Tag: #narcissism

Narcissism refers to a personality trait characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. It is one of the traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), which is a specific personality disorder outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

The Psychology of the Lifestyle Predator: When Charm Masks Dependency

By Linda C. J. Turner | Trauma Therapist & Neuroscience Practitioner© LindaCJTurner.com They don’t come with a warning label.They arrive charming, engaging, even slightly wounded — speaking of deep values, simplicity, “authentic living.” They seem low-maintenance, emotionally aware, perhaps even spiritual. But beneath the surface lies a driving agenda: survival through someone else’s stability. They are… Read More The Psychology of the Lifestyle Predator: When Charm Masks Dependency

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💣 Common Tactics During Divorce & Property Division

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner

When you’re divorcing someone who has been financially or physically abusive, the process often becomes an extension of the control and intimidation that existed in the relationship. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare emotionally, legally, and strategically. Here’s a trauma-informed breakdown of common divorce tactics used by abusers, followed by practical ways to protect yourself.… Read More 💣 Common Tactics During Divorce & Property Division

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Playing cruel games

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner © 2025 Linda Carol Turner. Content protected by copyright.
Reproduction or redistribution in any form requires prior written permission from the author.
When quoting or referencing, please cite: Linda Carol Turner, Psychology & Neuroscience Insights.

When someone deliberately plays cruel games with a person who’s already survived horrific trauma, it’s not “just relationship drama.” It’s psychological harm that exploits vulnerability and the brain’s attachment systems. Below I explain the types of people who do this, the neuroscience and psychology behind it, concrete behavioral examples, the typical impact on trauma survivors, and practical… Read More Playing cruel games

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🧩 1. Psychological and Personality Traits of Abusers Who Kill

When intimate-partner violence escalates into homicide, it usually involves a predictable combination of personality traits, psychological dynamics, and neural patterns linked to control, fear, and rage. Let’s unpack this from three lenses: psychology, motivation, and neuroscience 👇 🧩 1. Psychological and Personality Traits of Abusers Who Kill Not all abusers who kill share the same personality type, but research shows clear patterns.… Read More 🧩 1. Psychological and Personality Traits of Abusers Who Kill

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“The Psychology of Projection: When the Real Controller Says ‘They’re Trying to Control You’”

You heard it over and over:“They’re trying to control you.”Your family. Your friends. Anyone who cared about you —he cast them all as the enemy. But in truth, it was never them.It was him. Psychologically, this is a classic tactic of projection — one of the most common defense mechanisms in controlling or narcissistic personalities.Projection happens when a person… Read More “The Psychology of Projection: When the Real Controller Says ‘They’re Trying to Control You’”

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“When They Never Come: The Psychology of Avoiding What You Love”

Moraira.Perth, Australia.Bournemouth.Puerto Banús.The places your daughter and grandchildren lived.The places filled with laughter, warmth, and belonging. And he never came.Not once. Not to visit. Not to share a meal, a beach, a moment.Always an excuse — too hot, too far, too boring, too Benidorm. It speaks volumes. Because in psychology, avoidance is rarely about disinterest — it’s… Read More “When They Never Come: The Psychology of Avoiding What You Love”

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“When the Abuser Moves to Your Dream: The Psychology Behind Suddenly Wanting Moraira”

There’s a certain kind of cruelty that isn’t loud — it’s symbolic.Ten years ago, Moraira was your dream: sunshine, family, peace.He never wanted to come. He criticized Spain — too hot, too tacky, too Benidorm.He dismissed your joy because it wasn’t his. But now, suddenly, it’s his place.He visits, settles, even claims it as though the dream was always… Read More “When the Abuser Moves to Your Dream: The Psychology Behind Suddenly Wanting Moraira”

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🧠 Psychological Name: Defensive Posturing or Dominance Display

In psychology, the closest formal terms are: 1. Defensive Posturing A nonverbal defense mechanism — the body adopts a posture that projects strength or control to protect the self from perceived threat or vulnerability.It’s rooted in the fight-or-flight response, where “fight” often looks like making oneself appear larger (both in humans and animals). In people, this can look like: Underneath, the emotion is… Read More 🧠 Psychological Name: Defensive Posturing or Dominance Display

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🔄 Why They React This Way

That reaction itself is a classic continuation of gaslighting and defensive manipulation. When someone responds with anger or dismissal after being called out, it’s often a tactic to regain control and silence you. Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface: 🔄 Why They React This Way 🚩 Typical Responses You Might Hear Notice how these don’t address the behavior—they… Read More 🔄 Why They React This Way

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🚩 Common Signs of Gaslighting

Gaslighting is one of the most subtle but destructive forms of emotional manipulation in relationships. It erodes your sense of reality, making you question your memory, perception, and even sanity. Here’s a clear breakdown so you can recognize it quickly: 🔍 What Gaslighting Is 🚩 Common Signs of Gaslighting 1. Denial of Reality 2. Trivializing Your Feelings… Read More 🚩 Common Signs of Gaslighting

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