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Hi friends, it's Vanessa Rizer. I'm a licensed social worker and mental health specialist from the Tell A Therapist Psychotherapy

group. I'm guest hosting this episode of Broken Cycle Media's new

series of informational episodes, Data Points. These special episodes will include educational information and support regarding different topics that are important to our community.

Thank you so much for listening.

Narcistic abuse can be defined as physical, mental, emotional, sexual, financial, and other types of abuse by perpetrators that exhibit narcissistic or antisocial characteristics.

However, it's also important to note that many perpetrators of narcissistic abuse

do not possess a defined diagnosis of any type.

Perpetrators of narcissistic abuse often exhibit

extreme self-importance, are generally attention-seeking,

and either lack the ability or the care to understand others' perspectives or emotions.

However, under their facade of extreme self-confidence often resides an insecure self-image that is easily

disrupted by external input. Perpetrators of narcissistic abuse generally

cycle between degrading and devaluing their victims and

bombarding them with gestures of adoration. These cycles present themselves amidst love

bombing. The term love bombing actually

comes from the 1970s and the members of the unification church of the United States.

The church used the term to describe a manipulative strategy of excessive flattery, admiration, and friendly conversation to recruit members.

Other cult leaders like Jim Jones and David Kurez also used similar tactics.

In this love bombing stage, perpetrators of narcissistic abuse often express extreme interest in their victim. They also may appear

to have a lot in common with you, to share your views, values, ideas, and so on. The

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