family scapegoating abuse

What Happens When We Weaponize the Term ‘Narcissist’

by Rebecca C. Mandeville, MA
July 10, 2024July 10, 2024

Navigating life after abuse can be a minefield for adult survivors, where every hurtful encounter might trigger memories of past trauma. In recent years, there’s been a notable trend among survivors engaging on social media and online support forums to quickly label those who cause them harm as narcissists. While this reaction may stem from a legitimate need for validation and understanding, it’s crucial to examine the potential pitfalls of such assumptions. This article explores why adult survivors of abuse should approach the label of “narcissist” with caution, considering its impact on personal healing, relationships, and the broader narrative surrounding genuine psychological conditions. By delving into these complexities, I hope to encourage a more nuanced understanding and empower survivors to navigate their healing journey with clarity and compassion for self and others.

woman standing in front of brown wood plank

Why Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) Merits Global Attention

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
May 25, 2024April 20, 2025

In the intricate tapestry of family dynamics, there exists an overlooked, devastating phenomenon concealed in shadows – Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA). FSA is like a silent, insidious stalker that preys upon vulnerable family members, leaving deep scars that often go unnoticed and unrecognized. In this article, clinician and researcher Rebecca C. Mandeville addresses why FSA warrants our collective attention, and what we can do to begin to effectively address it as a society.

grief young black woman sitting near wooden wall and crying

Dirty Secrets: The Hidden Truth of Mobbing and Betrayal Trauma in Families That Scapegoat

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
May 18, 2024May 29, 2024
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In the labyrinth of family dynamics lies a dark underbelly often veiled by the facade of harmony and love. Betrayal Trauma, Family Mobbing, and Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA) are three interwoven phenomena that thrive in the shadows of familial relationships, leaving deep scars on the psyche of those ensnared within their grasp…

Beautiful Scars: What the Art of Kintsugi Can Teach Us About Healing From Family Scapegoating Abuse (FSA)

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
April 20, 2024June 14, 2024
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The ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi beautifully illustrates the concept of embracing imperfections and turning brokenness into beauty. Versus feeling self-conscious or a sense of shame or inferiority as related to their intrapsychic wounds and scars, adult survivors of family scapegoating abuse (FSA) may benefit by re-envisioning their healing process from family trauma and abuse as a journey of artful restoration whereby intrapsychic wounds are transformed into imperfect – yet still beautiful – scars.

When We Question the Competence and Qualifications of Women

by Rebecca C Mandeville LMFT CCTP
April 14, 2024September 5, 2024
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Summary: Women often face heightened scrutiny and obstacles in having their qualifications and skills recognized and valued compared to men due to societal biases and internalized misogyny. This issue stems from ingrained gender stereotypes and a lack of inclusive environments that support gender equality. In this article, Rebecca C. Mandeville reflects on women, marginalization, and scapegoating dynamics, and gets a bit more personal regarding her own background and experiences with these individual and systemic realities.