse following the end of the relationship and strategies towards healing as you navigate these complex breakups

You Will Learn:

How to identify narcissistic behavior patterns after a breakup.
The importance of boundary maintenance as the “ex.”
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissistic ex-partner long after the relationship has ended.
Specific steps towards healing, including what you can do to pick healthier partners going forward.

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Individual advice or therapy cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

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“Co-Parenting” with a Narcissist (video)

$37.00

This hour long workshop focuses on the difficult process of “co-parenting” with a narcissistic partner.

Unfortunately, narcissistic parents don’t co-parent. It is also a misconception that narcissists “parallel” parent. Parallel parenting is a method whereby each parent has their own parenting style/ideas. These styles can differ greatly & may even result in the parents hardly ever seeing or speaking to each other. However, despite having different approaches, the motive is not to undermine the other parent, as they both have their child’s best interests in mind.

Narcissists do not co-parent nor do they parallel parent. They “parent” using whatever approach personally benefits them in any given situation. Their style is inconsistent, confusing to the child, & is often used to manipulate & control the family dynamics.

In This Workshop You Will Learn:

How to identify narcissistic patterns of parenting.
The importance of boundary maintenance.
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissist within the parenting dynamic.
Specific strategies to use when interacting with the other parent.
Parenting strategies for managing your relationships with your children within this difficult context.

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Individual advice or therapy cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

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Narcissistic Parents: Steps Towards Healing with co-host Keresse Thompson (video)

$37.00

This workshop focuses on the process of healing from narcissistic abusive parents.

Growing up with narcissistic parents has a profound impact on your sense of self, self-worth and overall psychological well-being.

Feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, anxiety, and depression continue to exist throughout the lifespan. Often times, it isn’t until much later in your life that you even come to realize what you have been experiencing is abuse.

As an adult, the abuse often continues to permeate all aspects of your life including your friendships, romantic relationships, work, and even with your own children.

You Will Learn:

How to identify narcissistic behavior patterns within the family dynamics.
How to identify ongoing control tactics used by the narcissistic parent.
The importance of boundary setting & boundary maintenance.
Specific steps towards healing, including tangible strategies and techniques so you can break the cycle of abuse.

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Therapeutic advice or suggestions cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

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What is Your Relationship Road Map?: Patterns and Boundary Setting (video)

$37.00

This workshop takes an in-depth look at what i refer to as your “Relationship Road Map” - the patterns we manifest within our relationships. It will also focus on how your patterns impact the people around you, strategies to change patterns, and how simple boundary setting techniques can improve relationships.

You Will Learn:

· How to identify your Relationship Road Map

· How to take an Interpersonal Inventory

· How patterns play out within relationships of all kinds

· Pattern interruption and its impact on relationships

· How setting boundaries can alter relationship patterns

· Techniques to identify, establish and maintain boundaries

*This workshop is not intended to diagnosis or treat. It is for informational purposes only. Therapeutic advice or suggestions cannot be provided for any individual’s specific circumstances and relationships*

Read more →

More Workshops

Episode 34: Defining Empathy within Narcissistic Abuse with Wendy Behary, LCSW

Episode 35: Narcissistic Mothers and Their Adult Daughters

Episode 33: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Abuse with Sasha Joseph Neulinger