Narcissism, gaslighting, and DARVO—these are powerful tools of psychological manipulation that can leave people feeling confused, blamed, and betrayed. In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jennifer Freyd, the world-renowned psychologist who coined DARVO (Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender) and introduced the concept of Institutional Betrayal. Together, we break down how abusers twist reality, how institutions often protect them, and how truth-tellers are silenced in the process. We also explore the psychological toll of these experiences, how to recognize DARVO in action, and what we can do to protect ourselves and support others and heal.
@mgaryneuman
@estherneumantherapist
In this episode of Better and Better Psychology, we speak with educational and behavioral specialist Nicki Salfer about her new book Ready, Aim, Fire and her decades of work supporting families of children with special needs and building her company Learning Tree. Together, we explore not only how to navigate complex school systems and advocate effectively, but also the emotional journey parents face — from overwhelm and frustration to empowerment and hope. Nicki offers compassionate, practical guidance for families, educators, and professionals alike, grounded in real-world experience and deep understanding of what parents truly need.
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Rosmarin, renowned psychologist and author of Thriving with Anxiety, to explore a groundbreaking approach to understanding and managing anxiety. Dr. Rosmarin delves into how we can stop avoiding anxiety and instead embrace it as a powerful tool for personal growth. He shares key insights from his book, offering practical strategies to shift your mindset, build resilience, and thrive—despite the challenges anxiety may bring. Whether you’re navigating anxiety yourself or just curious about new perspectives on mental health, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
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In this powerful episode, Gary & Esther sit down with Cory Richards, a renowned mountaineer, photographer, and author, whose life and career have been defined by pushing the boundaries of human potential. Cory opens up about his journey to the world's highest peaks, the mindset required for survival in extreme environments such as surviving an avalanche and climbing Mount Everest, and the profound psychological challenges that he’s had to navigate through his life.
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In this thought-provoking episode, Gary & Esther are joined by the inspiring Gedale Fenster to explore the keys to building emotional resilience and finding purpose in life’s challenges. Gedale, known for his engaging approach to psychology and spirituality, shares practical strategies for overcoming fear, cultivating gratitude, and reframing setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Tune in and discover how to turn adversity into your greatest advantage!
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About the Hosts
M. Gary Neuman, is world renowned psychotherapist, he has been featured on Oprah over 10 times, Today Show, the View as well as countless other media appearances. He and his daughter Esther Neuman, co-creator of the Neuman Method Program and psychotherapist, are hosts of Better & Better Psychology podcast. They maintain private therapy practices. To contact the hosts please go to Neumanmethod.com.
Gary & Esther (NeumanMethod.com) discuss the only 3 Practical Techniques you'll need to know as a parent, how to have positive parenting when disciplining your kids, real scenarios you can learn from.
Gary & Esther (NeumanMethod.com) discuss the only 3 practical techniques you'll need to know as a parent, how to have positive parenting when disciplining your kids, real scenarios you can learn from.
Gary & Esther (NeumanMethod.com ) interview Lisa Twerski, LCSW co-founder of Kesher & over 30 years experience with domestic violence. The Shrinks discuss how to help children in abusive situations, how to identify abuse, and how to prevent your own children from being in an abusive relationship. Visit Gary & Esther at NeumanMethod.com to ask questions and find out more about their work. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Gary & Esther (NeumanMethod.com) speak with expert Lisa Twerski, LCSW co-founder of Kesher & over 30 years experience with domestic violence. How to spot an abusive relationship? How do you help loved ones in an abusive relationship? Why do people stay in abusive relationships? How to help. See Part II for more. Visit Esther and Gary at NeumanMethod.com to ask questions and find out more about their work. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Gary & Esther talk with legendary Prof. Richard Wiseman, author of "The Luck Factor" & creator of youtube's "Quirkology" with over 500 million views: Topics include paranormal activity, does prayer really work, the science behind religion, how to use dreaming to direct solutions and creativity, how our internal narrative directs our life, how we can change our own reality (NeumanMethod.com).
Join Gary & Esther as they discuss their research of over 600 participants (NeumanMethod.com) to learn about what makes a happy marriage. How much time should you spend with your spouse to be happy. How you view time in your marriage differently than time devoted to work and kids. What does it mean to put your marriage first? How spending consistent nightly time with your spouse changes how you relate to each other during the day. How to avoid power struggles in your marriage. Celebrating differences between spouses. You can be right or you can be happy. How personal growth develops from seeing other perspectives. The Date Night: the 3 rules; not talking about money, work or kids. Why the Date Night should not be dinner & some Date Night ideas (NeumanMethod.com)
Gary & Esther talk with legendary Prof. Richard Wiseman, author of "The Luck Factor" & creator of youtube's "Quirkology" with over 500 million views: topics include how to make your own luck, are people naturally lucky, paranormal activity, world's funniest joke, and much more (NeumanMethod.com).
Gary & Esther (NeumanMethod.com) discuss: why is appreciation key to marital happiness? What does appreciation look like for a healthy marriage? How often should I thank my spouse? When does my spouse “deserve” my thanks? How does appreciation change my world view? Esther and Gary battle it out on whether the love in marriage is “unconditional” or “conditional.” Why are women so under-appreciated? Gary explains how the male mind works when it comes to winning. What happens to people in a marriage when they feel they just can’t win. Appreciation encourages positive behavior. What to say and what not to say when your spouse gives you a gift (NeumanMethod.com). Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Esther & Gary show you how to know if someone is telling you a truth or lie. Visit NeumanMethod.com to find out more. In this episode, the Shrinks discuss: The mindset of lie detection, how you are giving the liar the answers without knowing it. What’s going on in the brain of a liar. The key to lie detection-what do you want to hear. Do you want to be lied to? How telling a lie is harder than telling the truth. How to get more truthful responses with better questions. Does the liar avoid staring in your eyes? When is a good time to lie? Why extroverts lie more than introverts. When it’s better to lie to your children. The ideal way to specifically praise your children. Why it’s harder to lie to your Mom. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Esther and Gary (NeumanMethod.com) continue the final installment of how to create a great marriage after cheating. The Shrinks discuss: What “transparent” looks like after cheating. How long will it take to “get over” the cheating. How to request work on the marriage without blaming the marriage for the cheating. What if the cheater’s best friend is cheating as well. How the cheater’s lifestyle will need to change. What the spouse who was cheated on needs to do to make the marriage better. How to know the “odds” of whether or not you’ll be cheated on again. Why there isn’t unconditional love in marriage. How often can the “cheated on” bring up the affair. The stats on how often cheaters lie. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Esther and Gary (NeumanMethod.com) continue discussing how a marriage can be saved after cheating. Remember who has to live with the decision to stay married or divorce. The apology-what to look for to see if the apology is genuine? How many times is an apology needed? Why there’s no excuse for cheating. When is the right and wrong time for the cheater to say what he/she needs from the marriage going forward? Why the cheater should continue to bring up the cheating. Really! When marital therapy is worse than no therapy at all. What questions should (and equally important) should not be asked and answered. Discussing who else knew about the affair. How the cheater must dig deep to have insight to ultimately change. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Esther and Gary (NeumanMethod.com) begin discussing the hard reality of cheating. Some of the topics and questions they discuss is Do I stay or do I go? The BIG 3 considerations: Is the cheater remorseful? Making sure the cheating relationship is completely over. The kids; how will they be affected either way. Will my spouse ever trust me again? How can I be sure it’s over? What steps can you take to be sure it’s absolutely over? Can you really ever get over cheating? Can a cheater really change? Should I stay for the sake of the children? How do you find a qualified marriage therapist? What if my spouse isn’t willing to get therapeutic help? When is it time to change marriage therapists? Visit Esther and Gary at NeumanMethod.com to ask questions and find out more about their work. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Gary & Esther (NeumanMethod.com) interview polygraph expert Dr. Palmatier (PolygraphExperts.com) and learn: How does a polygraph work? Can a psychopath beat the lie detector test? What’s the difference between a great and terrible polygraph tester? What’s the best way to know if someone is lying to you? When should you insist your spouse take a lie detector test? Can you practice lies enough to best the test? When are lie detector tests used in our court system? The Shrinks discuss how often we lie and if there could be some good reasons to lie. Visit Esther and Gary at NeumanMethod.com to ask questions and find out more about their work. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
Esther and M. Gary Neuman (NeumanMethod.com) discuss practical tips on learning how to use anxiety to help you be ready for life, while learning to let go of your fears and stay calm under pressure. Visit Esther and Gary at NeumanMethod.com to ask questions and find out more about their work. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.
M. Gary homeschooled his children, one of which was Esther, his daughter (NeumanMethod.com). They outline creative ideas to educate your children during these challenging time based on their years of personal experience. Visit Esther and Gary at NeumanMethod.com to ask questions and find out more about their work. Follow us on instagram @neuman.method.