We are delighted to introduce Jaqueline Kraft Bruno, the latest addition to our Lovefraud Professional Resources Guide. Jaqueline is an Intuitive Life Coach, Reiki Master, and a survivor of narcissistic abuse.
What experiences have you had with sociopaths or other disordered personalities, both personally and professionally?
In my professional journey, I have worked extensively in substance abuse treatment, serving as a counselor for individuals battling addiction and their families across various age groups. My experience spans both outpatient and inpatient programs, and I have also operated as an Interventionist in private practice.
Many of my colleagues entered the field already aware of the disordered individuals in their lives. I, however, came to this realization later. It was through my work with families affected by addiction that I recognized similar patterns within my own family. In my youth, I accepted the role of the “scapegoat,” believing I deserved it. However, through therapy and my recovery journey, I transformed into a stronger individual. My reactions to disordered personalities in my work became automatic, reflecting co-dependent behaviors and attitudes, particularly towards those with disordered traits.
As I healed, engaged with a therapist, and integrated meditation, yoga, and mindfulness into my life, I discovered that my co-dependence stemmed from my upbringing. I learned to respond to narcissists and sociopaths differently to meet my emotional and survival needs. This realization fueled my desire to break free from these patterns. I began to assert myself, voicing my truth without apology for my feelings. Accepting myself, flaws and all, allowed me to abandon the exhausting cycle of people-pleasing. Consequently, my life transformed; my anxiety diminished, I no longer required ADHD medication, and I experienced a profound sense of wholeness. This newfound clarity ignited my passion for empowering other women on similar journeys. I believe that no one should feel like a victim simply due to a lack of tools or perspective to reclaim their role as the hero in their own life.
How do you assist clients who have encountered a sociopath?
The primary need for most women before embarking on a therapeutic journey is validation. I don’t believe this always requires me to share my personal experiences. Instead, I focus on redirecting clients who have been conditioned to believe their thoughts and feelings are insignificant. It’s imperative to communicate that there is no right or wrong in a woman’s thoughts or feelings; they simply exist. Whether or not I or anyone else agrees with them is dependent on personal experiences, not objective truth. The key takeaway is that all feelings hold value. From this foundation, we can explore the changes the client wishes to implement in their emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns, ultimately identifying goals for our work together.
What do you find is the biggest challenge for those betrayed by a sociopath?
A persistent focus on the disordered individual, rather than an inward examination, traps clients in a “victim consciousness,” hindering their path to freedom. While this transition is delicate, it is essential to allow clients to express everything swirling in their minds about their traumatic experiences, acknowledging the horror of what they’ve endured. Once this emotional release occurs, we can begin the healing and transformative process.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to Lovefraud readers recovering from a sociopath’s betrayal?
Prioritize self-love. Place your healing and well-being at the forefront. By doing so, everything else will naturally fall into place.