Fake Love and Flying Monkeys

They act like your best friend in the meeting... and your worst nightmare behind closed doors.

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love & Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into the manipulative world of the workplace narcissist—those coworkers or bosses who charm the room and crush your confidence when no one’s watching.

Youtube channel  - https://youtube.com/@novagibson_?si=i2Bhws8AWZdn9mgY

You’ll learn how to spot the signs of narcissistic abuse at work, including gaslighting, sabotage, triangulation, and reputation-smearing—and how to protect yourself with strategies like grey rocking...

Have you been blamed for the very abuse you endured? Did the narcissist tell everyone you were the toxic one—while playing the victim themselves?

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 
In this episode,  I break down one of the most devastating tactics narcissists use after a breakup: DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) and the smear campaign. Learn how they manipulate others, twist reality, and destroy reputations—while leaving you to pick up the pieces.

(My apologies in advance for my naughty fur babies you can hear in the background.  I tried EVERYTHING to edit th...

They ghost you, block you, abuse you—then pop up like nothing ever happened. Why?
In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we unpack one of the most confusing behaviours in narcissistic abuse: when the narcissist reappears with selective amnesia and zero accountability. Whether they send a flirty text, a casual “hey,” or act like everything’s fine after days (or weeks) of cruel silence, there’s always a strategy behind it.

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

I explain exactly what this behaviour means, why it’s not love or remorse, and what you can...

What happens when the narcissist doesn’t just come after you—but starts poisoning your child’s mind against you? And worse—what happens when the court system believes it’s your fault?Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

In this raw, eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we’re diving into the heartbreaking experience of narcissistic parental alienation—when the narcissist manipulates your child and weaponises them to hurt you, isolate you, and destroy your bond.

Order my book Fake Love – Understanding and Healing from Narcissistic Abuse here 

This isn’t just messy co-parenting...

Have you ever noticed how the narcissist in your life seems to get annoyed—or even angry—when you’re finally doing well? When you’re smiling, thriving, feeling peaceful... they suddenly go cold, start a fight, or make a snarky comment that sucks the joy right out of the room?

Www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au 

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we unpack the painful truth behind why narcissists hate when you’re happy.

Narcissists feel deeply threatened by your confidence, independence, and emotional growth—because it reminds them of what they’re...

Narcissists don’t just leave you—they discard you with intent. And it’s never kind, never clean. In this powerful episode, I revea 7 of the most horrific ways narcissists discard their victims—each one designed to shock, shame, and cause maximum pain.
(More information on this available on my website www.brighteroutlookcounselling.com.au)

From cold ghosting and public humiliation, to triangulating with the new supply and recruiting flying monkeys to finish the job—this isn’t love. It’s emotional destruction disguised as a breakup.

If you’ve been discarded and feel like you’re...

What happens when your mother-in-law acts more like the jealous ex than the proud parent? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into one of the most emotionally exhausting dynamics a woman can face: navigating life with a narcissistic mother-in-law who sees you as competition—not family.

From constant criticism to controlling behaviour, narcissistic mothers-in-law often believe they hold the number one spot in their son’s heart—and anyone who threatens that position is seen as the enemy. You’ll hear real-life examples of women caught in the crossfire of toxic in-law relationships, including the subtle manipula...

Struggling with narcissistic abuse recovery as an adult child of a narcissist? Do you feel overwhelming guilt when setting boundaries with toxic parents—even when you know it’s the healthiest thing you can do?

You’re not alone.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into the emotional conditioning that narcissistic parents use over a lifetime to keep you trapped in fear, obligation, and guilt. I explore the complex reality of being one of many adult children of narcissists, where saying “no” feels wrong, loving yourself feels selfish, and healing ch...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of domestic violence, murder-suicide, and police-perpetrated abuse. Please take care while listening.

In this powerful and heartbreaking episode, Bruce Bieber joins us to share the story no parent should ever have to tell — the murder of his daughter, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy Abigail Rose Bieber, by her boyfriend and fellow deputy, Daniel Leyden, in an officer-involved domestic violence (OIDV) murder-suicide in January 2022.

Abby had planned to end the relationship during a weekend away in St. Augustine. What neither she nor her family knew was that Leyden had a prio...

Weddings should be one of the happiest days of your life—but when you have a narcissistic parent, they often become a masterclass in manipulation, guilt-tripping, and sabotage. In this episode, we’re unpacking the emotionally exhausting tactics narcissistic mothers, fathers, or in-laws use to hijack your big day and make it all about them.

From passive-aggressive comments during the engagement, to dress code drama, unsolicited planning control, and even last-minute emotional meltdowns—this episode explores the subtle and not-so-subtle ways narcissistic parents attempt to stay centre stage. We’ll also dive into how they use weddings to maint...

Ever been accused of cheating by a narcissist — even when you’ve been nothing but loyal? This episode dives into one of their most toxic manipulation tactics: projection.

We explore why narcissists often blame their partners for cheating while they’re the ones actually betraying the relationship. This behaviour is deeply confusing and emotionally exhausting, often leaving victims in a cycle of denial, guilt, and over-explaining. But behind the false accusations lies a calculated strategy to control, distract, and destabilise.

Learn how projection protects the narcissist’s false self, shifts blame, and keeps you in a consta...

Why do narcissists discard their partners in such sudden, cold, and brutal ways? Why is there never closure — only silence, blame, or replacement with someone new? In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the psychology of the narcissist's discard phase and why it feels so horrific.

This stage of the narcissistic abuse cycle is where the mask truly drops. After months or years of manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional control, the narcissist walks away without empathy, explanation, or remorse. Whether you were ghosted, publicly humiliated, or immediately replaced with new supply, the discard is designed to destabilise an...

Why does it feel like the covert narcissist always knows how to ruin your mood—right before a party, dinner, or important event? If you’ve ever found yourself crying in the bathroom or cancelling plans because of a last-minute argument, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I (Nova Gibson, narcissistic abuse counsellor and author of Fake Love) unpack exactly why covert narcissists pick fights before you go out—and how this emotionally manipulative tactic is actually a form of social sabotage and control.

In fact, I was re...

Why do narcissists seem obsessed with keeping access to your emotions—even after they’ve discarded you or moved on to someone new?

In this powerful episode of Fake Love & Flying Monkeys, I break down why narcissists hoard your emotions as a form of control, dominance, and emotional manipulation. From love bombing to passive-aggressive guilt trips, I expose the ways narcissists use your emotional reactions as narcissistic supply—fueling their ego and avoiding their own emptiness.

Learn:

If you’ve escaped a relationship with a narcissist, you know the damage runs deep. From shattered self-worth to constant self-doubt, the aftermath of narcissistic abuse can leave you feeling like a shell of who you used to be. But healing is possible—and it starts with real, practical steps.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, host Nova Gibson—lead trauma-informed counsellor and author of Fake Love—shares 6 concrete, no-fluff healing strategies you can begin using right now to rebuild your confidence, trust your gut again, and reconnect with your true self.

You...

If you’ve ever walked away from a narcissistic relationship feeling confused, unstable, or like you’ve lost your grip on reality, you’re not alone. In this episode, we break down why narcissistic abuse leaves you feeling crazy, emotionally exhausted, and unable to trust your own instincts. From gaslighting and manipulation to trauma bonding and cognitive dissonance, we unpack the psychological tactics narcissists use to keep you stuck in a cycle of self-doubt. Whether you were in a relationship with a narcissistic partner, parent, or coworker, this episode will help you make sense of the chaos, regain clarity, and un...

Are you constantly second-guessing yourself in a relationship that once felt perfect? Do you find yourself apologising for things you didn’t do or trying harder just to keep the peace? This episode dives deep into the covert, subtle, and often overlooked manipulation tactics narcissists use to control, confuse, and emotionally exhaust their victims.

From disguised insults and emotional withdrawal to rewriting history and passive-aggressive forgetfulness, narcissistic abuse isn’t always loud or obvious — and that’s exactly why it’s so dangerous. This episode explores specific narcissistic abuse tactics that are often mistaken for everyday relationship dynamics...

Dating a narcissist can feel like a rollercoaster of confusion, self-doubt, and emotional highs and lows. In this powerful episode, we unpack the 10 most common signs you're dating a narcissist—signs that are often disguised as love, charm, or even care. From love bombing and gaslighting to emotional withdrawal and future faking, these patterns are subtle at first but deeply damaging over time.

This episode explores how narcissists use manipulation, charm, and psychological tactics to gain control and erode their partner’s sense of reality. We take a closer look at the emotional abuse cycles that often go u...

If you’ve ever found yourself being accused of things you didn’t do, or being labelled with traits that clearly belong to the narcissist themselves, chances are you’ve experienced this toxic psychological trick firsthand. In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most insidious tactics narcissists use to manipulate and emotionally destabilise their victims – projection

Projection is a defence mechanism that allows narcissists to avoid taking accountability for their actions. Instead of owning up to their own flaws, behaviours, or toxic attitudes, they shift the blame onto you. Suddenly, you’re the one who’s "too sensi...

Why do narcissists seem to lash out when you're at your happiest? Why do they ruin birthdays, holidays, family events, or moments of personal success? If you've ever found yourself asking “Why can’t they just let me enjoy this?”, this episode is for you.

In this deep-dive episode, we unpack the disturbing reality behind why narcissists can’t stand your joy. Whether it’s your graduation, a promotion, a peaceful family gathering, or simply a quiet moment of contentment, narcissists have a way of inserting chaos, guilt, or drama—ensuring that the spotlight shifts back to them.

...

They live right next door—but your life feels like a psychological battleground. In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we're diving into one of the most overlooked forms of narcissistic abuse: the narcissistic neighbour from hell.

If you’ve ever had your boundaries trampled, your privacy violated, or your daily peace destroyed by a toxic neighbour, you’re not imagining it—this is real, and you’re not alone.

"It’s not just petty disputes about fences or noise. A narcissistic neighbour plays a much bigger game—the long game of power, control, and p...

They poke the bear—then cry victim when the bear roars.

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most manipulative narcissistic abuse tactics out there—narcissist baiting and bashing. If you’ve ever been provoked, poked, or pushed to your emotional limit by a narcissist only to have your reaction twisted against you, this episode is for you.

We’re diving deep into how narcissists bait you, why they do it, and how it connects to their larger smear campaign strategy. I’ll walk you thr...

Are you constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, or feeling like you're going crazy in a relationship? 

You may be experiencing narcissistic victim syndrome—a deeply damaging psychological response to ongoing emotional and psychological manipulation by a narcissist.

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I break down exactly what narcissistic Victim syndrome is, how it develops, and the red flags you should never ignore. As a trauma-informed counsellor who specialises in narcissistic abuse recovery, I’ll guide you through the real signs of narcissistic abuse and Narcissistic  Victim Syndrome, and help you un...

By the time you realise what’s happening, you’re no longer you.

In this eye-opening episode I dive deep into how covert narcissists slowly chip away at, and dismantle your personality, piece by piece.

We’re talking about the subtle manipulation tactics that don’t leave bruises but completely rewrite who you are:

Why covert narcissists target your self-esteem and independence

How they use gaslighting, guilt, and fake concern to erode your confidence

What it feels like when your values, beliefs, and even your sense of humour no longer f...

What if everything you thought you knew about narcissists was just the tip of the iceberg?

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I’m revealing 10 of the darkest, most tightly kept secrets narcissists don’t want you to uncover—because once you know, their power starts to crumble.

"A narcissist’s greatest fear is exposure. The moment you see through their mask, the game changes."

These are the secrets they use to:

Manipulate your perception of reality

Keep you hooked through cycles of idealisation and devaluat...

Why can’t anyone seem to understand narcissistic abuse — no matter how hard you try to explain it? In this validating episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys,  I break down why victims struggle to put their experience into words and why outsiders often dismiss, minimise, or misunderstand what’s really happening.

I unpack powerful tactics like gaslighting, love bombing, and covert emotional abuse — all designed by the narcissist to stay hidden from others while destroying you behind closed doors. You’ll learn why survivors are left feeling isolated, disbelieved, and even blamed, and how this adds to the trau...

In this powerful episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I’m joined by none other than Dr. Sam Vaknin, the world-renowned expert on narcissistic personality disorder and author of the groundbreaking book Malignant Self-Love: Narcissism Revisited. With over 300,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of views, Dr. Vaknin has become one of the most recognised voices globally on narcissism, drawing from decades of research, clinical observation, and personal experience.

Together, we take a deep dive into the narcissist’s destructive cycle of idealisation, devaluation, and discard — the pattern that leaves victims confused, traumatised, and trapped. Dr. Vaknin explains why na...

Ever wondered how a narcissist loves — or if they’re even capable of real love at all? In this episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys  I break down the hard truths about what narcissistic love really looks like in romantic relationships, families, and friendships.

You’ll learn why narcissists appear so loving and affectionate at first with intense love bombing, only to later devalue and discard you. I explain the difference between real love and narcissistic love, and why narcissists make you feel like you're walking on eggshells, doubting yourself, and constantly trying to win back their a...

Have you ever wondered why certain people seem to become prime targets for covert narcissists? In this revealing episode of Fake Love and  Flying Monkeys I break down exactly what kind of personality traits covert narcissists are drawn to — and why.

From the outside, it might seem like bad luck, but I explain the deeper psychological reasons why these manipulators select partners, friends, and even colleagues who display certain appealing traits. Are you overly empathetic? A chronic people-pleaser? High-achieving but secretly struggling with low self-worth? 

Expect to learn:

The top 5 personality traits covert narc...

Ever felt like you were suddenly competing for someone’s love, attention, or approval—without knowing why? You might have been caught in the toxic game of covert narcissistic triangulation.

In this eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I dive deep into one of the most painful and manipulative tactics narcissists use: triangulation. Whether it’s with an ex, a friend, a sibling, or even your own child, covert narcissists thrive on creating emotional chaos by pulling in third parties to control, confuse, and hurt you.

I’ll break down what triangulation really looks li...

What happens when the abuse doesn’t leave bruises—but instead rewires your nervous system?

In this episode of Fake Love and Flying I dive deep into the reality of Complex PTSD (CPTSD) as it relates to narcissistic abuse.

"Narcissistic abuse doesn’t just hurt—it conditions you to expect pain as love."

Whether you’ve left the narcissist or are still untangling from the trauma, this episode breaks down the long-term psychological and physiological effects of prolonged exposure to emotional abuse, gaslighting, control, and coercive manipulation. We explore how CPTSD develops differently from PTSD...

Forgiveness is often misunderstood, especially by those who haven’t lived through the manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional abuse narcissists inflict. This episode will help you understand

Should you forgive the narcissist? It's a question that haunts many survivors of narcissistic abuse—and today, we’re unpacking it.

In this powerful episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I explore the loaded topic of forgiveness when it comes to narcissists. You’ll learn why the push to “just forgive and move on” can feel invalidating, how toxic positivity can pressure survivors into unsafe situations, and why your healing...

She seems so sweet—how could she be the problem? That’s exactly the mask the covert female narcissist wears while slowly chipping away at your confidence, your voice, and your sense of reality.

In today’s powerful episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, we’re pulling back the curtain on 10 subtle but deeply damaging ways the covert female narcissist erodes your self-esteem—and often, your entire sense of self. Whether it’s your narcissistic mother, sister, partner, friend, boss or even a "mean girl" in your social circle, these women are masters of manipulation, sabotage, and emotiona...

If you’ve ever been cheated on by a narcissist, you know it’s not just betrayal—it’s psychological warfare.

In this raw and eye-opening episode of Fake Love and Flying Monkeys, I’m breaking down the top 5 reasons narcissists betray their partners—and trust me, it’s not because of anything you did or didn’t do. If you’ve ever been blindsided by infidelity or left questioning your worth after a narcissist moved on like you never existed, this one’s for you.

"Cheating isn't about love for narcissists—it's...