Narcissistic Abuse Therapy in Concord, NC
Online Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse in North Carolina, South Carolina, & Virginia
Experiencing trauma or abuse from people with narcissistic traits can lead to feeling confused, disconnected, hurt, and isolated. But learning how to walk away can be equally as confusing and difficult.
With narcissistic abuse therapy, I empower my clients to reclaim their strength, courage, and self-love while identifying actionable steps forward to a clearer, happier life on their own terms.
You’re finally home from work and putting up your feet to relax. Then you hear it. A car door slams shut. Your heart jumps. You hold your breath. You suddenly feel like you are a little child about to get in trouble but you don’t know why. The keys jingle in the front door, and your whole body braces for impact…
It can be disorienting to feel panicked or scared of someone you love. It feels wrong and confusing. “I love this person, and they love me. So why do I feel this way? What is wrong with me? Sure, we have some hard times but doesn’t everyone?”
Do you ever feel like when it’s good, it’s really good? But when it’s bad, it’s really bad? Do you pressure yourself to try harder and to be a better person so someone else will treat you better? Isn’t that normal?
Is narcissistic abuse therapy right for you?
What you may notice if you have experienced narcissistic abuse…
Relational:
Relationship seems to cycle through extremely good times and extremely bad times
People-pleasing and walking on eggshells
Codependency or enmeshment
Avoidance or emotional withdrawal
Social isolation from family and friends
Depending on other’s opinions to make personal decisions
Fear of abandonment or disappointing others
Lost sense of identity or core beliefs
Emotional & Mental:
Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression
Low self-esteem or self-worth
Guilt and shame
Anger and irritability
Brain fog and memory loss
Pervasive sense of dread or fear
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Perfectionism and/or obsession with cleanliness, order, and timelines
Physical:
Insomnia and nightmares
Chronic fatigue
Paranoia and hypervigilance
Appetite changes
Weight changes
Somatic stress (i.e. headaches, stomach aches)
Digestive issues (i.e. bloating, constipation, IBS)
Body insecurities or dysmorphia
Sexual dysfunction or pain
Substance dependency or other addictions
How do I know if I have experienced narcissistic abuse?
People with narcissistic traits tend to create a cycle of good and bad to make you feel confused. They act pleasant and respectful one minute (or day, week, or month) then act cold, angry, or even violent the next. This creates that unstable feeling where you never know what to expect. This is abuse.
Relationships are complex, but they should never leave you feeling confused, panicked, or belittled. Whether they are a partner, friend, parent, or boss, these confusing and hurtful interactions cause damage not only in the relationship but in your overall health and wellbeing.
Over time, narcissistic abuse leads to losing your identity piece by piece. Your identity becomes about them - their partner, their employee, their child. You spend all your energy on their needs and managing their emotions and demands, that you lose yourself and what is truly important to you.
Your Parent
Did you grow up walking on eggshells making sure you didn’t upset your parent?
Were you in constant fear of making mistakes even with the most simple tasks?
Did your heart jump when you heard the garage door opening or footsteps on the stairs?
As an adult, do you find yourself feeling like a child when interacting with your parent?
Do you tear up watching TV moms be nurturing to their kids knowing you will never experience this?
Are you trying to make your parent proud but no matter what you accomplish, they never praise you or somehow makes your success about them?
Signs people in your life may be narcissistic…
Your Intimate Partner
Was your relationship larger than life at the beginning, but now it feels cold and unsteady?
Do you find yourself trying to predict your partner’s needs or anticipate their feelings?
Do you withhold your opinions or defer decisions to whatever your partner wants?
Are you always the one to initiate deep conversations or fix problems as if you were the only adult in the relationship?
Do you feel invisible, ignored, or taken for granted?
Does your partner apologize but never take accountability or change their behavior and want you to move on like it never happened?
Your Boss
Is your boss always changing their expectations but never communicating with you?
Do you find yourself on constant alert for them to walk in or feel your heart jump when you see an email?
Does your supervisor micromanage and critique your work but never provide any positive feedback?
Do you feel you have to record or document every interaction?
Are you accused of forgetting a task or losing a project, but you are certain you didn’t?
Have you been asked to do something outside of your scope but then get written up for doing it?
Answering ‘yes’ to any one of these questions may not specifically mean you have been or are being abused, but it’s definitely a red flag about this relationship. It’s important to process how this relationship affects you. Sometimes the smallest things can leave the largest scars.
If any of this sounds familiar, schedule your free consultation today. I would love to talk with you!
How therapy for narcissistic abuse recovery can help you!
You never have to stay anywhere that causes you pain. But stepping away can be the most difficult thing you ever do. And the healing? That takes courage many struggle to find. But you don’t have to do it alone. I am here for you!
Experiencing narcissistic abuse is uniquely different from other forms of abuse and can only be fully understood by those who have been through it personally. I have. And I want to provide you with the validation, safety, and understanding you deserve.
With narcissistic abuse therapy, I support you in learning how to protect yourself, creating a plan to safely navigate that relationship, making sense of the confusion, healing from the damage, and learning to love and trust yourself again.
Reach out today to schedule your free therapy consultation with a survivor of narcissistic abuse who is passionate about supporting others through this healing. I would love to meet you and help you through these brave next steps together!
Other Therapy Services in Concord, NC
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LGBTQIA+ Therapy
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Depression Therapy
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Polyamory Therapy
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Childhood Trauma Therapy
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Religious Trauma Therapy
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Group Therapy
Narcissistic Abuse Therapy in Concord, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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When beginning narcissistic abuse therapy, our first sessions are about exploring your experience. We will identify the symptoms you are currently experiencing and learn healthy skills to better cope, heal, and grow. I will provide you with education and support to understand how trauma affects the mind and body while we explore holistic ways to heal. This is your therapeutic journey, so you will be able to chose what next step and what pace feels best for you. The goal is for you to be able to heal from the pain, reconnect with your authentic self, and grow stronger with confidence and skills to have the life you want on your own terms.
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The term “narcissistic,” the label “narcissist,” or the diagnosis “narcissistic personality disorder” each have separate uses which can be helpful for many people. However, you do not have to identify or label a person or experience in order to benefit from a trauma-informed approach to healing from abusive or harmful relationships. My approach to healing focuses on validating your experience, identifying the effects of abuse, and healing the trauma so you can move forward in your life with clarity, control, and confidence.
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If any of the above resonated with you in any way, it’s worth exploring. Abuse lies on a spectrum with many aspects being really hard to identify. Even if abuse has not occurred, any degree of harm or discomfort is a sign that something is not right. Relationships should support, uplift, and add to your identity and wellbeing. If they leave you confused or uncomfortable in any way, therapy can help you identify areas to explore, change, or grow. If you are curious if this can help you, feel free to schedule a free consultation to ask any questions!
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If you are interested in beginning narcissistic abuse therapy, you can complete this interest form to get started! You can also email me at michelle@radicalserenity.com or call/text me at 980-202-2480 if you have any questions.
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You can receive services as long as you are physically located in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Virginia. Therapy for abuse recovery is most effective when you feel physically and emotionally safe. You are encouraged to find a safe, private space where you feel comfortable speaking about your experience.
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No, a consultation is not required. Free consultations are a courtesy provided to clients who would prefer to speak with a potential therapist before they commit to a therapy appointment. If you would rather ask some questions over email or phone, we can do that! Otherwise, if you feel ready to to jump in, we can schedule your first appointment right away!