Family Therapist: The #1 Sign You Were Raised by Narcissistic Parents episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 19, 2025 · 1H 23M

Family Therapist: The #1 Sign You Were Raised by Narcissistic Parents

from The School of Greatness · host Lewis Howes

I'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!Get my new book Make Money Easy here!Most of us unknowingly live under what family therapy expert Jerry Wise calls "the family trance" – a powerful force that shapes our identity without our awareness. After 45 years helping thousands break free from dysfunctional family patterns, Jerry reveals how our adult struggles often stem from inherited emotional programming that creates a "malignant normalcy" within us. Through our conversation, he shares the revolutionary concept of self-differentiation – the courageous process of separating your true self from your family's expectations while remaining emotionally connected. When Jerry states "whatever issues I leave unresolved, who gets to resolve them? My children," I realized this might be the most transformative conversation we've had about breaking generational patterns. His profound insight that "it's never too late to have a happy childhood" offers hope to anyone trapped in cycles of criticism, people-pleasing, or emotional reactivity that originated in their family system.Get Jerry’s Free 84-Minute 'Self-Differentiation' TrainingGet more from Jerry on YouTubeIn this episode you will learn:Why criticizing yourself harshly is often your "family self" talking, not your authentic voiceHow to identify if you had narcissistic parents and what that means for your adult relationshipsThe three levels of resistance you'll face when changing family dynamics and how to overcome themWhy trying to change your parents is futile, but changing yourself transforms the entire systemThe difference between setting outer boundaries and the crucial inner boundaries needed for healingHow the "fantasy" of finally getting parental approval keeps many adults emotionally stuckWhy it's never too late to have a happy childhood through self-parenting and inner child workThe three core elements needed for lasting change: self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-differentiationFor more information go to https://www.lewishowes.com/1747For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you’ll love:Gabby Bernstein – greatness.lnk.to/1714SCJason Wilson  – greatness.lnk.to/1725SCMel Robbins – greatness.lnk.to/1710SC Get More From Lewis! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Family therapy expert Jerry Wise reveals how breaking free from "the family trance" requires self-differentiation, empowering you to heal generational trauma and reclaim your authentic self. His revolutionary insight that "it's never too late to have a happy childhood" offers powerful tools for overcoming criticism, people-pleasing, and emotional reactivity through self-awareness, self-regulation, and healthy boundaries.

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Family Therapist: The #1 Sign You Were Raised by Narcissistic Parents

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This episode was published on March 19, 2025.

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I'm going on tour! Come see The School of Greatness LIVE in person!Get my new book Make Money Easy here!Most of us unknowingly live under what family therapy expert Jerry Wise calls "the family trance" – a powerful force that shapes our identity...

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