Navigating Narcissism: Unpacking Complex Relationships With Fauzia Faizi Shah

About this episode

The episode discusses the dynamics of narcissism and complex PTSD in the context of separation and custody cases.

Attorneys Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah J. Hink, and Tyler E. Kaestner of New Direction Family Law talk with mental health professional Fauzia Faizi Shah about complex PTSD and narcissistic personality disorder and how these dynamics commonly surface in separation, divorce, and custody cases. Shah describes narcissistic traits and tactics such as gaslighting (changing someone’s reality), love-bombing and trauma bonding, boundary violations, manipulation, isolation, strength-shaming, and the repeating abuse cycle, and explains how victims may appear depressed or use substances as coping while the narcissistic partner thrives. The conversation focuses on protecting children, who may become “performers” for narcissistic parents, and on educating judges through seasoned evaluations and parenting capacity assessments, recommending supervised visitation when appropriate, therapy for children and the targeted parent, and legal boundaries like structured communication and parenting coordinators. Shah shares that her forthcoming book and online resources address complex PTSD, neurobiology, attachment, and healing. 00:00 Kids as Performers 00:47 Podcast Introductions 01:29 Book on Complex…

People in this episode

Hosts: Elizabeth Stephenson, Sarah J. Hink, Tyler E. Kaestner

Guest: Fauzia Faizi Shah

Topics covered

• narcissism
• complex PTSD
• divorce
• custody
• mental health
• child protection
• co-parenting

Keywords

• narcissistic personality disorder
• gaslighting
• trauma bonding
• manipulation
• child custody
• supervised visitation
• mental health resources

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New Direction Family Law

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