Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse in California
DO THESE SPEAK TO YOU?
Regaining Self-Worth: Narcissistic abuse often strips away your sense of self, leaving you feeling worthless, unlovable, or incapable. It can be incredibly difficult to rebuild your self-esteem and confidence after such experiences. Together, we’ll work on learning how to validate yourself from within, instead of relying on external validation from toxic individuals who have hurt you.
Cognitive Dissonance: Survivors often experience confusion due to the manipulation tactics employed by narcissists, such as gaslighting. These tactics make it hard to trust your own memories and perceptions, leaving you questioning what is real. If you’re struggling to reconcile the good moments with the abuse you endured, you may be caught in a trauma bond. I can help you understand this cycle and guide you through the process of breaking free.
Overcoming Emotional Flashbacks and Triggers: Narcissistic abuse leaves emotional scars that can be triggered by certain situations, sounds, or even phrases, causing intense emotional reactions. These flashbacks can feel overwhelming and out of your control. Therapy and coping techniques are essential to help you manage these triggers and regain control of your emotional responses.
Trusting Others Again: After being betrayed and manipulated, many survivors find it difficult to trust others, even those who have good intentions. You may also feel paranoid or hyper-vigilant, fearing that others might have similar toxic traits. I can help you work through these feelings and guide you in rebuilding trust in yourself and others.
Guilt and Shame: Narcissistic abuse often involves constant blame-shifting, with the survivor being made to feel guilty or responsible for the narcissist’s behavior. This leaves survivors carrying deep feelings of shame and guilt long after the relationship has ended. Together, we’ll work on releasing these burdens and moving forward with a healthier mindset.
Isolation and Loneliness: Narcissistic abuse often isolates survivors from friends, family, or support networks, leaving them feeling alone and unsure of where to turn for help. Rebuilding a sense of safety and connection in relationships is a vital part of recovery. I’m here to support you in regaining trust in others and rebuilding your social network, helping you find a sense of belonging again.
There is hope!
I am here to support you
How I can help
A clinician specializing in narcissistic abuse can play a crucial role in helping survivors process their trauma and begin their journey of healing. therapy typically involves a combination of strategies aimed at rebuilding self-worth, addressing the psychological wounds from the abuse, and learning healthier ways to engage in relationships.
Creating a Safe, Trusting Environment,Exploring the Dynamics of Narcissistic Abuse,Building Self-Worth and Identity, Rebuilding Trust and Establishing Boundaries and Building Healthy Relationships
Therapy for Narcissitic Abuse can help you…
Restore Your Self-Worth: Therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self-worth and identity, which may have been deeply eroded by the manipulative tactics of a narcissistic abuser. You’ll learn how to reconnect with who you truly are and recognize your inherent value, independent of the toxic influence you’ve experienced.
Emotional Regulation: Narcissistic abuse often leaves you feeling overwhelmed by emotions like shame, guilt, and confusion. In therapy, you’ll gain tools to help manage and process these intense emotions, allowing you to regain emotional stability and clarity. Together, we’ll work on creating a healthier emotional landscape for you moving forward.
Heal from Gaslighting: One of the key aspects of your healing journey will involve recognizing and healing from gaslighting. Narcissists often manipulate you into doubting your own perceptions and feelings. Therapy can help you trust yourself again, empowering you to reclaim your sense of reality and confidence in your own truth.
Empowerment and Reclaiming Control: Narcissistic abuse often leaves you feeling powerless and out of control. Therapy helps you regain a sense of autonomy and control over your life. You’ll be guided toward healthier relationships and a stronger sense of personal agency, empowering you to make decisions that align with your needs and values.
Approaches
-
Antagonism Informed Therapy
Antagonistic Informed Therapy can help by providing clients with strategies to understand and navigate the impact of toxic, manipulative, or abusive behaviors, empowering them to set boundaries and reclaim their sense of self.
-
DBT
DBT is helpful for narcissistic abuse recovery by teaching clients emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills, enabling them to heal from manipulation, rebuild self-worth, and set healthy boundaries.
-
Therapy Intensives
Unhurried time to process, heal and grow without the constraints of the typical therapy model
A WAY FORWARD EXISTS
FAQs about Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Therapy
-
Narcissistic abuse recovery therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on helping individuals heal from the emotional and psychological damage caused by a relationship with a narcissist. It helps rebuild self-esteem, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier relationships.
-
Recovery time varies for each person and depends on factors like the length and intensity of the abuse. On average, it can take several months to a few years to fully heal, but therapy can speed up the process and provide tools to manage setbacks.
-
Yes, therapy can help you understand the dynamics of your relationship, build coping strategies, and develop stronger boundaries as well as addressing safety concerns and empowerment. It is also understood that due to certain dynamics, you may not be able to leave the relationship. There is no judgement and this is a safe place
-
Click on any “contact me” buttons and let’s connect!
-
You can expect a supportive environment where you will learn about narcissistic behaviors, explore the impact of the abuse, and develop strategies for coping, setting boundaries, and regaining self-worth. Techniques like Antagonism Informed Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma-Informed Therapy will be used.
-
I specialize in trauma, abuse recovery, and narcissistic abuse. I am empathetic, experienced in dealing with the nuances of narcissistic behavior, and able to validate your experiences while offering practical tools for recovery. My own lived experience with this type of abuse helps build trust with my clients as well
-
Lack of Empathy: A narcissistic partner often shows little to no concern for your feelings or needs. They might dismiss your emotions or fail to acknowledge when you're upset.
Excessive Need for Attention: Narcissists crave admiration and attention. They may demand constant validation and become angry or withdrawn when they don't receive it.
Gaslighting: They may make you question your reality, memory, or perceptions. For example, they might tell you that you're overreacting or that something didn't happen when it clearly did.
Blaming You for Everything: Narcissists rarely take responsibility for their actions. Instead, they will shift blame onto you or others, even for things that aren't your fault.
Sense of Entitlement: They believe they deserve special treatment and might expect you to cater to their needs without reciprocation.
Manipulation: Narcissistic partners often manipulate situations to their advantage, using guilt, intimidation, or charm to get what they want.
Inconsistent Affection: They may love-bomb you early on (overwhelming you with attention and affection) but later withdraw it or use it to control you.
Isolation: They might try to isolate you from friends or family, either subtly or overtly, to maintain control over you.
Feeling Drained: You might feel emotionally or mentally drained, like you're walking on eggshells, constantly trying to please them or keep the peace.