The Adult Chair Podcast with Michelle Chalfant

Episode Summary
What if the anger you've been avoiding is actually the key to reclaiming your power? In this solo episode, I'm diving into suppressed anger and why so many of us have learned to push this powerful emotion down. From childhood experiences that taught us to be nice, quiet, or accommodating to the fear of conflict and rejection, I explain how unexpressed anger can show up in ways we might not even recognize.
We explore the surprising signs of suppressed anger, including people-pleasing, perfectionism, resentment, self-criticism, difficulty setting boundaries, and even physical tension. I also share real-life examples of how allowing ourselves to feel anger can help us reconnect with our needs, speak our truth, and stop abandoning ourselves to keep others comfortable.
Most importantly, I explain why anger doesn't have to mean yelling, exploding, or hurting someone else. When we learn to feel and express anger in a healthy way, it can become one of our greatest tools for self-awareness, empowerment, and personal growth.
Key Takeaways
Suppressed anger often begins in childhood when we're taught that expressing anger is wrong, dangerous, or unacceptable.
Unexpressed anger can show up as resentment, people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-criticism, and difficulty knowing what we want.
Feeling angry is not the same as expressing rage or directing anger at another person.
Anger can help us recognize when our boundaries have been crossed and give us the confidence to speak our truth.
Emotional stress and anger can sometimes contribute to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and disrupted sleep.
Journaling, movement, body awareness, and healthy communication can help us recognize and express anger safely.
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Episode Summary
In this episode, I'm joined by narcissistic abuse expert Tracy Malone for a powerful conversation about narcissism, gaslighting, trauma bonds, and the devastating impact these dynamics can have on relationships and families. Tracy shares her personal experiences with narcissistic abuse and explains how manipulation, control, and emotional abuse can slowly break down our self-worth, confidence, and ability to trust ourselves.
We explore why people can feel trapped in unhealthy relationships, how childhood wounds and abandonment fears can make it harder to recognize red flags, and why healing requires rebuilding our relationship with ourselves. Tracy also explains the cycle of love bombing, gaslighting, and trauma bonding, and how these patterns can keep someone connected to a person who is hurting them.
We also dive into the heartbreaking topic of family estrangement, particularly when a controlling partner isolates someone from their parents, siblings, or other loved ones. Tracy shares her perspective on how manipulation can contribute to family division and what parents can do when they're struggling with limited or no contact with their adult children. This conversation is a reminder of the importance of self-worth, awareness, healthy boundaries, and finding support when navigating painful relationship dynamics.
Key Takeaways
Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, and recognizing harmful behaviors is more important than labeling someone a narcissist.
Gaslighting is a form of manipulation that can cause you to question your reality, lose confidence, and stop trusting yourself.
Love bombing can be part of a repeating cycle of affection, manipulation, and emotional abuse.
Childhood wounds, abandonment fears, and codependency can make it harder to recognize or leave unhealthy relationships.
Trauma bonds can create a powerful emotional attachment to someone who is causing harm.
Narcissistic abuse and controlling behavior can contribute to isolation and family estrangement.
Rebuilding self-worth, strengthening boundaries, and finding trusted support are important parts of healing.
Resources from this Episode:
Connect with Tracy Malone:
https://narcissistabusesupport.com/
Tracy's Book:
Estranged by Lies
Michelle's Free Unshakable Self-Worth Course:
https://theadultchair.com/selfworth
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Episode Summary
Have you ever wondered why you keep repeating certain patterns, why some relationships feel easier than others, or what you are really here to do? In this episode, I'm joined by psychotherapist and astrologer Debra Silverman for a fascinating conversation about astrology, psychology, and self-discovery. Debra explains how your birth chart can offer insight into your personality, emotional patterns, relationships, and life lessons. And as she reminds us, we are so much more than our sun signs!
We explore the deeper layers of astrology, including the sun, moon, rising sign, Saturn return, and the four elements. Debra even takes a look at my personal birth chart, helping me understand certain traits and patterns that have shown up throughout my life. We also talk about childhood wounds, relationship compatibility, soul contracts, and how understanding ourselves through a different lens can help us embrace who we really are.
This conversation is a beautiful reminder that self-awareness can open the door to greater self-acceptance, compassion, and personal growth. When we begin understanding our natural tendencies instead of fighting against them, we give ourselves permission to live more authentically.
Key Takeaways
Your birth chart includes much more than your sun sign and can be explored as a tool for self-discovery.
Debra blends astrology and psychology to help people understand emotional patterns, personality traits, and life lessons.
Saturn return is associated in astrology with major periods of change, growth, and transformation.
The four elements, water, air, earth, and fire, represent different personality traits and emotional needs.
Understanding your natural tendencies can help you build greater self-acceptance and healthier relationships.
Self-awareness gives us an opportunity to recognize old patterns and make more conscious choices.
Resources from this Episode:
Debra Silverman Astrology
I Don't Believe in Astrology by Debra Silverman
The Missing Element by Debra Silverman
Applied Astrology School
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Episode Summary
Today, I'm breaking down narcissism, narcissistic traits, and how to understand this topic through the lens of The Adult Chair. I talk about the difference between narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic tendencies, why narcissism exists on a spectrum, and why awareness is the key factor in whether someone can heal or change.
I also walk through some of the most common signs of narcissistic behavior, including needing the spotlight, lack of empathy, love bombing, control, abuse, and gaslighting. I explain why confusion can be a major red flag, why self-worth is the kryptonite to narcissistic dynamics, and why it is so important to have zero tolerance for emotional, psychological, or physical abuse.
We also explore where narcissistic patterns can come from, including childhood experiences where the true self is either put on a pedestal or ignored, causing a false self to develop over the true self. I share how shame lives beneath that false self, how healing requires reconnecting with emotions and the true self, and how tools like self-worth, boundaries, owning reality, and healthy apologies can help create more empowered relationships.
Key Takeaways
Narcissism exists on a spectrum, from narcissistic traits to narcissistic personality disorder.
A person with extreme narcissism will often lack the awareness or willingness to own their behavior.
Common signs include needing the spotlight, excessive self-focus, lack of empathy, love bombing, control, abuse, and gaslighting.
Confusion is one of the biggest red flags of gaslighting.
Narcissistic dynamics can slowly chip away at self-worth.
Self-worth is the kryptonite to narcissistic relationships.
Children can develop narcissistic patterns when they are put on a pedestal or emotionally neglected.
A false self can form when a child abandons their true self to stay loved, accepted, or seen.
The Adult Chair question "Is this 100% fact and truth?" can help you come back to clarity when you feel confused.
Resources from this Episode:
Free Self-Worth Course: https://theadultchair.com/self-worth 
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair® Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant

Episode Summary
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Sue Morter for a powerful conversation about bioenergetics, self-healing, embodiment, and the connection between the mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. Sue teaches at the crossroads of bioenergetics, quantum science, spirituality, human potential, self-healing, awakening, and embodiment. She explains how everything is energy, including our thoughts, emotions, and physical body, and how energy blocks can affect the way we think, feel, heal, digest, and move through life.
We also talk about the body as an instruction manual, how symptoms can be signals from the body, and how practices like breathwork, presence, self-love, and bringing our attention back to ourselves can help restore the natural flow of energy and reconnect us with who we really are.
Key Takeaways
Everything is energy, including the body, thoughts, emotions, and physical symptoms.
Bioenergetics is the study of energy as it relates to the body.
When energy is blocked, distorted, or suppressed, it can affect healing, digestion, emotions, and overall well-being.
Physical symptoms can be signals inviting us to look deeper.
The body can act as an instruction manual when we learn how to listen to it.
Our thoughts, beliefs, patterns, and early programming can influence the body.
Bringing our attention back to ourselves can help regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of inner safety.
Self-love is not just a feeling. Dr. Sue describes it as presence.
Breathwork, embodiment, and focused awareness can help energy move through the body.
Chakra work, central channel breathing, and Mula Bandha are discussed as ways to support energetic flow.
Healing is not just about fixing one symptom, but allowing the whole system to come back online.
 
Resources from this Episode:
Dr. Sue Morter's Website: https://drsuemorter.com
Morter Institute: https://drsuemorter.com/morter-institute/
The Energy Codes by Dr. Sue Morter
The Anatomy of Awakening by Dr. Sue Morter
 
MORE MICHELLE CHALFANT
Website: https://www.michellechalfant.com
Membership: The Adult Chair Collective
https://www.michellechalfant.com/collective 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themichellechalfant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMichelleChalfant
The Adult Chair® Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theadultchair
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Michellechalfant