258 – Healing the Brain after Narcissistic Abuse with Dr. Rhonda Freeman
LISTEN TO THE EPISODE
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Rhonda Freeman for a powerful conversation about narcissistic abuse, trauma, neuroscience, and how the brain can heal.
We have talked a lot about narcissistic abuse and the emotional impact it can have, but in this conversation, we’re looking at what actually happens in the brain during and after an abusive relationship. Dr. Freeman is a neuropsychologist who works with patients with neurological conditions and brain trauma, and after her own experience in an abusive relationship with a narcissist, she began using her knowledge of the brain to help survivors understand what happened to them and how healing is possible.
Dr. Freeman explains how a relationship with an unhealthy person can activate the brain’s bonding system and threat system at the same time, creating a confusing and painful dynamic where you may feel attached to someone who is also hurting you. We talk about trauma bonds, the prefrontal cortex, intuition, body work, neuroplasticity, and why abuse is never the survivor’s fault.
This episode offers a hopeful look at healing after narcissistic abuse. The brain is constantly changing through new experiences, support, safety, and the right tools. No matter what you have been through, your brain and body can move back toward balance, clarity, and connection.
Key Takeaways
Narcissistic abuse can deeply affect the brain, body, nervous system, and sense of self
Experiences change the brain, including both traumatic and healing experiences
The brain will do what it needs to do to protect you
Abusive relationships can activate the bonding system and threat system at the same time
This can create a trauma bond, where you feel attached even when the relationship is unsafe
Trauma can impact the prefrontal cortex, which affects clarity, decision-making, and emotional regulation
Bonds do not always mean love
Healing often requires safe, supportive relationships and connection with others
Body work can support brain healing and help bring the nervous system back into balance
Neuroplasticity means the brain can change and heal after trauma
Intuition matters. If something feels off, it is important not to ignore it
Trauma Bond
A trauma bond is an attachment that can form when love, fear, bonding, and threat become tangled together in a relationship. In narcissistic abuse, the brain may experience connection and danger at the same time, which can make it incredibly difficult to leave or fully detach from the person causing harm.
Related Episodes
You may enjoy:
512: Narcissism Explained
296: How Self-Validation Will Change Your Life
305: How To Build Healthy Relationships
Resources from this Episode
Dr. Rhonda Freeman Website
Dr. Rhonda Freeman Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/neuroinstincts/
BrainHQ (Brain Training)
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