

Mother Mayhem: For Daughters of Narcissistic or Emotionally Limited Mothers
Heather Gray, LICSW
Welcome to Mother Mayhem, the podcast for daughters of narcissistic and emotionally limited mothers. I’m Heather Gray, licensed therapist and narcissistic abuse recovery expert. If you're healing from the mother wound, emotional neglect, or childhood trauma, you’re in the right place.
Start with the first 8 episodes—they lay the foundation for your healing. Learn to understand your experience, set boundaries, and build more honest, grounded relationships. Listener questions are welcome. You’re not alone. Other daughters are here. I am, too.
Start with the first 8 episodes—they lay the foundation for your healing. Learn to understand your experience, set boundaries, and build more honest, grounded relationships. Listener questions are welcome. You’re not alone. Other daughters are here. I am, too.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
May 8, 2024 • 45min
47. From Doubt to Confidence: Navigating Chronic Anxiety After Childhood Trauma
Today, ‘Coral’ shares her story in her own words and in her own voice.
Daughters of narcissistic mothers know all too well what it is like to always second guess yourself, to not want your mother’s opinion but to also feel like you need it. It is not at all uncommon for those who’ve experienced relational trauma as kids to suffer from chronic anxiety as an adult.Coral shares her story, shares so much of her healing, and also shares the struggles she has today. Listen in and hear my thoughts, directions, and insights.

May 1, 2024 • 31min
46. Narcissistic Mother’s Day Mayhem: A Guide for Daughters
In this episode of 'Mother Mayhem,' we tackle the unique challenges faced by daughters of narcissistic mothers on and around Mother’s Day.
Learn strategies for coping, finding resilience, and fostering healing during this often triggering time.
We discuss the emotional complexities and triggers that daughters of narcissistic mothers often experience during Mother's Day.
Learn coping strategies and gain practical tips to help you all navigate the day with greater ease and self-care.

Apr 29, 2024 • 25min
This is Me. All In.
Last November, I experienced a devastating friend breakup—a story I wasn't sure I'd ever share here. After finding solace in my favorite podcast, It's Going to Be OK, I opened up to their team.
I thought the story would stay there until I shared it with a Mayhem listener and she encouraged me to let the rest of you in on it.
Then, two other listeners stumbled upon it by happenstance since I’ve recommended the podcast to all of you, a few times. They recognized me in the story and shared how meaningful they found it.
They, too, thought it belonged here.
I knew though, that I couldn't share that episode if I didn't also share my own Mayhem story with you and that's what I am doing here with all of you today.
So here I am, sharing my Mayhem story and also:
'Already Enough and… A Bit Much.', It's Going to Be OK Podcast on Apple
'Already Enough and A Bit Much on Spotify
This episode features a poem titled 'A Bit Much' by Lyndsay Rush—a piece that grabbed my heart, helped me feel seen, and ultimately helped me accept myself a little bit more.
This is Me. All In.

Apr 24, 2024 • 53min
45. The Vulnerability of Adult Friendships After Childhood Trauma
Discover the complexities of forming adult friendships after enduring childhood trauma. Learn how past experiences shape trust and communication in relationships. Explore strategies for self-awareness and setting boundaries to foster meaningful connections. The discussion emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in building healthy friendships. Gain insights into navigating emotional challenges while creating a supportive community on the healing journey.

Apr 19, 2024 • 4min
Narcissistic Mother's Day is Coming: Accepting Questions
Ready or not, Narcissistic Mother's Day is Coming.
I know this is going to be a hard day for many of you but if possible, I would like to make it less hard and help it suck a little bit less.
I am not accepting your questions which I will answer in the coming weeks over on Instagram.
You can follow me there over at DaughtersNPD.
There, you can DM me your questions and I will answer them in an upcoming reel, post, or livestream.
If you prefer, you can email me your question. My email address is: Heather@DaughtersNPD.com
If you're going to email, do put Mother's Day in the subject so I know it's for this. My inbox can get quite full, as you might imagine.
Again: Find me on Instagram
Email me: Heather@DaughtersNPD.com

Apr 17, 2024 • 34min
44. What to Say When the Narcissist Says a Narcissistic Thing
Narcissists are always going attack. That's what they do. They wouldn't be narcissists if they didn't.
You can easily feel like you are being held hostage by their narrative and that there is no "right" answer or "right" response to their nonsense.
You'll want responses at the ready and you'll want to neutralize the weapon.
Listen in to learn ways of doing both.

Apr 10, 2024 • 42min
43. Breaking the Cycle: Healing from Hurt So You Can Stop Hurting Others
Explore the journey of breaking the cycle of hurt that often stems from childhood trauma. Emily shares her courageous path toward self-awareness and accountability, recognizing how past experiences influence present behavior. The discussion emphasizes transforming pain into growth and building healthier relationships. Additionally, the importance of community support is highlighted, celebrating shared stories among women overcoming maternal narcissism and emotional neglect, fostering connection and deeper understanding.

Apr 8, 2024 • 5min
Massachusetts Listeners: Get Unstuck with My 1:1 Support
Good news for daughters in Massachusetts who are navigating your recovery journey from narcissistic abuse. With openings in my schedule, I’m now offering specialized clinical consultations designed to provide targeted support for trauma recovery.
Here is the link to purchase and schedule.
-My approach focuses on helping daughters who feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps in recovery.
-The sessions are designed to address various challenges such as setting boundaries, navigating relationships, or overcoming parenting struggles due to childhood trauma.
-Unlike traditional therapy, I’m offering a block of four sessions that can be used flexibly over a two-month period, allowing for deep dives into specific concerns or goals.
*Before signing up, you should know: My office hours are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:30 PM to 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). It is crucial that you confirm your availability during these specified times.
Link to schedule.
Questions? Email me at: Heather@DaughtersNPD.com

Apr 3, 2024 • 34min
42. Breaking Free from Fear: Strategies for Thriving Post-Narcissistic Trauma
Today we're talking about managing anxiety, fear, and dysregulation after narcissistic abuse.
Learn to navigate these challenges and find healing as you work for your emotional well-being.
Understand your anxiety and learn what you can do about it as you heal from narcissistic trauma.
Discover how to cultivate resilience, regain inner balance, and thrive in the aftermath of emotional abuse
Mentioned in this episode:
Grounding Techniques

Mar 27, 2024 • 39min
41. Growth After Narcissistic Abuse: Cultivating Self-Worth and Confidence
Today, you get to meet "Christie", in her own voice AND in her own words!
She shares her story of recovery from a narcissistic mother and enabling father and invites me to talk to her about self worth and learning how to take up space.
She also generously shares an accompanying art exhibit she offers as a reflection for her healing. You can find that in the attached Google doc.
"Christie's" Art Exhibit: This Version of Love


