Blogs

Explore Dr. Valerie Sussman’s blog for insights on healing, creativity, and empowerment. Find stories, inspiration, and tools to transform your life.

Spotting a Narcissist

Red Flags and Warning Signs

Making Sense of a Narcissistic Relationship

Guidance and Advice

Self-Discovery and Healing

Moving Forward

Dictionary of Terms

Knowledge is Power

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Self-Discovery and Healing

5 min 9 sec

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Knowledge is Power: When it Comes to Narcissistic Abuse, What You Don’t Know Really Can Hurt You!

Narcissists are everywhere, but spotting them—especially covert narcissists—can be tricky. This post explores the importance of educating yourself about narcissistic abuse, from recognizing manipulative tactics like love bombing and gaslighting to understanding the narcissistic cycle of abuse. Learn how awareness can empower you to set boundaries, avoid toxic relationships, and reclaim your life.

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Making Sense of a Narcissistic Relationship

2 min 9 sec

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How Do I Know If I'm Being Love Bombed?

Understanding the difference between love bombing and a healthy honeymoon phase is crucial for safeguarding your emotional well-being. This blog explores the telltale signs of love bombing, including overwhelming intensity, rapid progression, and a bait-and-switch dynamic, while offering practical tips to avoid falling for these manipulative tactics.

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Self-Discovery and Healing

4 min 36 sec

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Getting Unstuck

Feeling lost or stuck in life? This inspiring story explores how embracing uncertainty and trying new things can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. Through creative exploration and a willingness to “throw five things against the wall,” the author shares a transformative journey from heartbreak and confusion to a fulfilling, vibrant life.

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Making Sense of a Narcissistic Relationship

2 min 53 sec

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Finding Closure After a Narcissistic Relationship: The Gift You Give Yourself

The end of a narcissistic relationship often leaves you shattered and searching for closure. This post explores why closure in a narcissistic relationship is rare and offers practical tips for creating closure yourself. Learn how to heal, rebuild, and find new opportunities for growth and happiness.

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Spotting a Narcissis

3 min

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Can a Narcissist Change?

Can a narcissist change? This blog explores the five key reasons why lasting change is rare in narcissists, offering insights to help you make informed decisions. Learn why self-awareness, motivation, and sustained effort are critical yet unlikely in narcissistic partners. Discover how to protect your emotional well-being, prioritize your healing, and redirect your energy toward building a life that truly fulfills you.

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Self-Discovery and Healing

4 min 29 sec

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Building a Better Brain: "Taking in the Good"

Discover why our brains are wired to focus on negativity and how you can harness the power of neuroplasticity to shift towards positivity and resilience. In this blog, learn about Rick Hanson’s “Taking in the Good” technique—a simple, practical tool to rewire your brain for greater happiness and emotional strength. Explore actionable steps to notice, savor, and absorb positive experiences, creating a mental reservoir to help you navigate life’s challenges with balance and confidence.

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Self-Discovery and Healing

2 minutes 51 seconds

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Cocooning: Turning Inward to Heal from Narcissistic Abuse

Life can feel overwhelming after experiencing the emotional toll of narcissistic abuse. This blog explores the concept of “cocooning” as a powerful healing strategy—a temporary retreat to focus on self-care, rediscover your identity, and rebuild your emotional strength. Ready to reclaim your wings? Dive in to learn how cocooning can help you emerge stronger and ready to embrace life anew.

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Making Sense of a Narcissistic Relationship

3 min

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It Doesn't Get Better | Life With a Narcissist

This post explores the frustrations of narcissistic relationships, comparing narcissists to turnips—unresponsive and incapable of providing emotional sustenance. From their lack of empathy to the myth of transformation, discover why it’s impossible to get the love you deserve from a narcissist. Learn how to prioritize your well-being and break free.

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Making Sense of a Narcissistic Relationship, Spotting a Narcissist

4 min 27 sec

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Love at Harms Length | 12 Signs of a Toxic Narcissistic Relationship

Do you feel confused, stuck, and depleted in your relationship? This blog explores the red flags of narcissistic relationships, including manipulation, gaslighting, and boundary violations. Learn to identify toxic patterns, protect yourself, and seek the support you deserve. Remember: things don’t get better—they only get worse.

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Self-Discovery and Healing

4 min

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Doctor's Recommendations for Healing after Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic relationships are emotionally abusive, draining, and damaging to our psyches, our bodies, and our spirits. If you've been in a narcissistic relationship, it's a safe bet you've got some healing—and some rebuilding—to do.‍You've been through the pains, now it's time for the gains.‍ Following are a few of my favorite suggestions. They're doctor-recommended. (Because, hey, I'm a doctor and I recommend them.) I've used them all. They work.

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