About this episode
If you’ve ever found yourself deep in Google searches trying to work out whether your ex is a covert narcissist, a malignant narcissist, or something in between… this episode is for you.Because here’s the truth:Understanding “narcissism” won’t help you protect your children.Understanding coercive control will.In this episode, Danielle Black explains why protective parents get stuck in the narcissism rabbit hole - and how it can keep them overwhelmed, confused, and focused on the wrong problem.You’ll learn:Why terms like “narcissist,” “covert,” “grey rock,” and “yellow rock” can keep you stuck, and reactive, instead of strategicWhy the family law system doesn’t care about personality labels - and what it does care aboutThe key differences between narcissistic traits and pattern-based coercive controlWhy identifying patterns of behaviour matters far more than diagnosing the personWhat you should be tracking insteadHow to shift from chaos → clarity, and from labels → evidenceIf you’re exhausted from trying to decode their personality, stop.The problem isn’t who they are - it’s what they do, the pattern, and the harm it causes your children.This episode gives you the lens professionals actually respond to - and the one that puts you back in your power.If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now - good. It means your instincts are working.But instinct isn’t enough if you're navigating the court system with a controlling co-parent. You need structure, strategy, and language.That’s what the Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint gives you.And starting Friday 28 November 2025, you can get:$300 off4 months of AI Danielle to support you 24/7Take advantage of this special offer.Your future self will thank you.More information about the blueprint: https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com.au/the-post-separation-parenting-blueprint-1The music you hear in this outro is 'Calm is Credible' - an original track created exclusively for the Post-Separation Abuse Podcast and Danielle Black Coaching. You can listen and download this track via the Danielle Black Coaching website, in our 'free resources' area.About Danielle Black Coaching:Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia. With over twenty years’ experience across education, counselling and coaching - alongside her own lived experience navigating a complex separation and family court journey - she supports parents to think strategically, build capacity, and protect their childr
