family scapegoat

FSA and Malignant Narcissism: Impact and Recovery Strategies

by Rebecca C. Mandeville, MA
June 9, 2024June 15, 2024

Surviving Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) can leave lasting scars on individuals, impacting their mental and emotional well-being for years to come. At the heart of certain (not all) FSA dynamics lies the phenomenon of malignant narcissism, a complex personality disorder not included in the DSM-5. Malignant narcissism is characterized by a toxic blend of narcissistic, antisocial, and (at time) sadistic traits. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of malignant narcissism, its effects on victims of FSA, and strategies for healing and recovery.

Radical Acceptance and Scapegoat Recovery: The Power of Accepting What IS

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
November 5, 2023October 2, 2024
16 Comments

Releasing attachment to highly charged emotions and events does not mean that one is “giving up” on themselves or “giving in” to abuse from others. It is simply a process that supports people in coping with past and/or current life circumstances that cannot be changed and that they are powerless over.

portrait of woman covering ears with hands

Study on Childhood Verbal Abuse

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
October 7, 2023May 24, 2024

I’ve noticed within the Mental Health field that the scapegoating of a child or adult child is frequently referred to as a form of ‘verbal abuse’, which I find concerning and somewhat misleading, given that FSA is driven by psycho-emotional, systemic processes in dysfunctional or narcissistic family systems, hence it can be covert, insidious and subtle…

thoughtful young woman resting in green park

When Abusers Depower the Scapegoat Child (What My Research Revealed)

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
August 19, 2023May 24, 2024
12 Comments

Have you ever been called crazy or emotionally or mentally ill by members of your own family, either to your face or behind your back? If so, you’re not alone, as my latest research results on this particular aspect of family scapegoating abuse (FSA) attests…

Cutting Ties With Scapegoating Family: A Trauma-Informed View

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
March 18, 2023January 5, 2025
16 Comments

In this week’s article I share one of the biggest myths about going no contact with family and how I handle issues related to ending contact with scapegoating family members in a trauma-informed manner.