• Who is Behind Neuroinstincts?
Hello, and welcome to Neuroinstincts. I’m Rhonda Freeman, a neuropsychologist, within a neurology setting, who provides assessments of
- personality (e.g., narcissistic and antisocial personality disorders),
- cognition (e.g., memory; executive functions), and
- psychological symptoms (e.g., PTSD; depression)
I’ve created this unique online space for those who have experienced a narcissistic or psychopathic relationship.
Featured In …
• Why Focus on Narcissistic Relationships?
This became my focus (online) because I fell in love with a man with psychopathic traits. I went through the painful recovery process experiencing feelings I’d never felt before (e.g., traumatic bonding; impact of devaluation). None of it was normal. This was not how a person was supposed to treat another.
Nothing about it was right or moral. It was abusive. It was callous. This is what drives me to help survivors to this day.
I've been fortunate to have a career that has allowed me to evaluate the brain functioning of well over a thousand pathological narcissists and trauma-impacted survivors. This extensive experience enriches the content I bring to Neuroinstincts, ensuring it is grounded in real-world clinical observations and the latest neuropsychological research.
Rick Hanson, PhD
"I found the material fantastic! So clearly written, well organized, and the breadth of what you cover and the originality, honestly- Thank you. I really mean it! Exemplary. I really encourage people to take a look at your website. There’s a virtuous sincerity that’s at the heart of what you do."
• The Unique Experience of the Narcissistic & Psychopathic Relationship
It was evident that the healing period was unusual – not just in length, but with the presence of actual neuropsychological changes!
The entire pattern of the relationship was odd – yet there was a predictable pattern that most survivors traveled.
I realized – these relationships can damage a person’s life. These relationships can impact someone so profoundly that they may need professional help to regain their sense of self.
• Understanding the Depth of Narcissistic Relationships
I believe relationships of this type should never be minimized or characterized as “a bad breakup.”
They need to be recognized for what they are: deeply impactful relationships that can leave lasting neurological, emotional and psychological effects on individuals.
Back in 2010 – 2011 there were not thousands and thousands of websites and articles devoted to the topic as there are now.
I felt that survivors needed an expert who not only evaluated personality disorders for a living – but found herself involved in such a relationship.
My hope was that others would see that even in the presence of advanced training in this area, someone could become bonded to an individual on the pathological narcissism spectrum.
(I was aware of his diagnosis, which became evident to me after several months into the relationship. However, ridding my brain of its natural responses to that personality type was my temporarily obstacle.)
• Neuroinstincts Today
Although we are long past 2011 and there are many resources out there. My heart will always be with fellow survivors.
I believe survivors want a resource that matches their values and needs –
- offers science,
- has compassion and integrity, and
- qualifications (i.e., PhD; experience through personality & neuropsychological evaluations).
• Video: Neuroscience of Idealize, Devalue, and Discard
To deepen your understanding of the complex interplay between neuroscience and narcissistic relationship patterns, I invite you to watch the video below.
It offers insights into the neurological underpinnings that influence the behavior of pathological narcissists (e.g., npd; aspd).
This video is a part of my commitment to providing accessible, science-based resources for survivors.
For those who prefer to read the article, you’ll find it here: My two phase theory of the pathological narcissist relationship.
• Complimentary E-Guide for Your Journey
To support your journey, I’ve developed a comprehensive E-Guide, available at no cost. The guide is filled with potential strategies and insights tailored for survivors.
Though our stories are unique, we share common threads of experience and a unified goal — not just to survive, but to grow, feel empowered, and construct a brighter future.
Welcome to Neuroinstincts!
Rhonda Freeman, PhD