In this episode of Recovery for the Narcissist, Dr. Eric Perry explores the quiet yet deeply damaging experience of emotional invalidation in narcissistic relationships. This episode examines how subtle forms of dismissal, deflection, and emotional withdrawal can slowly erode a partner’s sense of self—leaving them feeling confused, unseen, and emotionally alone.

Dr. Perry unpacks the psychological mechanics of emotional invalidation, highlighting how it often masquerades as logic, reason, or even care. He explains why individuals with narcissistic tendencies struggle to tolerate emotional vulnerability—and how their attempts to manage discomfort often result in silencing the people closest to them.

Listeners will learn about:

• What emotional invalidation looks like in real-life dynamics
• Why narcissistic individuals often use invalidation—consciously or unconsciously
• The difference between healthy disagreement and emotional dismissal
• How chronic invalidation distorts emotional reality and damages trust
• Practical ways to identify invalidation and begin rebuilding emotional safety

Dr. Perry offers clear and compassionate insight for both those who have experienced emotional invalidation and those who may be unintentionally causing it. Whether you’ve found yourself walking on eggshells or noticing a growing emotional distance in your relationship, this episode provides language, clarity, and hope.

Tune in to discover how emotional validation—simple acts of presence, witnessing, and non-defensive listening—can transform a relationship from emotionally unsafe to emotionally connected. Healing begins not with control or correction, but with the courage to truly hear and be heard.

Connect with Dr. Perry: https://drericperry.com

Own Your Stuff Online Coaching Group: https://drericperry.com/ownyourstuff

Empathy Awakening Workshop: https://drericperry.com/empathyawakening

Disclaimer: The content contained in this podcast is for general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not rely on the information provided for their own health needs. All specific questions should be presented to your own healthcare provider. Listening to this podcast in no way creates a professional/working relationship between the listener and the host. If at any time you have an emergency while listening, please contact your local emergency center immediately.

In this episode of Recovery for the Narcissist, Dr. Eric Perry explores the complex and often misunderstood phenomenon of mirroring in narcissistic relationships. This episode dives into how mirroring can create the illusion of deep connection—while quietly eroding authenticity, trust, and emotional intimacy.

Dr. Perry unpacks the psychological roots of mirroring, tracing it from early childhood development to its manipulative adaptation in adulthood. He explains how individuals with narcissistic tendencies often use mirroring—consciously or unconsciously—as a way to build connection, avoid rejection, and emotionally survive within relationships.

Listeners will learn about:

• The origins of mirroring and how it forms in childhood
• How narcissistic individuals use mirroring to create rapid emotional closeness
• Why mirroring feels like connection at first—but leads to disconnection over time
• The emotional toll of being mirrored instead of truly seen
• Practical steps to recognize mirroring patterns and rebuild real, honest connection

Dr. Perry offers clear and compassionate guidance for those who find themselves stuck in cycles of performative connection. Whether you have used mirroring to feel accepted or have been on the receiving end of it, this episode provides insight, validation, and a path forward.

Tune in to discover how moving from imitation to authenticity can heal your relationships—from shallow and performative to grounded and real. Through honest self-reflection and small acts of vulnerability, true intimacy becomes possible—not by becoming who someone wants you to be, but by becoming more fully yourself.

Connect with Dr. Perry: https://drericperry.com

Own Your Stuff Online Coaching Group: https://drericperry.com/ownyourstuff

Empathy Awakening Workshop: https://drericperry.com/empathyawakening

Disclaimer: The content contained in this podcast is for general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not rely on the information provided for their own health needs. All specific questions should be presented to your own healthcare provider. Listening to this podcast in no way creates a professional/working relationship between the listener and the host. If at any time you have an emergency while listening, please contact your local emergency center immediately.

In this episode of Recovery for the Narcissist, Dr. Eric Perry explores the powerful and often unnoticed phenomenon of emotional contagion—the unconscious transfer of emotions from one person to another. This episode examines how intense emotional energy can quietly move between people, disrupting connection, creating emotional overwhelm, and shaping the dynamic of a relationship—often without anyone realizing it.Dr. Perry breaks down the neuroscience and psychology behind emotional contagion, including the role of mirror neurons and the tendency to absorb others' emotional states. He explains how individuals with narcissistic traits may struggle with emotional regulation and unintentionally trigger emotional contagion through unfiltered emotional expression or emotional dumping.Listeners will learn about:• The science of emotional contagion and how it plays out in everyday relationships• How emotional dumping creates imbalance and emotional fatigue in close relationships• The difference between healthy emotional sharing and reactive offloading• Why emotional safety must be mutual, not one-sided• Practical strategies to build emotional resilience and self-soothing skillsDr. Perry offers clear and compassionate guidance on recognizing these emotional patterns, cultivating self-awareness, and shifting from emotional reactivity to relational accountability.Tune in to understand how emotional responsibility can transform your connections—from chaotic and one-sided to calm, grounded, and reciprocal. Through reflection, intention, and small moments of self-regulation, emotional maturity becomes not just possible, but profoundly healing.

Connect with Dr. Perry: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drericperry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Own Your Stuff Online Coaching Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drericperry.com/ownyourstuff⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Empathy Awakening Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drericperry.com/empathyawakening⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer: The content contained in this podcast is for general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should not rely on the information provided for their own health needs. All specific questions should be presented to your own healthcare provider. Listening to this podcast in no way creates a professional/working relationship between the listener and the host. If at any time you have an emergency while listening, please contact your local emergency center immediately.