You're Not Crazy: A Podcast for the Adult Children of Parents with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders
Torie Wiksell
Psychotherapist and Coach, Torie Wiksell, is no stranger to talking about challenging and dysfunctional family dynamics. In addition to specializing in working ...
Trusting your own intuition can feel impossible when you grew up with a parent who has borderline or narcissistic personality disorder. Many of us were conditioned to override our gut feelings just to keep the peace—making it harder to make confident, healthy decisions as adults. But self-trust isn’t lost forever. With time, consistency, and the right tools, you can rebuild it and start making choices that truly align with your values.In this episode, I’m diving into: ✔ How BPD/NPD parents train us to ignore our instincts to keep them happy ✔ Why we tolerate toxic behavior more than other people do—and how to break that cycle ✔ The power of cost-benefit analysis to weigh both action and inaction ✔ Why identifying your top 10 personal values is a game-changer for decision-making ✔ How self-trust is built over time (small, consistent steps really matter) ✔ The trap of black-and-white thinking—and why you don’t need 100% certainty to move forwardDo you love the podcast? Become a sponsor and help us grow:confidentboundaries.com/become-a-sponsor-of-the-you-re-not-crazy-podcastLove the show? Become a sponsor and help us grow:confidentboundaries.com/become-a-sponsor-of-the-you-re-not-crazy-podcast Register for my free workshop, How to Set Boundaries with a BPD or NPD Parent: confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshop Learn more about the Confident Boundaries Online Community: confidentboundaries.com/join Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
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22:19
Signs You Need Better Boundaries with Your Parent
Struggling to set boundaries with a parent who has borderline or narcissistic personality disorder? In this episode of You're Not Crazy, I break down five key signs that you need stronger boundaries—and share practical strategies to help you establish them.If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to rethink your boundaries: ✔️ You feel completely drained after interacting with your parent—or even just thinking about them. ✔️ You’re constantly walking on eggshells, afraid of triggering an emotional meltdown. ✔️ You keep getting sucked into their chaos and drama (even when you try to stay out of it). ✔️ You avoid setting boundaries because you’re scared of rejection or abandonment. ✔️ Your parent interferes with your relationship and disrupts your peace.Want step-by-step guidance on how to set and enforce boundaries with a BPD or NPD parent? Join me for my live workshop, How to Set Boundaries with a BPD or NPD Parent! Register now at confidentboundaries.com/boundaries-workshop and get my Boundaries Cheatsheet—with 9 scripts for enforcing boundaries with a BPD or NPD parent just for showing up and hanging out! Can’t make it live? Sign up anyway, and I’ll send you the recording!Love the show? Become a sponsor and help us grow:confidentboundaries.com/become-a-sponsor-of-the-you-re-not-crazy-podcast Register for my free workshop, How to Set Boundaries with a BPD or NPD Parent: confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshop Learn more about the Confident Boundaries Online Community: confidentboundaries.com/join Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
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15:19
One Year of Confident Boundaries: What I've Learned About Coaching, Community, and Growth
After a year of running Confident Boundaries alongside my therapy practice, I’m reflecting on the journey—what worked, what didn’t, and how I’ve evolved my approach to supporting adult children of BPD and NPD parents.Expanding beyond therapy has allowed me to help more people through coaching, community, and this podcast. And, in this episode I share: ✔️ Why I created the Confident Boundaries umbrella (way before the online community)✔️ How I've been able to bridge the gap for those who couldn’t work with me in therapy ✔️ My initial resistance to coaching (and what changed my mind) ✔️ My decision to eliminate YouTube video recordings and the reason whyIf you’re struggling with setting boundaries with a BPD or NPD parent, make sure to join my free workshop by registering at confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshop. I'll show you how to frame boundaries with BPD and NPD parents effectively, manage guilt and anxiety so they no longer stop you, and enforce boundaries when your parent pushes back (because obviously they will).Love the show? Become a sponsor and help us grow:confidentboundaries.com/become-a-sponsor-of-the-you-re-not-crazy-podcast Register for my free workshop, How to Set Boundaries with a BPD or NPD Parent: confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshop Learn more about the Confident Boundaries Online Community: confidentboundaries.com/join Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
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34:18
When Your Toxic Parent Becomes a Grandparent to Your Kids
As the adult children of a parent with narcissistic or borderline personality disorder, becoming parents ourselves brings up a whole new set of challenges—especially when it comes to navigating the grandparent-grandchild relationship. In this episode, I dive into the emotional complexities of setting boundaries with toxic parents while trying to break dysfunctional patterns for our kids.I’ll cover:→ How to handle difficult conversations with your children about going no contact→ The impact of a toxic grandparent’s behavior on your kids—and what to watch for→ Why your parent might not be the amazing grandparent you think they areAnd, if you're struggling with setting (and keeping) boundaries, don’t miss my upcoming FREE Workshop! Register now at confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshopLove the show? Become a sponsor and help us grow:confidentboundaries.com/become-a-sponsor-of-the-you-re-not-crazy-podcast Register for my free workshop, How to Set Boundaries with a BPD or NPD Parent: confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshop Learn more about the Confident Boundaries Online Community: confidentboundaries.com/join Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
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23:31
Adulting is Hard: Breaking the Cycle & Filling in the Gaps
Growing up with a parent who has borderline personality disorder (BPD) or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can have lasting emotional and practical impacts—some of which often go overlooked.In this episode, we dive into the challenges adult children of BPD/NPD parents face when it comes to "adulting" and why self-compassion is key.Listen to hear my thoughts about:✔️ How being raised by a BPD/NPD parent can impact how equipped you are to navigate the adult world✔️ Why many adult children struggle with adulting tasks—and how to forgive yourself✔️ Dealing with feelings of shame and embarrassment about feeling behind some of your friends and peers✔️ Practical strategies for building confidence and filling in the gaps✔️ PLUS I talk a bit about the role of gaslighting and where most people I work with get stuck🌟 Love the Podcast?If this episode resonates with you, please rate the podcast five stars and leave a review—it truly helps others find our show! Join the Community: confidentboundaries.com/joinSchedule a Therapy Consultation: toriewikselltherapy.com/scheduleLove the show? Become a sponsor and help us grow:confidentboundaries.com/become-a-sponsor-of-the-you-re-not-crazy-podcast Register for my free workshop, How to Set Boundaries with a BPD or NPD Parent: confidentboundaries.com/boundariesworkshop Learn more about the Confident Boundaries Online Community: confidentboundaries.com/join Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
About You're Not Crazy: A Podcast for the Adult Children of Parents with Borderline and Narcissistic Personality Disorders
Psychotherapist and Coach, Torie Wiksell, is no stranger to talking about challenging and dysfunctional family dynamics. In addition to specializing in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders as both a therapist and coach, Torie grew up with a mother who had an unmanaged personality disorder.Torie has spent a significant portion of her 12 year career as a therapist working with clients with personality disorders, their partners, and family members, and brings a unique and relatable perspective to navigating these complicated relationships.Follow Torie on Instagram: instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundariesLearn more about Coaching and the Confident Boundaries Online Community at www.confidentboundaries.comDisclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.
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