Begin Again with Davina McCall

Narcissism Expert: What Gaslighting Really Looks Like & Why It’s So Hard To Leave!

2026-05-21

Narcissism doesn’t just damage relationships, it can make you lose trust in yourself. In this episode of Begin Again, psychotherapist and narcissism expert Kathleen Saxton joins Davina to explain what narcissism really is, how gaslighting works, and why the damage can be so hard to recognise when you are still inside it. Kathleen breaks down the hidden patterns of narcissistic relationships: the charm, confusion, silent treatment, public/private switch, and the slow erosion of your co...

Narcissism doesn’t just damage relationships, it can make you lose trust in yourself.

In this episode of Begin Again, psychotherapist and narcissism expert Kathleen Saxton joins Davina to explain what narcissism really is, how gaslighting works, and why the damage can be so hard to recognise when you are still inside it.

Kathleen breaks down the hidden patterns of narcissistic relationships: the charm, confusion, silent treatment, public/private switch, and the slow erosion of your confidence.

Davina and Kathleen also explore narcissistic parents, trauma bonds, why leaving can feel impossible, and how growing up around narcissism can make you lose sight of who you really are.

At its heart, this is a conversation about gaslighting, self-doubt, identity, and the long journey back to trusting yourself again.

Kathleen Saxton reminds us that beginning again after narcissistic abuse is not about becoming harder. It is about finally learning to believe yourself.

🌟 Follow for more honest conversations about identity, growth, and beginning again.

Buy 'My Parent the Peacock': https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parent-Peacock-Discovery-Narcissistic-Parenting/dp/1399822594

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(00:00) Intro

(02:07) What Is A Narcissist?

(09:26) Identifying A Narcissist

(15:48) The Different Types Of Narcissists

(21:57) How Narcissistic Parents Affect Their Children

(30:08) What Is Gaslighting? Narcissism In Relationships