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5 Signs You’re Dating a Covert Narcissist (and How to Break Free)

5 Signs You’re Dating a Covert Narcissist (and How to Break Free)11 Nov 20251 h 04 min

Helen Villiers, psychotherapist and narcissist expert, joins me to unpack the hidden dynamics of narcissism. From love bombing and gaslighting to the trauma bond that keeps victims trapped, we explore why it’s so hard to leave, how narcissists use empathy as a weapon, and the powerful steps to reclaiming your identity and self-worth.

Helen Villiers is a psychotherapist, coach, and author specializing in narcissism, emotional abuse, neurodivergence, and recovery. She is the co-author of the Sunday Times bestseller 'You're Not the Problem: The Impact of Narcissism and Emotional Abuse', hosts the popular podcast 'The Liberation Effect', and has been featured on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and in publications including The Independent, The Telegraph, The Mirror, and Hello! Magazine.

Follow Helen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helenvilliersma

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helenvilliersma

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helenvilliersma

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenVilliersMA/

⌚️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

04:15 - The Most Surprising Thing About Narcissism

05:50 - The Five Core Traits of Narcissism

08:53 - Narcissism: Personality Type, Disorder, or Both?