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 …

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 …