Narcissistic Abuse
At Emergence Psychotherapy, we provide treatment for recovering from narcissistic abuse. An individual with narcissistic traits can cause you to be confused about the validity of their thoughts and emotions, leading to a gradual loss of your sense of self. As a result of that, many people who have been exposed to narcissistic abuse will struggle with their identity and developing healthy relationships.
Victims of narcissistic abuse may become preoccupied with their perceived shortcomings. Trying to make sense of the situation while being subjected to narcissistic abuse in a toxic relationship might result in developing self-defeating beliefs that get reinforced by being devalued and manipulated by the narcissist.
What are the signs of narcissistic abuse?
Questioning your sanity
Because you have been repeatedly told that your narrative and perspective are entirely wrong and you always misunderstand and misinterpret events.
Self- doubt
Doubting in your own ability to make sound judgments and good decisions. Feeling unsure of yourself and needing others to approve of your decisions.
Mistrusting other people’s intentions
Since there is usually a discrepancy between a narcissist’s intentions and the way they try to present themselves in many cases, you might start to lose your trust in others and constantly expect narcissistic behaviors from others. It may become difficult that other people truly have good intentions for you.
Low self- worth
As a result of being dismissed and heavily criticized, you might start to feel unworthy and not good- enough. Diminished self-esteem is one of the most common symptoms of getting an abusive relationship with a narcissist or being raised by one.
Toxic guilt
A narcissist can deflect and project blame in order to avoid taking responsibility for their mistakes. They can also use guilt-tripping as means of manipulation and maintaining their control.
Toxic shame
Shame is a feeling of distress about who we are rather than what we have done. A narcissist can also use shaming as a measure of gaining control over you emotionally and to make you feel less than them.
Minimizing
A narcissist might minimize and belittle your emotions. For example, they may say “You’re overreacting” or being “too sensitive”. You might hear “just get over it” way too often. According to the narcissist, your emotions and thoughts are never important enough to be valued.
Making you question your memories
A narcissist might make you think that you remember events incorrectly, thus making it more difficult for you to trust yourself. You may develop a belief that you have a bad memory and that certain events never happened how you remember them.
Feeling invisible and insignificant
Because you always had to cater to their needs and were pushed to dismiss your own needs, you might start to feel that your needs don’t matter and your presence is unnoticeable in social situations. In other words, they dim your light.
How can we help you in recovering from narcissistic abuse?
Setting boundaries
Setting boundaries with a narcissist can seem like a very difficult challenge as they are used to violating other people’s boundaries to get what they want. It is imperative to learn to set boundaries and assert them in your journey toward healing.
Process complex emotions
You might be dealing with painful emotions such as sadness, anger, and shame after being subjected to narcissistic abuse from a parent or partner. Working through these emotions isn’t necessarily easy when you are dealing with them on your own. At Emergence Psychotherapy, we can help you in processing your emotions.
Improve your self-esteem
After years of being criticized and devalued, many victims of narcissistic abuse suffer from low self-worth. Our therapists can assist you in reclaiming your worth and improving your self-esteem.
Decrease self-doubt and reclaim your identity
If you have been in an abusive relationship, you may have been invalidated and gaslit to the point where you no longer trust yourself. The lack of self-trust can cause you to have difficulty making decisions. During therapy, we will help you to rediscover yourself.
Navigate existing relationships with the narcissist
If the narcissist in your life is a parent or someone you have a child with, it might not be possible for you to stop being in contact with them. During treatment, we work on different strategies to help you navigate the challenges you might face when you have to be in contact with narcissists.
Are you looking for help? We are a group of psychotherapists based in Toronto offering personalized, non-judgemental therapy for narcissism and individuals affected by narcissistic behavior.