About this episode
Break Free From the Grip of Narcissistic Control and Manipulation with Harvard-trained psychologist and author Suzanne Manser, PhD , who specializes in fostering self-acceptance and treating people with eating disorders, body image challenges, and anxiety. Plus, she has a wealth of experience supporting those dealing with depression, bipolar disorder, and complex relationship issues. Suzanne's candid and compelling memoir, titled I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother): Healing Paper Cuts, Mother Wounds , and Intergenerational Pain , serves as both a deeply personal story of transformation and a psychological guide for healing from painful parental relationships. The book empowers its readers to embrace self-acceptance and navigate the complexities of their emotional wounds, and it is complemented by Suzanne's guided journal, titled I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother): A Journal for Healing Your Mother Wound and Transforming Your Life , which helps readers, through thought-provoking prompts and questions, to uncover how their parents' self-protective behaviors inadvertently caused harm and shaped their identities, offering tools for reflection and personal growth. This is an incredibly enlightening interview filled with life-changing, healing insights, including how Suzanne’s narcissistic, alcoholic, well-meaning mom impacted her; Suzanne’s personal journey to self-acceptance; how parents deeply impact a child’s sense of self; the negative effects of intergenerational pain; Suzanne’s advice to adult children of narcissists about managing their relationships with a narcissistic parent; and more! IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUT THINGS LIKE: Suzanne’s advice to adult children of narcissists about managing their relationship with a narcissistic parent. How Suzanne’s mom impacted her childhood via “paper cuts,” lies, and disregard for her feelings. Suzanne’s personal journey to self-acceptance. How intergenerational pain affects a person’s childhood. The role validating ourselves about the pain we experienced plays in healing our childhood wounds. How a highly embarrassing event, peeing in her pants in a group Tai Kwon Do class, became a profound healing experience for Suzanne. SOME QUESTIONS IRENE ASKS DR. SUZANNE: What is narcissism, how does narcissism develop, and what are examples of classic narcissistic abuse? What are some hurtful ways your narcissistic mother impacted you? What was the personal armor you created to protect yourself against the constant possibility of rejection? How do parents deeply impact a child’s sense of self? In what transformative ways can life get better once a person starts to work on healing? Why did your mom’s death lead you to write your book I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother): Healing Paper Cuts, Mother Wounds, and Intergenerational Pain? Dr. Suzanne’s powerful online course, Healing from Your Childhood and Transforming Your Life, is designed to help you reclaim your self-worth and step into emotional freedom. Get 25% off this life-changing course using the coupon code Rebirth25 here. --- ✨ Grief & Rebirth Resources and Healing Tools ✨ Welcome to a space for finding healing modalities, inspiration, and growth. Below, you'll find some of the most important resources to help guide you through your journey. --- 💖 Get 'They Serve Bagels in Heaven' audiobook FREE on Audible when you sign up as a first-time user with our link and discover Irene's beautiful story of love, eternity, and life's cosmic significance. 📖 Get Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w 🥯 Grab Your Hard Copy of 'They Serve Bagels in Heaven' Now! 📖 Get Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/3XrE995 --- 📚 Good to the Last Drop! Embracing Your Life's Third Chapter Embrace your third chapter in life with this empowering anthology now available on Amazon or Bookshop! 📖 Get Your Copy Here: https://amzn.to/3VJgEa5 --- 🛍️ Curated Collection of Irene's Recommended Healing & Self-Care Books and Essen