Episode 40: Are you in a relationship with a narcissist? Artwork

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Stowe talks is a podcast series designed to support people going through a relationship breakdown and all the challenges this brings. When a family breaks down, it brings with it a huge range of emotional, practical and legal complications. Going through it is tough, but making some simple changes to how you approach it can help. Asking and seeking support from others is a great first step.And, this is where this podcast series can help, giving you access to expert advice from some of the best professionals around and some legal insight. In each episode, hosts Matthew Taylor and Liza Gatrell, family lawyers at Stowe Family Law, are joined by a special guest to explore the issues a relationship breakdown brings - from dealing with a toxic ex-partner, how to co-parent, the challenges of blended families, handling finances and more. Getting the right advice can help dial down the stress, calm your fears, and help you through the process and on with life from a position of renewed strength. This podcast series is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law.

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Stowe talks

Episode 40: Are you in a relationship with a narcissist?

July 26, 2024 • Stowe talks • Season 5 • Episode 40

Narcissism has become a popular buzzword. But despite the interest, there are many myths that undermine the complexity and destructive impact of this personality disorder.

We were delighted to be joined again by Dr Supriya McKenna, one of the leading experts in the field of narcissism, to discuss how you can tell if you are in a relationship with a ‘real’ narcissist, and why knowing this is so important, particularly if you want to leave them.

00:00 Introductions
02:25 Why is it important to know that you are in a relationship with a ‘real’ narcissist?
03:05 Why are narcissist divorces so much tougher?
04:50 How do you work out if you are in a relationship with a narcissist?
05:30 Switching your thinking from the narcissist behaviour to the impact on you.
07:30 A checklist for whether you are in a relationship with a narcissist
17:54 What are the effects of being in a narcissistic relationship?
20:12 The narcissist behaving as a toddler
21:27 What is gaslighting, and how do you know if it is happening to you?
24:40 The terrifying drop of the narcissist mask
27:01 What do you need to consider when deciding if you should leave a narcissist?
27:30 What is the impact on your children?
34:05 How you and your lawyer should handle the legal side
43:11 The trauma of the family court
43:44 The use of open offers v without prejudice offers when divorcing a narcissist
50:30 What can people do next? Further resources to help.

Tune in for an episode that balances a deep insight into narcissism and the legal options available to you.

If you are in immediate danger from domestic abuse, call the police on 999. You can also access help and support from the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or the Mankind Initiative support helpline: 01823 334 244.

Additional resources

You can catch up on Supriya’s previous podcasts below.

Divorcing or separating from a narcissist: https://youtu.be/rCCfyHHKCfk
Parenting alongside a narcissist https://youtu.be/b10mkX4Y3og
Rebuilding your life after narcissistic abuse: https://bit.ly/422YtMJ

You buy Dr Supriya’s books on narcissism on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B08P9YBNYR

If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2

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🔎 Access further free resources to help you through a relationship breakdown and beyond at Stowe support.

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This podcast is brought to you by the Stowe talks team at Stowe Family Law - https://www.stowefamilylaw.co.uk/