81. Stop googling 'narcissists' - What Australian protective parents REALLY need to understand
Description
If you’ve ever found yourself deep in Google searches trying to work out whether your ex is a covert narcissist, a malignant narcissist, or something in between… this episode is for you.
Because here’s the truth:
Understanding “narcissism” won’t help you protect your children.
Understanding coercive control will.
In this episode, Danielle Black explains why protective parents get stuck in the narcissism rabbit hole - and how it can keep them overwhelmed, confused, and focused on the wrong problem.
You’ll learn:
- Why terms like “narcissist,” “covert,” “grey rock,” and “yellow rock” can keep you stuck, and reactive, instead of strategic
- Why the family law system doesn’t care about personality labels - and what it does care about
- The key differences between narcissistic traits and pattern-based coercive control
- Why identifying patterns of behaviour matters far more than diagnosing the person
- What you should be tracking instead
- How to shift from chaos → clarity, and from labels → evidence
If you’re exhausted from trying to decode their personality, stop.
The problem isn’t who they are - it’s what they do, the pattern, and the harm it causes your children.
This episode gives you the lens professionals actually respond to - and the one that puts you back in your power.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now - good. It means your instincts are working.
But instinct isn’t enough if you're navigating the court system with a controlling co-parent. You need structure, strategy, and language.
That’s what the Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint gives you.
And starting Friday 28 November 2025, you can get:
- $300 off
- 4 months of AI Danielle to support you 24/7
Take advantage of this special offer.
Your future self will thank you.
More information about the blueprint: https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com.au/the-post-separation-parenting-blueprint-1
About Danielle Black:
Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia. With over twenty years’ experience in education, counselling and coaching - and her own lived experience navigating a complex separation - she helps parents advocate strategically and protect their children’s safety and wellbeing.
Learn more at danielleblackcoaching.com.au
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This podcast is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Please seek independent legal, medical, financial, or mental health advice for your situation.


















