Why is it SO Difficult to Leave a Narcissistic Relationship?

alana barlia September 15, 2024

Ever wonder why it feels so hard to break out of the relationship that you're in, despite wanting so desperately to leave? This blog post discusses the familiarity principle, a very real psychological principle that makes leaving a narcissistic relationship feel nearly impossible.

Nature, Nurture, and Choice: Understanding Your Attraction to Narcissists

alana barlia August 3, 2024

This blog post dives into nature, nurture, and empowering choices that can help you understand and break free from narcissistic relationships.

The Unraveling of a Narcissist: What Happens When the Narcissistic Supply is Lost

alana barlia January 5, 2024

This blog post will dive into the term Narcissistic Supply to give you a better sense of what that is, and what happens to a narcissist when they no longer have their supply.

Navigating the Narcissistic Storm: The Grey Rock Method

alana barlia December 23, 2023

In the complex web of human relationships, encountering difficult personalities is inevitable. One challenging personality type that many people find themselves dealing with is the narcissist. The Grey Rock method is a strategy designed to minimize the emotional response and engagement with a narcissistic individual. Read more on this method here.

A view from a rocky shoreline on an overcast day to represent viewing choppy seas as a toxic relationship.

Exploring Love Addiction in Toxic Relationships

alana barlia November 26, 2023

Your brain is in an addictive cycle of reward & punishment that is so difficult to release. And that is because of something called Intermitten Reinforcement. Read on to learn more about how our brain chemistry plays a role in our crucial relationship choices.

a close up of a field of wheat in the early morning.

Unraveling the Science Behind Our Attraction to Toxic Relationships

alana barlia November 26, 2023

Human relationships are complex webs of emotions, chemistry, and psychology. This blog post speaks to you if you find yourself drawn to toxic relationships - a cycle that is very hard to break.

a parent and child standing in the waves of an ocean at sunrise.

The Suffering Parent: An Insidious Type of Narcissism

alana barlia November 20, 2023

If you have read my blog, you know the tell-tale signs of Narcissistic Personality. But do you know the more insidious side of Narcissism? Not the type of Narcissist who screams, yells, and belittles - but the type whos suffering is so loud there is no room for you? That is the type of Narcissism we touch on in this blog post.

an ocean wave spreading out over the tan sand of a beach.

Protect Yourself: Learning to Set Boundaries With a Narcissist

alana barlia November 20, 2023

The best way to deal with the narcissist in your life? Set. Boundaries. This blog post will guide you through some necessary boundaries to set with the narcissist in your life.

looking up to the sun with tree leaves around the image edges.

Reclaiming Your Truth: A Journey to Self-Validation After Gaslighting

alana barlia November 20, 2023

Reclaiming your truth and validating yourself after being gaslit in your relationships is difficult. Read here to learn more about how to reclaim yourself through the healing journey.

The Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse

alana barlia October 12, 2023

Ever wonder why it’s so hard to break free from narcissistic relationships? In this post I dive into the cyclical nature of narcissistic abuse & why it makes it so hard to leave.

an empty wooden bench on the bank of a river or pond.

How to Spot a Narcissist - 5 Signs to Look For

alana barlia September 5, 2023

Ever wonder if somebody in your life has narcissistic personality traits? Here are 5 signs to help you spot a narcissist in your life.

a young mother and her daughter being silly and sticking their tongues out together on the streeet.

The Narcissistic Mother Wound_And How To Heal

alana barlia February 25, 2022

This post reflects on the specific treatment of daughters by narcissistic mothers. There are actionable steps that you can take if you have experienced narcissistic parenting, and this post aids in exploring some of those options.

A couple sitting on a bench looking at San Fransisco Bay and bridge viewed from behind.

My Partner is Showing Signs of a Personality Disorder: But Which One?

alana barlia September 20, 2021

Feeling unsafe in your relationship with your partner? Or wondering if they are exhibiting tendencies of a personality disorder? Here is a summarized look at the similarities and differences between Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder as it relates to intimate partner relationships.

woman giving a piggy back ride to small child up a rising road in the fall.

Narcissistic Parenting and the Cycle of Abuse Part II: The Inner Child Wound

alana barlia July 1, 2021

Years long chaos and unpredictability with a narcissistic parent will lead children to seek solace through perfectionism and codependency. Here we explore the inner-child wound that evolves through narcissistic parenting abuse.

close up of legs crossed and a woman's hand resting on top of book titled, "Parenting" by Tripp.

Narcissistic Parenting and the Cycle of Abuse: Part I

alana barlia July 1, 2021

Narcissistic Personality Disorder in a parent deeply affects children. Here I explore the cycle of abuse that ensues when a parent struggles with NPD.

A pink paper heart strung on a red and white string that is half ripped in half against black.

Tell-Tale Signs of Narcissistic Abuse, and Some Helpful Tips to Remain Safe

alana barlia February 21, 2020

Ever have the feeling you are living with a narcissist? Unsure what some of the signs of narcissistic abuse are? Read on to learn more about the tell-tale signs of narcissistic abuse.