In this episode Natalie Feinblatt, a licensed clinical psychologist, will answer five questions from our community:

How do narcissists use mirroring on their external environment to build their identity and construct a positive self-perception?

I am taking care of my narcissistic father who is 70. He is becoming less and less independent everyday and it is really bothering him. He gets so angry and abusive when anyone offers to do something for him. Why is his independence so important? Is there a narcissistic trait to blame for this?

Every time my phone rings, I am terrified that it is the ex calling to hoover me back into the relationship. I feel so powerless when he starts speaking nice to me. Why does hoovering work? I know he is abusive, why do I still fall for his tricks?

I can’t stop forgiving my father for the abuse he puts me through. I think it is called the honeymoon phase but after every time he abuses me, he takes me out to eat, pays my rent, tells me he loves me, etc. How can I escape this cycle of trauma?

Why do narcissists gaslight? Why is it so important for them to control our reality?

Natalie's main specialties are helping people heal from addictions and trauma.  A subset of her trauma work is assisting those who have been in cults, high demand groups, abusive churches, and other situations involving coercive control and/or narcissistic abuse.  Dr. Feinblatt can use EMDR and/or Brainspotting in her trauma work with clients.