Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “narcissistic abuser”
Bernard was another fictionalized client who came to therapy in his mid-twenties to find relief from the constant anxiety he experienced in his life. We quickly came to understand that he grew up with a narcissistic father who acted in a domineering way around the house and would grow enraged if Bernard responded with anything but obedience. It was no …
Have you found yourself in friendships or relationships where you always seemed to be the butt of the joke? Has it seemed impossible to you that such friends or partners might actually be jealous of you? Do you find yourself taking a lot more ribbing than dishing it out with others? If any of these experiences apply to you and …
Do you fear that if you listen to what you’re unhappy about in a relationship that it will be impossible to be happy with anyone? Do you fear a terrible retribution, comeuppance, or profound humiliation if you dare to move away from a friend or partner who is treating you poorly? Does it seem like having someone there is a …
I write a lot on this blog about the importance of getting psychological, emotional and physical distance from a narcissistic abuser. Some viewers of my Youtube Channel have wisely pointed out that sometimes this isn’t possible. A viewer recently asked: “As an adult, how to handle living with a parent who has strong narcissistic and controlling behaviors, when you have …
Do you notice that you find yourself to be inadequate almost without cause? Do you perceive yourself to be inadequate in comparison to others? Are you surprised or in disbelief when someone praises you for your adequacy in some regard? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions then you may have had your sense of basic adequacy attacked …
Did you have a narcissistic parent who showered people outside the home with deference, respect and charm? Did that same parent have no trouble turning against you once the doors to the outside world closed? Did you have to worry constantly about your narcissistic parent feeling embarrassed by your behavior ‘out in public’ such that you would hear about it …
Is it hard to believe that others could genuinely care about your feelings? Do you find yourself assuming some sort of ulterior motive to those who seem to be committing an act of kindness? Does it feel like care and affection is something to be earned rather than received? If you answered yes to any of these questions then …
The term ‘Narcissistic abuse’ is pretty recognizable that it’s a bad thing. Like no one’s gonna sign up for some form of abuse, right? So, if you’re unfortunate enough to know firsthand such abuse then how can it be that the prospect of leaving one’s abuser can feel scarier, more conflictual, and guilt inducing than staying in the abusive situation? …
Do you fear that if you say what you don’t like in a relationship that your partner will accuse you of being ‘too sensitive? Do you fear that if you say what want more of in a relationship that your partner will accuse you of being ‘too needy’? Do you work really hard to make it seem like nothing bothers …
Do you find yourself ready to show appreciation for any act done on your behalf? Is it more anxiety-provoking to be given praise than to go without it? Is it more natural to worry about whether you have done enough for others than to expect something from them? Is it foreign to think about how others have failed to meet …
