My Parent Can't Really Be a Narcissist, Right?

You're Not Crazy: A Podcast for Cycle Breakers with Toxic Parents

Do you question whether your parent actually is as toxic as they feel sometimes? Then this episode is for you.

Today, I’m diving into why so many adult children of narcissistic or borderline parents minimize their trauma, second-guess themselves, and stay stuck in relationships that continue to harm them.

We’ll talk about how those temporary “good moments” with your toxic parent aren’t proof that they’re safe—they’re part of the abuse cycle. Those calm stretches after explosive fights are what keep so many of us hooked, waiting for the parent we wish we had to finally show up for good.

I also share a personal story from a full-on family meltdown in a hospital waiting room (spoiler alert: security got involved 🤦🏻‍♀️).

If you’re stuck in self-doubt and wondering whether your parent is really toxic enough to need boundaries… make sure to go take my free workshop: confidentboundaries.com/workshop. You’ll walk away with clarity, language, and tools that might just change everything for you.

Want more episodes of You're Not Crazy? Sign up for Bonus Episodes:
confidentboundaries.com/bonusepisodes

Register for my FREE workshop, Setting Boundaries with a Parent You Suspect Has Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
confidentboundaries.com/workshop

Learn more about the Confident Boundaries Membership: confidentboundaries.com/membership

Follow me on Instagram:
instagram.com/torieatconfidentboundaries

Torie Wiksell is a therapist and coach who specializes in working with the adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Torie brings a unique perspective having spent years working with clients with personality disorders and growing up with a mother she suspects had NPD with BPD traits. Torie provides online therapy to clients located in WA, OR, and CA, and online coaching internationally.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact the Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.
You're Not Crazy is a podcast owned and produced by Torie Wiksell and Confident Boundaries, LLC.

Chapters

1. My Parent Can't Really Be a Narcissist, Right? (00:00:00)

2. Welcome and Technical Update (00:00:19)

3. Boundary Setting Workshop Announcement (00:01:17)

4. What If My Parent Isn't That Bad? (00:02:29)

5. The Abuse Cycle's Honeymoon Period (00:05:08)

6. Accountability, Empathy, and Repair (00:07:00)

7. Processing Trauma and Finding Support (00:09:30)

8. Hospital Security Story (00:12:32)

9. Closing and Workshop Invitation (00:16:01)