Breaking the Myth of the Narcissistic Abuser’s Specialness

Sometimes in the process of recovery from narcissistic abuse it can feel like one is being pulled back towards the narcissistic parent or partner.  This can happen literally in the pull to have more contact with this person or even in one’s own mind where you may find yourself going from what is happening now between you and people in …

moving out of the narcissistic parent’s home for scapegoats

Moving Out of the Narcissistic Parent’s Home for Scapegoats

Rick was another anonymized client who grew up as the scapegoat in a family dominated by a narcissistic mother.  He was roundly criticized and yelled at on a daily basis for not doing chores around the house in a “responsible enough” way, or not showing enough deference to his mother, or wanting to see friends outside the family.  Towards the …

gaining distance from a narcissist is not avoidance

Gaining Distance From a Narcissist Is Not Avoidance

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 …

protecting your right to success after narcissistic abuse: protecting yourself

Protecting Your Right to Success After Narcissistic Abuse

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 …

trauma bonds in narcissistic abuse

Break Free of the Trauma Bonds in Narcissistic Abuse

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 …