The Healing Lounge with Marcia

Marcia Williams, LPC | Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to The Healing Lounge — the podcast where survivors of narcissistic abuse can finally exhale. Hosted by licensed therapist, author and survivor Marcia Williams, this show offers raw honesty, expert insights, and heartfelt stories to guide you from surviving to thriving. Whether you’re still in the relationship, freshly out, or rebuilding your life afterward, you’ll find the clarity, tools, and community you need here. Each week, Marcia blends her 22 years of clinical experience with the wisdom of her own 30-year marriage to a narcissist. Expect a mix of real talk, taboo conversations (yes, even the ones no one else will touch), practical strategies for healing, and inspiring guest interviews — from survivors, coaches, and loved ones impacted by abuse. The Healing Lounge is more than a podcast. It’s your safe space to reclaim your voice, rebuild your confidence, and protect your peace. Honest conversations. Expert insights. Survivor strength.

  1. 12/31/2025

    Live in The Healing Room: It's Not a "You" Problem, It's a Brain Problem

    Share your comments with Marcia "Just move on. Just let it go. Just forget about it." If breaking free from a narcissistic relationship were that simple, you'd already be done. But it's not, and there's a reason why. In this live recording from The Healing Room, I break down the hard truth about trauma bonds and why willpower alone will never be enough to break them. This isn't about weakness - it's about understanding that you're dealing with a brain problem, not a character flaw. I'm covering: Why your brain treats the relationship like an addiction (because it literally is)The neurological patterns keeping you stuck in the cycleWhy New Year's resolutions are a trap when it comes to trauma bondsThe three things you actually need: structure, community, and the right frameworkHow to stop setting yourself up for failure and start creating real changeAs someone who spent 30 years in a marriage to a narcissist and five years breaking my own trauma bond, I'm not just teaching this - I've lived it. And I'm here to walk through it with you. Join me every Monday at 7 PM EST on TikTok and Instagram for Monday Night Live in The Healing Room, where we're breaking bonds and building better lives. Free Workshop: Join me January 19th, 2026 for a 75-minute deep dive on breaking the trauma bond. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    46 min

  2. 12/29/2025

    The Strength Paradox - Why the Same Power That Keeps You In Gets You Out

    Share your comments with Marcia We've been taught that endurance equals strength. That staying means we're strong enough to handle it. But what if the very strength that kept you surviving in a narcissistic relationship is the same strength that will set you free? In this powerful episode, Marcia challenges everything you thought you knew about strength in toxic relationships. She reveals the critical difference between survival mode strength - the over-functioning, tolerance, and walking on eggshells we mistake for resilience - and true strength that chooses self-preservation over performance. Drawing from her own 30-year marriage to an overt narcissist, Marcia exposes how we get validation for "handling" difficult partners, how we confuse tolerance with resilience, and why waiting to "feel strong enough" keeps us stuck for decades. She shares the truth about rock bottom, the terrifying moment when the veil of denial lifts and you finally see what you can no longer unsee. This isn't about how to leave - it's about understanding that you already have the strength. You've been using it to survive. Now it's time to redirect that same power toward healing. Because the strength doesn't come before the doing. The strength comes IN the doing. If you've been waiting to feel strong enough, this episode will show you why that's the very thing keeping you trapped - and how to take that first scary step forward without a backup plan. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    21 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    What You're Really Addicted To and It's Not the Narcissist: Live in The Healing Room

    Share your comments with Marcia Marcia Williams, licensed therapist and narcissistic abuse recovery coach, drops another truth bomb in the Healing Room, a weekly live session on TikTok and Instagram where she pushes survivors beyond survival mode. In this episode, Marcia breaks down what survivors are actually addicted to in toxic relationships, and spoiler alert, it's not the person. In this recovery session, we explore the real addictions: solving unsolvable puzzles, familiar pain, being the fixer, drama, and the rumination loops that keep your brain hostage at 3 AM. This is about moving from victim to victor by looking inward instead of staying focused on the narcissist's behavior. Key Topics: Why your brain won't stop ruminating and how to interrupt the patternThe five things you're actually addicted to in a narcissistic relationshipWhat you're really avoiding: your own healing, grief, and responsibility for stayingThe trauma bond chemistry and why just stop thinking about them doesn't workHow peace becomes terrifying after years of chaosThe mirror effect: how the narcissist shows you your own woundsPractical exercises to break the addiction through brutal self-honestyThis session is for survivors ready to go deeper than surface-level boundary work. If you're tired of focusing on what they did and ready to examine your own choices with compassion and truth, this episode will challenge you in the best possible way. Resources mentioned: P2P Essentials seven-week program, Women's H.O.P.E. Coaching Group for those still in relationships, one-on-one coaching, and the 30-minute Peace Pocket survival toolkit at thepassagetopeace.com Join Marcia live in The Healing Room every Monday Night on TikTok and Instagram. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    28 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Uncomfortable Truth About Narcissists & Empaths

    Share your comments with Marcia In this week’s episode of The Healing Room, Marcia takes you into one of the most challenging—and liberating—conversations of your healing journey. We’ve all heard the familiar narrative: the narcissist is the villain, and the empath is the victim. But what happens when you look beneath the labels? What happens when you hold up the mirror? Marcia breaks down the uncomfortable truth that narcissists and empaths are not opposites at all—they’re two sides of the same wounded coin. One inflates to survive, the other deflates. One hides behind superiority, the other hides behind selflessness. Both are masking the same core fear: “If you see who I really am, you’ll leave.” This episode walks you through: Why empaths are magnetically drawn to narcissists—and why narcissists seek them outHow both roles develop from the same childhood woundsThe ways empaths use caretaking, self-sacrifice, and “being needed” as a maskWhy awareness—not blame—is the key to breaking the cycleThe liberation that comes when you stop performing and start honoring your own boundariesHow to reclaim your worth so you no longer attract relationships built on woundsWith raw honesty and deep compassion, Marcia shares her own story of staying in a 30–year narcissistic marriage, the role she played without realizing it, and the moment she understood the truth that set her free. If you’re ready to step out of old patterns, stop performing for love, and finally see what’s been hiding beneath your own mask—this episode is the doorway. And remember:  You are not the narcissist.  But to heal, you must understand the mirror. Join Marcia live every Monday at 7 PM EST on TikTok and IG for more real talk, more breakthroughs, and more freedom on the other side of your truth. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    31 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    From Burnout to Breakthrough: Dr. Tomi Mitchell’s Holistic Approach

    Share your comments with Marcia In this powerful episode, Marcia sits down with Dr. Tomi Mitchell — board-certified family physician, wellness and performance coach, TEDx speaker, and mental health advocate — for a raw, insightful conversation about healing from narcissistic abuse, burnout, and the patterns we inherit without even realizing it. Dr. Tomi brings her lived experience, her medical expertise, and her holistic framework to help us understand why our bodies react the way they do, why we normalize pain, and why so many survivors stay in harmful relationships far longer than they intended. Together, Marcia and Dr. Tomi pull back the curtain on the three critical relationships that shape our entire lives: The relationship we have with ourselvesThe relationships we have with our closest peopleThe relationship we have with work and societyWhen those “three legs of the stool” weaken, everything in our lives starts to wobble — our health, our peace, our identity, and our ability to function. Dr. Tomi explains how this imbalance often mimics ADHD, anxiety, depression, or burnout, and why so many survivors are misdiagnosed when the real issue is untreated trauma. You’ll hear both women share their own experiences with narcissistic abuse, identity loss, chronic stress, and the long road back to clarity. Dr. Tomi offers a compassionate but direct roadmap for reconnecting with yourself, rewriting your vision, and rebuilding your nervous system after years of survival mode. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever:  • Felt confused, foggy, or overwhelmed and didn’t know why  • Stayed in a relationship that hurt you because the unknown felt scarier  • Lost your identity to people-pleasing or perfectionism  • Experienced chronic headaches, burnout, or body symptoms you couldn’t explain  • Wondered if your ADHD symptoms were actually trauma responses  • Tried to heal yourself while still living in a toxic environment Dr. Tomi reminds us that healing is possible — but it begins with truth, vision, and the courage to face ourselves. And as Marcia shares, once we do that work, we don’t just survive… we rise, and then we go out and help others rise too. This conversation will leave you seen, understood, and empowered. If you want to learn more from Dr. Tomi or follow her work, you can find her here: The Mental Health & Wellness Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754964 Holistic Wellness Strategies: https://www.holisticwellnessstrategies.com/about Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMitchellHWS IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtomimitchell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtomimitchell/ Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    43 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    The Transformation Trilogy Part 3: How to Stop Reacting and Start Reclaiming — The P.E.A.C.E. Method™

    Share your comments with Marcia In this powerful conclusion to The Transformation Trilogy, Marcia Williams — licensed therapist, survivor, and creator of the P.E.A.C.E. Method™ — takes you beyond awareness and survival into the sacred process of transformation. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve done “all the healing work” but still find yourself reacting to triggers, replaying old wounds, or struggling to feel peace that lasts, this episode will change how you see recovery forever. Marcia breaks down her signature 5-stage healing framework, The P.E.A.C.E. Method™, designed to help survivors of narcissistic abuse move from confusion to clarity, from reactivity to regulation, and from surviving to thriving. Drawing from her own 30-year marriage to a narcissist and two decades of clinical experience, she reveals the step-by-step process that allows survivors to stop chasing closure and start creating peace from the inside out. You’ll learn how each stage — Paradigm Shift, Establishing Safety, Alchemy of Wounds, Courageous Reclamation, and Empowered Freedom — works together to restore identity, rebuild trust, and help you finally reclaim your life on your own terms. This episode is equal parts education and empowerment — grounded in truth, soaked in hope, and wrapped in Marcia’s signature mix of humor, heart, and raw honesty. In this episode, you’ll discover: The exact 5 stages of healing called The P.E.A.C.E. Method™ and how to recognize where you are in the process.Why most survivors get stuck in survival mode — and how to move forward without guilt or fear.The science of safety and why structure is essential for emotional freedom.How to transform pain into power through emotional alchemy and self-compassion.Practical journaling prompts to help you begin reclaiming your peace today.Reflection Prompts: Which stage of the P.E.A.C.E. Method™ am I in right now? (Go to thepassagetopeace.com and take a free quiz!)What does emotional safety feel like for me today?What truth am I finally ready to face and release?What decision can I make today that honors the person I’m becoming?Call to Action: Journal through today’s prompts, share your reflections with Marcia on social media, and join the next cohort of P2P Essentials to walk the P.E.A.C.E. Method™ step-by-step with a community that gets it. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    33 min

  7. 11/29/2025

    Healing After Her: A Man’s Journey from a Narcissistic Marriage to Peace

    Share your comments with Marcia In this powerful and deeply moving episode of The Healing Lounge, Marcia sits down with a man who bravely shares his story of surviving a narcissistic marriage — and finding peace on the other side. For his family’s privacy, he remains anonymous. But his voice carries the wisdom, faith, and insight of a man who has walked through emotional and spiritual warfare and come out grounded, healed, and free. He opens up about the childhood wounds that shaped his self-worth, the painful awakening that revealed the truth about his marriage, and the stillness that God required before restoration began. Through radical accountability, grace, and spiritual growth, he learned to co-parent peacefully and rebuild his identity as a father, man, and believer. This is not just a story about survival — it’s a story about transformation. About choosing healing over bitterness, surrender over control, and peace over pride. Whether you’re in the process of leaving a narcissistic relationship or rebuilding your life afterward, this episode will give you hope that freedom and forgiveness are possible — no matter how deep the pain runs. You’ll Learn: The hidden signs of emotional manipulation and controlWhy shame keeps men from speaking out about abuseHow faith and stillness can become a healing groundThe mindset shift that makes peaceful co-parenting possibleWhat true accountability and grace look like in recoveryResources & Support You don’t have to heal alone.  Join our survivor communities today: Women’s H.O.P.E. Group — Healing, Overcoming, Persevering, EmpoweringUnM.A.S.K. Men’s Group — Men Awakening, Surviving, and KnowingVisit www.thepassagetopeace.com and click Groups & Programs to learn more. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    45 min

  8. 11/20/2025

    Who Has Custody of Your Mind? Breaking Free From Cognitive Dissonance

    Share your comments with Marcia This episode is a live recording from The Healing Room - my weekly live event where we gather every Monday at 7 PM EST on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram to talk about healing, freedom, and breaking the cycles that keep us stuck. Today's topic: Who has custody of your mind? You left. You blocked them. So why are you STILL thinking about them constantly? Why are you second-guessing your decision? Why does it feel like you're free physically but trapped mentally? We're diving deep into the illusion of custody, cognitive dissonance after leaving a narcissist, and the exact steps you need to take to break FREE and reclaim your mind. Whether you're on day 1, day 10, or day 100 of no contact - this episode will give you the tools you need to move from leaving to TRUE freedom. In This Episode: The illusion of custody: what it means and why it mattersCognitive dissonance explained and how it keeps you controlledThe three voices competing for your attention after you leaveHow narcissists maintain mental custody (even after no contact)Practical steps to break free and take back your mindWant to join the conversation live? Find me on TikTok, Facebook, or Instagram every Monday at 7 PM EST for The Healing Room. It's a safe, sacred space where healing happens together. Support the show Get "GROOMED" Follow me on Instagram! Follow me on Tiktok! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel! Follow me on Linkden! Find me on Psychology Today! Learn more about our programs and services!

    24 min
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Healing Lounge — the podcast where survivors of narcissistic abuse can finally exhale. Hosted by licensed therapist, author and survivor Marcia Williams, this show offers raw honesty, expert insights, and heartfelt stories to guide you from surviving to thriving. Whether you’re still in the relationship, freshly out, or rebuilding your life afterward, you’ll find the clarity, tools, and community you need here. Each week, Marcia blends her 22 years of clinical experience with the wisdom of her own 30-year marriage to a narcissist. Expect a mix of real talk, taboo conversations (yes, even the ones no one else will touch), practical strategies for healing, and inspiring guest interviews — from survivors, coaches, and loved ones impacted by abuse. The Healing Lounge is more than a podcast. It’s your safe space to reclaim your voice, rebuild your confidence, and protect your peace. Honest conversations. Expert insights. Survivor strength.

Information

  • Creator
    Marcia Williams, LPC | Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Coach
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Healing Lounge with Marcia
  • Show Website
    The Healing Lounge with Marcia

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