EPISODE · Apr 23, 2026 · 42 MIN
Survival Guide for Narcissistic Divorce and High-Conflict Custody
from Kelly Oliver Dougall · host Kelly Oliver Dougall
Are you dealing with a high-conflict divorce or a narcissistic co-parent?In this episode, Kelly Oliver Dougall sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. David Marcus, who has spent over 40 years helping families under extreme stress. Dr. Marcus pulls back the curtain on how narcissistic parents operate in the courtroom and, more importantly, how their behaviour forces children into roles (like the pleaser or mediator) that prevent them from developing their true selves.In this interview, we discuss:The Narcissistic Window: Why they draw you in only to push you away.The Child's Burden: Why kids take on the Not Me role to keep their parents okay.Courtroom Reality: Why traditional therapy often fails with narcissists and why Dr. Marcus insisted on having teeth in the legal system.The Empty Depression: How childhood roles impact adult relationships.Parent Rx: Strategies for communication and becoming a "soothing presence" for your children.Connect with Dr. David Marcus:Website: parentrx.orgBook: Parent RX: Prescriptive Wisdom, Tips and Strategies for Communication with Your ChildEmail: [email protected] the 4 F's Survival Toolkit for free now https://kellyoliverdougall.co.uk/youre-not-a-bigot-youre-grieving/I help women work through the issues I talk about on my channel through my counselling private practice.You can book a free consultation with me at kellyoliverdougall.co.uk/counselling
What this episode covers
Are you dealing with a high-conflict divorce or a narcissistic co-parent?In this episode, Kelly Oliver Dougall sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. David Marcus, who has spent over 40 years helping families under extreme stress. Dr. Marcus pulls back the curtain on how narcissistic parents operate in the courtroom and, more importantly, how their behaviour forces children into roles (like the pleaser or mediator) that prevent them from developing their true selves.In this interview, we discuss:The Narcissistic Window: Why they draw you in only to push you away.The Child's Burden: Why kids take on the Not Me role to keep their parents okay.Courtroom Reality: Why traditional therapy often fails with narcissists and why Dr. Marcus insisted on having teeth in the legal system.The Empty Depression: How childhood roles impact adult relationships.Parent Rx: Strategies for communication and becoming a "soothing presence" for your children.Connect with Dr. David Marcus:Website: parentrx.orgBook: Parent RX: Prescriptive Wisdom, Tips and Strategies for Communication with Your ChildEmail: [email protected] the 4 F's Survival Toolkit for free now https://kellyoliverdougall.co.uk/youre-not-a-bigot-youre-grieving/I help women work through the issues I talk about on my channel through my counselling private practice.You can book a free consultation with me at kellyoliverdougall.co.uk/counselling
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Survival Guide for Narcissistic Divorce and High-Conflict Custody
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