Narcissistic abuse can have a range of negative effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Over time, victims can develop anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. They have difficulty making decisions and trusting others, and they lose their sense of self and identity. They experience cognitive dissonance, hypervigilance and hyperarousal.
Counseling for narcissistic abuse
Counseling for narcissistic abuse involves therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Qualified counselors have extensive experience working with narcissistic abuse victims, and they focus on helping the individual recover from the effects of the abuse and on developing healthy coping mechanisms.
Schedule an AppointmentEffects of narcissistic abuse
Emotionally, victims of narcissistic abuse have feelings of worthlessness, shame, and guilt because they are constantly invalidated, gaslighted, or blamed. Other physical symptoms may include insomnia, chronic fatigue, pain, hypertension, and changes in appetite. These effects can vary in severity and duration, and some individuals may experience some or all of these symptoms. It’s important to seek professional help to address the effects of narcissistic abuse, as it can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s well-being.
The purposes of narcissistic abuse counseling
Narcissists often use manipulative tactics and gaslighting to control and confuse their victims. This can make it difficult for victims to trust their own perceptions and make it hard to know what is real and what is not. Narcissistic abuse can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and isolation, making it difficult for them to seek support or validation from others.
Coping with trauma requires specific techniques and support that may be difficult to obtain without professional help. Counseling for narcissistic abuse may involve several approaches, depending on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Therapy helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may have developed as a result of the abuse.
Patient reviews
Counseling services for narcissistic abuse
Many victims of narcissistic abuse may not understand what they are experiencing, and may blame themselves for the abuse. Narcissists often violate boundaries and can make it difficult for their victims to set and maintain healthy boundaries. Individual counseling can help individuals learn how to set boundaries and develop healthy coping mechanisms to deal with the abuse.
Couples counseling for narcissistic abuse can explore emotions and past experiences to understand the root causes of perpetrating abuse and how it has impacted both partners. Overall, counseling can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through the effects of narcissistic abuse, learn coping skills, and gain the knowledge and understanding needed to heal from the trauma.
The benefits of narcissistic abuse counseling
Narcissistic abuse counseling can benefit individuals by providing a safe and validating space to process traumatic experiences and gain a greater sense of clarity and understanding.
- Provides emotional support, which can be especially important for those who may have been isolated from friends and family.
- Teaches healthy coping skills to manage the psychological effects of narcissistic abuse. This can include strategies such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Rebuilds the victim’s sense of self, so they can gain greater confidence and learn to value themselves.
- Provides the tools and skills needed to form and maintain healthy relationships in the future.
- Develops strategies to overcome the effects of narcissistic abuse and build a more fulfilling life.