Dr. Tina Paone
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drtinapaone.com
Dr. Tina Paone
@drtinapaone.com
Author, Professor, & Licensed Professional Counselor
✅ Substack- https://open.substack.com/pub/drtinapaone
✅ Website - https://www.rise-thrive-therapy.com

#NarcissisticAbuse #ParentalAlienation #EmotionalAbuse #CoersiveControl #CPTSD #HealingJourney
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Narcissists often use loaded questions or insulting remarks (bait) to drag you into a fight. Recognize it immediately and refuse to react. Don't take the hook. Starve the conflict of your attention. 🐠🚫

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #Gaslighting #SelfControl
December 21, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Shield kids from the drama. Don't leave them alone with the narcissist if you have concerns, and never allow them to be used as pawns or messengers. Their safety and peace are the top priority. 🛑❤️

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #ParentingTips #ProtectTheKids
December 20, 2025 at 4:01 PM
When things get tense, busy yourself with a task (clearing plates, getting drinks, helping in the kitchen). Offering to help others is a fantastic, innocent way to physically exit an interaction. 🧼🍽️

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #EvasionTactics #SelfPreservation
December 19, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Be extremely mindful of your alcohol intake. A clear head is your best defense against manipulation and conflict. Don't let lowered inhibitions open the door for old emotional wounds or arguments. Stay sober & strong! 💪🚫

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #SelfProtection #StayAlert
December 18, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Ever received a gift that felt more like a gut punch? 🎁🥊

I dive into the "Trojan Horse" gift—the weaponized generosity narcissists use to control and criticize. Learn how to spot the tactics and reclaim your power this season.

#NarcissticAbuse #CoersiveControl #Toxic #HealingJourney
The Gift That Hurts: How Narcissists Use “Generosity” as Control
It looks like generosity, but it feels like a gut punch. Learn how to disarm the Trojan Horse gift.
open.substack.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Control your environment by choosing where you sit. Never sit directly opposite them. Position yourself near an exit and next to a "Buffer Person" (ally) if possible. Optimize your escape route and distance! 📏🚪

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #BoundarySetting #SelfCare
December 17, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Bring a trusted ally or friend who understands the situation. Position them between you and the narcissist, or use them as an immediate conversation partner when things get tense. Safety in numbers! 🛡️

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #SupportSystem #Boundaries
December 16, 2025 at 2:01 PM
You don't have to fill awkward silences or respond to every baiting question. Sometimes, saying nothing at all is the strongest response. Don't give them material to work with. Be calm, quiet, and impenetrable. 🧘‍♀️🔇

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #BoundarySetting #InnerPeace
December 15, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Use this for all necessary communication: Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm. Keep it professional, emotionless, and factual—no room for them to twist your words or create drama. 📝🛡️

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #BIFF #Boundaries
December 14, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Stick to light, neutral subjects like food, weather, or simple pleasantries. Do not discuss personal life, politics, finances, or past conflicts. These are landmines designed to provoke a fight. Keep it shallow! 🌊🙅‍♀️

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #ConflictAvoidance #SelfProtection
December 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
If they're escalating, sometimes it's fastest to agree vaguely ("Okay," "You might be right") and physically remove yourself from the room or the event immediately. Your peace is more important than proving a point. 👋🚪

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #ConflictAvoidance #SelfCare
December 12, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The Pivot: When the conversation turns toxic or focuses on gaslighting, immediately change the subject. Talk about the weather, a neutral event, or ask a question to someone else. Refuse to engage in their drama loop. ➡️ deflect!

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #BoundarySetting #Gaslighting
December 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🛑 Don't J.A.D.E.: Justify, Argue, Defend, or Explain your decisions. The narcissist uses this to draw you into conflict and wear you down. Keep your responses short, firm, and respectful. You owe them nothing! 🛡️🤐

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney #NoJADE #Boundaries
December 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Tired of the Holiday Narcissist stealing every moment?

I explain why they become the 'VIP' and how to finally cope.

🎄 Click through for essential reading or listening!

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoersiveControl #ToxicFamilies #Psychology #MentalHealth #HealingJourney
The Holiday VIP: How Narcissists Refuse to Lift a Finger (and Expect Applause)
When one person believes they’re royalty, everyone else becomes the staff. Here’s how to reclaim your holiday peace.
open.substack.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:23 PM
When they try to provoke you, become boring and unresponsive—like a grey rock. Give short, emotionless replies. Don't take the bait! It makes you less interesting to target. 😴🧊

#NarcissisticAbuse #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney #GreyRock #Boundaries
December 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
💸 Set a strict limit on what you spend on gifts for the narcissist or for holiday expenses involving them. Do not let gifts be used as a manipulation tool. Your money is a boundary, too! 💰🛑

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 8, 2025 at 1:01 PM
💔 It's okay to mourn the family/holiday you wish you had. This grief is valid. Acknowledge the pain and let yourself feel it, then re-focus on creating new, genuine moments of joy. ✨

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 7, 2025 at 3:01 PM
🎁 Abandon the idea of a perfect holiday. The only thing you can control is your reaction. Expect disappointment, and anything less will be a bonus! Focus on small, peaceful moments with others. 📉😌

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
🗣️ You don't owe them a detailed explanation for your choices or schedule. Keep responses vague, short, and factual. "That won't work for me." is a full sentence. Avoid JADE (Justifying, Arguing, Defending, Explaining). 🤐🚫

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 5, 2025 at 3:02 PM
🛌  If you can, do not stay overnight at their house. Book a hotel/Airbnb or stay with a trusted friend. Having a neutral, safe space to retreat to is essential for your well-being. 🏨💖

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 4, 2025 at 2:02 PM
🚗 Always have your own ride! Don't rely on the narcissist to get there or leave. Control your exit strategy to avoid being trapped or held hostage by their whims. 🔑 secure your escape!

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 3, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Holidays with a narcissist are about survival, not joy. Walking on eggshells this December? 🎄

From "Main Character Syndrome" to sabotage, learn to spot the patterns and reclaim your peace. You deserve a holiday that loves you back.
#NarccisticAbuse #CoersiveControl #Toxic #KnowledgeisPower
👇
Tinsel and Tantrums: Managing the Holiday Drama
The holidays are supposed to sparkle—but for anyone who has ever navigated December with a narcissist, you know the glitter can quickly turn to glass.
open.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 1:19 PM
⏳ Limit contact to a set time (e.g., 30 mins). Go in, be pleasant, and get out! This minimizes exposure and maintains your boundaries. ⏰🏃‍♀️

#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 2, 2025 at 2:02 PM
❄️ Stop fighting reality. You can't change them. Accept the situation for what it is—no magical holiday transformation will happen. Focus your energy on managing your reactions. Protect your peace! 🛡️🧘‍♀️
#NarcissisticAbuse #Toxic #CoerciveControl #HealingJourney
December 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM
The rules change based on the narcissist's mood. 🔄 One day it's okay, the next it's a huge fight. This shifting standard keeps you confused & compliant. Stop trying to follow their chaos. 🛑

#NarcissticAbuse #ShiftingStandards #Control #CoerciveControl #Toxic #HealingJourney
November 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM