The most powerful healing begins when you stop trying to be who they wanted and start becoming who you are.
Dear Survivor,
If you’ve been in a relationship with a narcissistic partner, you know the damage goes far beyond words. You were likely blamed for everything, made to question your every memory, and convinced that love meant performing for approval. When it ends, the silence can be just as loud. That’s when the real question begins:
How do I heal after narcissistic abuse?
Healing is not linear. Some days you’ll feel strong, and other days the grief, anger, sadness or confusion might catch you off guard. Narcissistic abuse affects how you see yourself, trust others, and even understand reality. The first step is believing that what you went through was real. No matter how subtle the gaslighting or how hidden the manipulation, your experience matters.
You do not need their validation to begin your healing. Let me repeat that: You do not need their validation to begin your healing.
Rebuilding after narcissistic abuse starts with reconnecting to yourself. That means honoring your feelings, setting boundaries without guilt, and letting go of the idea that you have to explain your choices to anyone. You may benefit from journaling, somatic therapy, EMDR, or support groups. What matters most is creating space to feel safe inside your own body and life again.
If you’re wondering how to heal after narcissistic abuse, I encourage you to explore Reclaiming Strength: A Workbook for Relationship Abuse Survivors. It’s a self-paced guide full of affirmations, reflections, and trauma-informed practices made just for this journey.
You are not broken. You are becoming.
Blessings and healing,
Catrina
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