Narcissism Expert: What Gaslighting Really Looks Like & Why It’s So Hard To Leave!

Begin Again with Davina McCall

FlightStory

Mental Health, Education, Society & Culture, Self-improvement, Health & Fitness

4.6 • 971 Ratings

🗓️ 21 May 2026

⏱️ 77 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Narcissism doesn’t just damage relationships, it can make you lose trust in yourself. In this episode of Begin Again, psychotherapist and narcissism expert Kathleen Saxton joins Davina to explain what narcissism really is, how gaslighting works, and why the damage can be so hard to recognise when you are still inside it. Kathleen breaks down the hidden patterns of narcissistic relationships: the charm, confusion, silent treatment, public/private switch, and the slow erosion of your confidence. Davina and Kathleen also explore narcissistic parents, trauma bonds, why leaving can feel impossible, and how growing up around narcissism can make you lose sight of who you really are. At its heart, this is a conversation about gaslighting, self-doubt, identity, and the long journey back to trusting yourself again. Kathleen Saxton reminds us that beginning again after narcissistic abuse is not about becoming harder. It is about finally learning to believe yourself. 🌟 Follow for more honest conversations about identity, growth, and beginning again. Buy 'My Parent the Peacock': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parent-Peacock-Discovery-Narcissistic-Parenting/dp/1399822594 Follow us here: 📸 www.instagram.com/beginagain 🎥 https://www.tiktok.com/@beginagainpod ✨Follow Kathleen: https://www.instagram.com/clinicwithk/ ✨Sign up for the Begin Again newsletter for all your behind the scenes access, recommendations and much much more at: https://linkly.link/2g2xm (00:00) Intro (02:07) What Is A Narcissist? (09:26) Identifying A Narcissist (15:48) The Different Types Of Narcissists (21:57) How Narcissistic Parents Affect Their Children (30:08) What Is Gaslighting? Narcissism In Relationships (34:18) Shopify Ad (35:19) Why Some People Are Attracted To Narcissists (43:47) Why It’s So Hard To Leave A Narcissistic Relationship (53:15) Narcissism In Kids (01:03:29) Why People Go Back To Narcissists (01:06:04) Narcissism In The Workplace Sponsored by: Shopify - https://www.shopify.com/uk for £1 a month trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Attention all passengers.
0:04.0	The Uber ride for Jeff's rugby team will depart in five minutes from Platform 15.
0:10.0	Your ride comes with six toilets and a refreshments carriage that you'll empty within five minutes.
0:16.0	Thank you for booking your tickets on Uber.
0:19.0	Trains on Uber.
0:22.0	When was the last time you stopped and listened to your body?
0:25.3	Here's a Holland and Barrett ad break to do just that.
0:28.8	Go on.
0:29.9	Tune into your body's energy levels.
0:32.7	Is your brain struggling to focus?
0:35.0	Are you about to let out a midday on?
0:39.5	Or is your body crying out saying, You've got to focus. Are you about to let out a midday yawn? Or is your body crying out saying,
0:49.2	You've got to show me love. We know what your body's asking for. In store online on the app.
0:56.1	Back Your Body, Holland and Barrett. Changes in sexual performance are more common than most people realise, and support doesn't need to feel awkward. With MedExpress, everything happens privately online. Start by completing
1:02.0	a short consultation reviewed by UK registered clinicians. If eligible, treatment is delivered
1:07.1	discreetly to your home, with ongoing support whenever you need it.
1:11.9	You're not alone in this.
1:15.8	Visit medexpress.co.com.uk slash podcast to learn more.
1:18.9	Being in a narcissist relationship, it's as strong as heroin addiction.
1:21.3	The damage they can do can last a lifetime.
1:26.3	Kathleen, you are a psychotherapist and you specialize in narcissism.
1:29.0	I'd love to talk to you about how narcissists can affect our work lives, our relationships, our friendships. I lived it and recovered it. Things like
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