Are You Wired to Love a Narcissist? with Michelle Roberts PhD

Have you ever found yourself in a relationship with a narcissist? Or maybe you were raised by one? Whatever the relationship might be, there’s a chance that it’s left a neurological impact on that is going untreated. In today’s episode, we’re joined by Michelle Roberts, investigative journalist turned psychotherapist, who specializes in narcissism. Michelle’s work helps to unravel the mysteries behind why some women are attracted to narcissists, the toll it takes on our emotional well-being, and most importantly, the path to healing. Join Erin and Michelle as they provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of relational trauma and actionable ways to treat it so that we can live our best lives. We discuss: Defining narcissism and the different ways in which it manifests on a spectrum How the “mask of normalcy” often shrouds narcissists until it’s too late The strong correlation between childhood trauma and attraction to narcissistic partners Understanding Complex PTSD (CPTSD) from relational trauma and its symptoms Exploring trauma responses through the lens of the four Fs: Fight, flight, freeze, and fawn Treating trauma through attachment-focused EMDR and psilocybin therapy OUR GUEST: Michelle Roberts, journalist, psychotherapist, and professor, specializes in helping women understand the impact of past trauma on their present relationships. With over 25 years of experience, she is a leading expert in relational trauma and narcissistic abuse. Michelle holds a doctorate in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Missouri in St. Louis where she teaches psychopathology and diagnosis. She has served as executive director of Bravely, a program aiding women with trauma and addiction recovery, and authored books on mental health management. Michelle contributes insights on dark personalities to the Oxygen network's Mastermind of Murder and has presented her research on empathy at the American Psychological Association. Want more Michelle? Find her therapy practice online at www.michellerobertsphd.com and psychedelic-assisted therapy at www.drmichelleroberts.com. Follow her on: Instagram: @drmichelleroberts Facebook: @RelationalTraumaRecovery Want more Hotter Than Ever? Subscribe to the Hotter Than Ever Substack to dive deeper, and find episode transcripts online at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on: Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod Youtube: @hotterthaneverpod Facebook: @hotterthaneverpod We’d love to hear what you think about the show - tell us what stories are resonating with you by writing us a review on Apple Podcasts. If you’re enjoying the show, consider supporting us! It’s as simple as buying us a coffee! Want advice about some aspect of your life over 40?  DM us on IG  @hotterthaneverpod or text/leave a voicemail on the Hotter Than Ever Hottie Hotline at (323) 844-2303 and your question could end up on the show!