Covert narcissistic abuse crushes one’s soul. This podcast is devoted to understanding covert narcissistic abuse, its effect on the victims, and how to heal.

Have you ever tried to Grey Rock a covert narcissist—only to watch it completely blow up in your face? You stayed neutral, kept your answers short, and avoided reacting… but somehow, things escalated anyway.
In this episode, we dive deep into why Grey Rocking often backfires with a covert narcissist, and how to use it in a smarter, safer, and more strategic way. You'll learn how covert narcissists twist neutrality into rejection, how they bait you into reacting, and how to avoid giving them emotional fuel—without triggering more manipulation.
We’ll break down:
<ul>
 	<li>Why covert narcissists hate emotional detachment</li>
 	<li>The difference between effective Grey Rocking and silent stonewalling</li>
 	<li>How to use “disguised disengagement” to shut down manipulation</li>
 	<li>When NOT to Grey Rock—and what to do instead</li>
</ul>
If you’re trying to break free from covert narcissistic abuse and protect your emotional energy, this episode is for you.
Tune in now and learn how to outsmart the manipulation—without losing your peace.

The Covert Narcissism Podcast

When Grey Rocking Backfires: How to Protect Your Peace with a Covert Narcissist

Is a peaceful divorce possible when dealing with a covert narcissist? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with high-conflict divorce coach Eleanor Marks to unpack the complexities of separation from a covert narcissist. We dive into the concept of radical acceptance—understanding the reality of your situation and adjusting your expectations accordingly. If you're navigating a high-conflict divorce or struggling to co-parent with a covert narcissist, this conversation will provide clarity, validation, and practical steps to regain your power.
🔹 Can a divorce ever be “healthy” with a covert narcissist? 
 🔹 How radical acceptance can shift your approach 
 🔹 Strategies to protect yourself emotionally and legally
Your freedom starts with knowledge—tune in now!
I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.
<ul>
 	<li>Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?</li>
 	<li>Are you searching for people who get it?</li>
 	<li>Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?</li>
 	<li>Are you running in circles in your mind?</li>
 	<li>Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?</li>
 	<li>Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?</li>
</ul>
I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at <a href="http://www.covertnarcissism.com/">www.covertnarcissism.com</a>
Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse
<a href="http://www.covertnarcissism.com/">http://www.covertnarcissism.com</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson">https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson">https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism">https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism</a>
#Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

Divorcing a Covert Narcissist: Is a Healthy Split Possible?

Imagine being pushed, prodded, and ignored—until you finally snap. Then suddenly, you’re the problem. Sound familiar?
In this episode, we’re diving deep into reactive abuse—one of the most insidious tactics covert narcissists use to flip the script and make survivors question their reality. I’ll share real-life stories—both from childhood and marriage—illustrating how this pattern plays out, how narcissists provoke reactions only to play the victim, and why your reaction does not make you the abuser.
If you’ve ever been told, “Wow, you’re the crazy one,” or “You really have anger issues,” after finally standing up for yourself—this episode is for you. Let’s dismantle the shame and reclaim your truth.
You are not alone. Your reactions don’t define you. And you deserve to heal.
Subscribe now and don’t miss next week’s deep dive on the Grey Rock method!
 
I am Renee Swanson, and I help people recover from covert narcissistic abuse.
<ul>
 	<li>Are you tired of feeling isolated and alone?</li>
 	<li>Are you searching for people who get it?</li>
 	<li>Are you confused, reactive and unsure what to do?</li>
 	<li>Are you running in circles in your mind?</li>
 	<li>Are you worried for your kids and the effect this is having on them?</li>
 	<li>Do you want to know how not to raise another narcissist in this world?</li>
</ul>
I can help you! I offer both group and individual coaching, which you can find at <a href="http://www.covertnarcissism.com/">www.covertnarcissism.com</a>
Renee Swanson, Certified Coach and Advocate for Victims of Covert Narcissistic Abuse
<a href="http://www.covertnarcissism.com/">http://www.covertnarcissism.com</a>
<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson">https://www.tiktok.com/@cngreneeswanson</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson">https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism">https://www.facebook.com/renee.covertnarcissism</a>
#Trauma #abuse #gaslighting #narcissism #narcissist #CovertNarcissism #podcast

Reactive Abuse: When Survivors Get Blamed for Their Pain

In this powerful Part Two of the two-part series with Dr. Anthony Mazzella and Renee Swanson, we shift perspectives. In part one, we discussed the adult child uncovering a covert narcissistic parent, and this is featured on The Narcissism Decoder. Now we shift to the parent who realizes their adult child exhibits covert narcissistic behaviors.
Dr. Mazzella, a seasoned psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, brings his expertise in to explore the emotional turmoil, self-doubt, and painful realities parents face when confronted with this harsh truth. Together, we unpack the deep-seated psychological mechanisms that drive covert narcissism, the role of early relationship failures, and how unresolved emotional wounds shape an insatiable need for validation.
This episode offers a compassionate yet realistic discussion on: 
 🔹 The emotional toll on parents who recognize covert narcissistic traits in their adult children 
 🔹 How early relational patterns influence a child’s ability to give and receive care 
 🔹 The internal struggles of a covert narcissist and their unrelenting need for external validation 
 🔹 Strategies for parents navigating this painful dynamic—when to help, when to set boundaries, and when to step back
If you’ve struggled with feelings of guilt, confusion, or helplessness in your relationship with an emotionally manipulative adult child, this episode provides the clarity and support you need.
You can find part one on The Narcissism Decoder - <a href="https://www.drmazzella.com/the-narcissism-decoder-podcast/">https://www.drmazzella.com/the-narcissism-decoder-podcast/</a>

Renee Swanson, Bleav

The Covert Narcissism Podcast by Renee Swanson, Bleav

Episodes