In today's episode, I am joined by accredited psychotherapist Katie McKenna—co-author of You’re Not the Problem, creator of the C.A.L.M. Parenting Method, and host of the Beyond Survival podcast.
We talk about narcissistic and emotionally abusive parenting, how it shows up as overt and covert behaviors, and the long-term effects on children (golden child, invisible child, scapegoat, enmeshment and parentification).
The conversation also explores the intersection with ADHD, Katie’s own diagnosis and medication journey, and how trauma shapes survival responses like fight/flight/fawn and hyper-dependence or hyper-independence.
Katie and Kelsey walk listeners through practical healing steps: recognizing denial and FOG (fear, obligation, guilt), setting small boundaries, reestablishing self-trust, and parenting differently using the Calm Method to de-escalate fusion and build healthy autonomy in kids. The episode offers concrete tips for immediate self-care, where to start with recovery, and resources to learn more about narcissism, trauma, and reparative parenting.
Hope you enjoy today's episode!
Resources:
📙 Katie McKenna: https://katiecmckenna.com/ , Beyond Survival Podcast, @katiemckennapsychotherapist
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New Zealand