In this solo episode, I explore the relentless inner critic - that constant, internal voice that undermines, judges, and shames. I delve into where it comes from, how it develops (especially in childhood), and what function it might have served. Most importantly, I share practical ways to challenge, quiet, and reduce its power so you can start relating to yourself with more compassion and clarity.BEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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50:42
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50:42
7. 'The Cult of Family' with Daniella Mestyanek Young
The Cult of Family explores the reality of growing up in a narcissistic system that demands silence, obedience, and self-erasure.In this episode, I sit down with Daniella, a scholar of cults, extreme groups and extremely bad leadership, who also brings her own lived experience of being raised in a cult. Together, we unpack the unsettling parallels between cults and narcissistic families; the control, the domination, the rigid rules, how perception is distorted, and how identity is supressed in the name of loyalty and “love.”But this conversation goes deeper than the system, it asks; What happens after you leave?We discuss the lasting psychological impact, how these environments stunt development and self-trust, and what it really takes to heal. We explore the blocks that so often emerge in recovery, shame, confusion, disconnection, and how to start rebuilding a self that was never allowed to fully form.This conversation is for anyone who’s broken free, or is beginning to, and is asking: What now?Click here to follow Daniella on TikTokClick here to follow Daniella on InstagramBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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47:56
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47:56
6. 'Never Enough' with Claire Fealy
Exploring the Fear beneath Perfectionism and High AchievementIn this deep dive, Podcast Host & Mindset Coach Claire Fealy joins me to unpack the fear that hides beneath high achievement and perfectionism, and how we can begin to heal what's really driving it. We identify the inner critc and discuss the hidden beliefs driving our anxiety, how fear often masks deeper emotional wounds, and what it really takes to move past survival mode and step into a more intentional life, especially for those of us who grew up in dysfunctional or emotionally unsafe environments. Find Claire on InstagramBEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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55:23
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55:23
5. Empathy Without Enmeshment
If you grew up in a narcissistic or emotionally chaotic household, chances are you were taught to feel for others, but not for yourself. In this episode, we’re unpacking what empathy actually is, why it often gets distorted in dysfunctional families, and how to reclaim it as something healthy, mutual, and safe.We explore the three different types of empathy, how it becomes weaponised or used against you in toxic dynamics, and why so many survivors struggle with people-pleasing, guilt, and emotional burnout. This isn’t about turning off your empathy, it’s about practising discernment in who you give your empathy to, and learning to turn it back toward yourself.BEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
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28:52
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28:52
4. The Invisible Wounds of Childhood
In this solo episode, I'm exploring the invisible wounds that form in childhood when you're raised in dysfunctional or narcissistic family systems — ranging from hyper-dependence to hyper-independence — and how these patterns follow us into adulthood. I’ll also talk about the roots of these behaviours, including parentification and unhealthy parental dynamics, and offer ways to begin challenging these conditioned responses without becoming overwhelmed. Tune in to recognise if you’re still in survival mode, or to reflect on how far you’ve already come.BEYOND SURVIVAL - The Therapy Podcast
About Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast with Katie McKenna
This Podcast is for anyone who grew up up in a dysfunctional or narcissistic family system and now finds themselves stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, anxiety or unhealthy relationships.Each episode offers real-world insight into trauma recovery, relationships, boundaries, nervous system healing and reconnecting to your true self. Whether your just starting your healing journey or looking to deepen it, you’re welcome here - just as you are
Listen to Beyond Survival - The Therapy Podcast with Katie McKenna, The Jefferson Fisher Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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