Best Dr Jaime Zuckerman Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 57: Replay: Boundaries and Narcissistic Parents with Terri Cole 52:15

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3M ago52:15

52:15

Some people will resist your boundaries. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. In this replay episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and Boundary Boss author Terri Cole for a conversation that so many of you have been asking for: how to set boundaries with a narcissistic parent. Terri doesn’t sugarcoat it. She names what’s hard, calls out the …

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Episode 56: Trauma and The Fawning Response with Dr. Ingrid Clayton 43:55

4M ago43:55

43:55

Fawning isn’t a flaw to fix. It is a brilliant survival response that can quietly shape your entire identity until you finally have the words for it. In this episode, I sit down with clinical psychologist and author Ingrid Clayton for a conversation that I know will resonate deeply with so many of you. We talk about fawning, what it is, how it show…

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Episode 55: On Love and Relationships with Jillian Tureck 42:04

4M ago42:04

42:04

Most people don’t realize how much of their relationship pain comes from patterns they never chose and beliefs they never questioned, and I’ve seen it over and over again. In this episode, I’m joined by someone I’ve admired for a long time, relationship expert and author Jillian Turecki. Her new book, “It Begins With You: The Nine Hard Truths About…

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Episode 54: Toxic with Elizabeth Chambers 1:02:22

4M ago1:02:22

1:02:22

Toxic relationships don’t usually start with obvious red flags. More often, they start with connection, someone who seems to really see you, who shows up in big ways, who makes you feel chosen. But over time, that connection can shift into something confusing, isolating, and hard to recognize for what it is. I talk with Elizabeth Chambers, Host, In…

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Episode 53: Couples Therapy with a Narcissist? Think Twice 34:44

5M ago34:44

34:44

Couples therapy isn’t always a safe space, especially when a narcissist is in the room. I get asked about this constantly: “Should we try couples therapy?” If your partner has narcissistic traits or narcissistic personality disorder, my answer is no. In this episode, I explain why. Too often, therapy turns into a performance, another platform for t…

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Episode 52: Narcissists and Infidelity 48:33

5M ago48:33

48:33

When a narcissist cheats, the affair often has little to do with love or connection. It’s about power. In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso, LPC, LMHC, to unpack why narcissists have affairs and how their motivations are different from what most people expect. Why do they always seem to have someone waiting in the wings? …

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Episode 51:Transparency in Family Court and Parental Alienation with Dr. Charlotte Proudman 44:16

6M ago44:16

44:16

Family courts were designed to protect families. So why do so many survivors find themselves trapped by the very system that was supposed to protect them? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charlotte Proudman, a family law barrister and founder of Right to Equality. Charlotte has spent her career challenging the failures of the family court system,…

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Episode 50: Traveling with a Narcissist 45:17

6M ago45:17

45:17

You think a vacation will give you a break, but with a narcissist, it often becomes something else entirely. In this episode, I’m talking about what it’s really like to travel with a narcissist. I’ve seen it over and over again, what should be a time to relax turns into a carefully orchestrated setup for control, intimidation, and emotional exhaust…

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Episode 49: Thriving and Finding Purpose After Divorce with Zibby Owens 30:09

6M ago30:09

30:09

Starting over doesn’t always feel bold. Most of the time, it looks like picking up something familiar, like a book, a journal, or a forgotten dream, and doing it simply to feel like yourself again. In this episode, I’m joined by Zibby Owens, an author, podcast host, and the founder of Zibby Media, who shares what it looked like to rebuild her life …

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Episode 48: The Car: The Narcissist’s Tool for Abuse 28:48

7M ago28:48

28:48

A car ride with a narcissist can quickly shift from routine to one of the most dangerous and controlling dynamics in the relationship. In this episode, I’m talking about something I see all the time in my work: how narcissists use driving as a form of coercive control. The car becomes more than just a way to get from one place to another. It become…

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Episode 47: Toxic Parents with Josh Connolly 47:27

7M ago47:27

47:27

Many people raised by toxic parents or caregivers don’t always recognize the abuse present in their upbringing. It’s often not until their adult relationships begin to break apart that they become aware of the abusive behavior patterns repeating from their childhood. In this episode, I’m joined by mental health advocate and best-selling author Josh…

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Episode 46: The Scamanda Docuseries with Creator Charlie Webster 1:03:57

7M ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Some betrayals do more than take money. They shatter trust in ways that can never fully be repaired. I sat down with Charlie Webster, the host, producer and writer of the top international podcast, Scamanda, to break down the shocking deception behind the story and the emotional damage it left behind. Amanda Riley didn’t just lie about having cance…

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Episode 45: Replay: Coercive Control and Domestic Violence with Laura Richards 1:09:23

7M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

Coercive control is about trying to take away someone’s autonomy and agency. It’s a form of domestic abuse that is often misunderstood and frequently dismissed. In this replay episode, I sit down with the incredible Laura Richards—renowned criminal behavioral analyst and expert on domestic violence—to break it all down. Laura and I discuss the misu…

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Episode 44: Q&A Episode: On All Things Narcissistic Abuse 37:05

8M ago37:05

37:05

Healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t just about moving on. It’s about rebuilding who you are and learning to trust yourself again. In this episode, I’m answering your questions on what it takes to heal, navigate life after a narcissistic relationship, and co-parent in a way that gives your children stability. If dating again feels impossible or yo…

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Episode 43: A.I. and the Future of Therapy 33:51

8M ago33:51

33:51

Can AI ever replace the human connection at the heart of therapy, or are we losing something essential in the process? I’m sitting down with my friend and colleague Dr. Sue Varma to talk about something that’s been on my mind. Artificial intelligence is making its way into mental health, offering quick answers and structured advice. But can it trul…

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Episode 42: A Deep Dive Into the Diddy Docuseries 34:52

8M ago34:52

34:52

Power and control shaped Diddy’s rise, but did they also define a long-standing pattern of abuse? Emmy-winning journalist Mara S. Campo joins Dr. Z to unpack the allegations, the fallout, and what it means when survivors finally feel safe enough to speak out. Mara, a contributor to the docuseries “Fall of Diddy,” shares what stood out most—the shee…

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Episode 41: Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir 51:16

9M ago51:16

51:16

Toxic productivity convinces you that your worth is tied to achievement. But when does ambition turn into exhaustion? Dr. Z sits down with psychotherapist and author Israa Nasir to talk about why so many people feel trapped in the endless pursuit of doing more. Israa explains how productivity has seeped into every part of life—relationships, self-w…

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Episode 40: The Narcissist’s Family Tree 39:47

9M ago39:47

39:47

A narcissistic parent’s love is often conditional, forcing the child into roles like the golden child or scapegoat child, with often devastating emotional consequences. In this episode, Dr. Z explores how these roles are defined, how they shift over time, and the impact they have on self identity and relationship dynamics. The golden child is often…

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Episode 39: No, Not Everyone is a Narcissist 35:34

9M ago35:34

35:34

When everyone’s a “narcissist,” what happens to the voices of those truly living through narcissistic abuse? Dr. Z unpacks the misuse of terms like “narcissist” and “narcissistic personality disorder” and how this trend erodes their meaning, which leaves survivors feeling silenced and misunderstood. She explains how narcissistic abuse often hides b…

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Episode 38: Navigating the Narcissist's Playbook with Mark Vicente 1:03:08

9M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Narcissists don’t just take what they want—they dismantle their targets in the process. In this episode, Dr. Z welcomes filmmaker and author Mark Vicente to discuss the dark realities of narcissistic abuse and its psychological aftermath. Known for his work on HBO’s “The Vow” and his upcoming documentary “Empathy Not Included: The Narcissist’s Play…

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Episode 37: The Trap of New Year’s Resolutions 29:20

10M ago29:20

29:20

“New Year’s resolutions can sometimes send the message that where you’re currently at isn’t good enough. And that’s just not always the case! Dr. Z invites listeners to rethink the often pressure-filled tradition of New Year’s resolutions by asking a powerful question: What does growth need to be tied to the arbitrary date of January 1st and why do…

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Episode 36: When Leaving Isn't an Option with Dr. Kerry McAvoy 57:04

10M ago57:04

57:04

Leaving a narcissistic abusive relationship might seem like the obvious choice, but for many, it’s far from simple. Sometimes, people can’t ‘just leave.’ In this episode, Dr. Z sits down with author and mental health clinician, Dr. Kerry McAvoy, to explore why leaving isn’t always an option—and what to do when staying is your current reality. As a …

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Episode 35: Narcissistic Mothers and Their Adult Daughters - REPLAY 48:44

10M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode, Dr. Z delves into the complex dynamics between narcissistic mothers and their adult daughters. She discusses how the behavior patterns of narcissistic mothers challenge societal norms of the mother/daughter relationship and have a profound impact on their daughters’ self-esteem and mental health. Dr. Z also addresses the grieving p…

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Episode 34: Defining Empathy within Narcissistic Abuse with Wendy Behary, LCSW 46:32

10M ago46:32

46:32

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 c…

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Episode 33: Breaking the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma and Abuse with Sasha Joseph Neulinger 56:59

10M ago56:59

56:59

“The trauma is always going to be a significant component of who you are,” says Sasha Joseph Neulinger, the founder of Voice For The Kids and co-founder of Step 1 Films. Joining Dr. Z in this episode, Sasha reflects on his journey from surviving years of sexual abuse to reclaiming his life with purpose and self-empowerment. Sasha shares the pivotal…

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Episode 32: Navigating the Holidays with a Narcissist 33:48

11M ago33:48

33:48

“Narcissists routinely love to ruin meaningful moments,” says Dr. Jaime Zuckerman as she unpacks the challenges of dealing with narcissists during the holidays while offering strategies to help you stay grounded and in control. How do you handle the unsolicited comments, the manipulative behaviors, or even the intentional chaos they bring to gather…

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Episode 31: Narcissism, Divorce, and Motherhood with Nicki Marie 1:00:24

11M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

“It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be the worst feeling you’ve ever had, but you’ve got to work through it.” The hard truth that, according to Nicki Marie, every single mom navigating divorce needs to hear. In this episode, she joins Dr. Jaime Zuckerman to open up about the emotional rollercoaster of separation, co-parenting and motherhood, offe…

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Episode 30: Detecting Lies Using Facial Expressions 1:02:25

11M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Your face reveals the truth before your words do—Annie Särnblad unpacks how microexpressions expose deception and hidden emotions. Joining Dr. Z, she discusses the relationship between our facial expressions and emotional states, and offers insights that could change how you perceive everyday interactions. What are microexpressions, and why do they…

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Episode 29: The Narcissist’s Next “Love” 33:56

11M ago33:56

33:56

What manipulative tactics are used to maintain control and power over former partners once the relationship is over? In this episode, Dr. Z unpacks the emotional fallout of a breakup with a narcissist and tackles the fears that arise when they move on to someone new. Why does it feel like their new partner is getting the idealized version of them y…

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Episode 28: Portraying Coercive Control in Movies: Purgatory, a Film by Jack Stockley 46:58

12M ago46:58

46:58

“The abuser often maintains that facade of having it together and looking after their partner. It’s that image we tried to set up immediately,” says award-winning director Jack Stockley. He opens up about his true purpose behind his short film “Purgatory,” - to reveal the quiet devastation of coercive control in abusive relationships. By portraying…

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Episode 27: The Liability of a Narcissistic Ex 35:31

12M ago35:31

35:31

“The liability is not yours to own; it’s the narcissist’s. Let it smother them, not you.” Dr. Jaime Zuckerman takes a closer look at what life looks like when a narcissistic ex still finds ways to create chaos, even after the relationship has ended. How does one protect their peace and their children’s well-being when post-separation abuse seems de…

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Episode 26: A Look Into Narcissistic and Antisocial Personalities with Dr. Lina Haji 51:05

12M ago51:05

51:05

“People are so quick to label somebody antisocial or narcissistic. Just because you disagree with someone, or they lied to you, or they treated you really poorly, or they were manipulative, doesn’t mean they have narcissistic personality disorder. But they can certainly have traits,” says Dr. Lina Haji, a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist…

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Episode 25: Coercive Control and Cult Behavior with Vanessa Reiser 43:40

1y ago43:40

43:40

“The narcissist will never be able to fix their corrupt disorder. It is a rigid disorder,” says Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker and author who specializes in narcissistic and cult abuse. She joins Dr. Z to talk about the striking similarities between narcissistic relationships and cult dynamics, focusing on how coercive control pl…

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Episode 24: How Do YOU Feel? Bonus Episode with Author, Dr. Jessi Gold 38:28

1y ago38:28

38:28

“I really want to change the culture and the way we treat and value ourselves in the equation. I truly believe our stories have the power to change culture,” says Dr. Jessi Gold, reflecting on her book, “How Do You Feel? One Doctor’s Search for Humanity in Medicine.” In this episode, she joins Dr. Z to talk about the mental health struggles facing …

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Episode 23: The Scapegoat Child with Dr. Sherrie 47:21

1y ago47:21

47:21

“Toxic family systems are run like a cult,” says Dr. Sherrie Campbell, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in family estrangement and toxic relationships. She joins Dr. Z this week to talk about the lasting damage narcissistic family members can inflict—not just on the immediate family but also on extended relatives and friends. Sharing i…

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Episode 22: FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld with Dr. Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko 46:35

1y ago46:35

46:35

“This is for everyone. Everyone needs to learn how to identify the reg flags within the family court system and how to navigate this process, particularly in custody cases when you have very little support behind you,” begins Dr. Z. Joining her this week are Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, known as Dr. C, a coercive control educator and researcher, …

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Episode 21: Going No Contact with a Parent 37:38

1y ago37:38

37:38

“The decision to go no contact with a parent is a last resort. It is a last resort of self-protection against years of manipulation and abuse,” says Dr. Z. She explains how going no contact means cutting off all forms of communication—calls, texts, and social media—and is a decision that is typically made only after enduring long-term emotional pai…

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Episode 20: What to Do When Your Loved One Is With a Narcissist 41:13

1y ago41:13

41:13

“When we talk about narcissistic abuse, we understand that this form of abuse is very nuanced and hard to identify as an outsider,” says Dr. Z. This episode dives into the emotional and complex challenge of supporting someone in a narcissistic abusive relationship, as Dr. Z unpacks the intricate dynamics at play. Narcissists often start with a phas…

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Episode 19: Navigating Relationship Stress with Liz Earnshaw 55:06

1y ago55:06

55:06

“If you and your partner are experiencing friction, consider whether there are things going on in your lives—whether it’s a few really big chronic issues, a lot of little constant acute issues, or a mix of both—that could be contributing to this,” advises Liz Earnshaw, a licensed marriage and family therapist, certified Gottman therapist, and found…

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Episode 18: Are You Friends With a Narcissist? 41:19

1y ago41:19

41:19

“A lot of people don’t realize that there’s narcissistic abuse occurring in friendships because we don’t really think of it in that context,” says Dr. Z. When we talk about narcissistic abuse, it’s usually in the context of intimate or family relationships. This week, Dr. Z highlights an often-overlooked reality: it can happen in friendships too, a…

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Episode 17: Surviving Romance Fraud with Benita Alexander 1:16:26

1y ago1:16:26

1:16:26

“I thought I met the man of my dreams, and he turned out to be one of the biggest con men in history,” shares Benita Alexander, a highly accomplished journalist and executive producer. In this episode, she joins Dr. Z to recount her harrowing experience with love fraud at the hands of Dr. Paolo Macchiarini. Benita’s story, featured in the Netflix d…

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Episode 16: Sex and Narcissistic Personality Disorder 39:24

1y ago39:24

39:24

“In a narcissistically abusive relationship, sex can become a tool of weaponry, a tool of control,” declares Dr. Kate Balestrieri, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist. In this episode, she joins Dr. Z to unpack the intricate relationship between sex and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Dr. Balestrieri, founder of Modern Inti…

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Episode 15: Narcissistic Mothers and Their Adult Daughters 48:44

1y ago48:44

48:44

In this episode, Dr. Z delves into the complex dynamics between narcissistic mothers and their adult daughters. She discusses how the behavior patterns of narcissistic mothers challenge societal norms of the mother/daughter relationship and have a profound impact on their daughters’ self-esteem and mental health. Dr. Z also addresses the grieving p…

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Episode 14: Surviving and Thriving After Trauma Bonds with Dr. Nadine Macaluso 47:16

1+ y ago47:16

47:16

“I was in a quintessential trauma bond with my ex-husband, the ‘Wolf of Wall Street,’ Jordan Belfort,” says Dr. Nadine Macaluso. “It started, as most trauma bonds do, with love bombing and promises of love and adoration forever, along with extreme affection. It was very intense and fast-paced, and then it blew up like many trauma bonds do.” Dr. Nad…

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Episode 13: High Conflict Personalities and Divorce with Rebecca Zung 48:40

1+ y ago48:40

48:40

“They actually thrive and enjoy being in this drama, trauma, and chaos, getting people stirred up,” says Rebecca Zung, describing high conflict personalities. In this episode, Dr. Z talks with Rebecca, a top-ranked trial lawyer, high conflict negotiator, and international bestselling author of “Slay the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and…

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Episode 12: Divorcing a Narcissist: Family Court and Parental Alienation with Tina Swithin 50:27

1+ y ago50:27

50:27

“What is happening behind closed doors of the family court system would horrify everyone in the country and around the world if they truly knew,” says Tina Swithin, renowned family court advocate, author of the “Divorcing a Narcissist” book series, blogger and owner of One Mom’s Battle, and founder of the High Conflict Divorce Coach Certification P…

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Episode 11: The Effects of Narcissistic Abuse on Physical Health 33:45

1+ y ago33:45

33:45

“In today’s society, we’re often taught that these are two very separate things,” says Dr. Z as she delves into the impact that narcissistic abuse can have on physical health. “It couldn’t be further from the truth. Our brains and our bodies are one, and you really need to think about yourself in terms of how those two things are connected.” In thi…

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Episode 10: Breaking Down Behaviors of NPD with Dr. Les Carter 42:29

1+ y ago42:29

42:29

Today, the word “narcissist” is frequently thrown around and used within inappropriate contexts, such as a broad label for “toxic” individuals. How, then, do we differentiate between someone with unhealthy patterns and the manipulative behaviors of a person with NPD? In this episode, Dr. Z talks with Dr. Les Carter, a clinical psychologist and foun…

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Episode 9: Coercive Control and Domestic Violence with Laura Richards 1:09:23

1+ y ago1:09:23

1:09:23

“Coercive control is about trying to take away someone’s autonomy and their agency,” explains Laura Richards, a renowned criminal behavioral analyst and expert on domestic violence. In this episode, Dr. Z sits down with Laura and dives into the concept of coercive control, a form of domestic abuse that is often misunderstood and frequently dismisse…

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Episode 8: The Role of Fitness and Wellness in Healing from Trauma with Karena Dawn 42:43

1+ y ago42:43

42:43

“Be a kid. What did you love doing as a kid? Don’t forget those little moments because that’s when you’re carefree and just doing all the things—play, have fun," advises Karena Dawn, a renowned figure in the fitness and wellness industry. In this episode, Karena and Dr. Z explore the journey of healing after narcissistic abuse, drawing from Karena’…