Healing from narcissistic abuse takes more than time. It takes clarity, safety, and support to rebuild trust and self-worth.
Dear Colleague,
Guiding survivors through the aftermath of narcissistic abuse means understanding the deep emotional and psychological toll it leaves behind. This form of relational trauma is often invisible to outsiders but profoundly disruptive to a survivor’s sense of self.
Survivors may present with chronic self-doubt, emotional flashbacks, hypervigilance, and overwhelming fear around connection. After experiencing gaslighting, devaluation, and intermittent reinforcement, it becomes difficult to know what is real—especially in relationships.
The healing journey must center on more than “moving on.” It requires unlearning harmful beliefs, reestablishing internal trust, and reclaiming one’s narrative from the narcissist’s distortion. Trauma bonds often keep survivors emotionally tethered to a harmful partner, even long after contact ends.
As providers, we are called to hold space for this complexity. When we validate the survivor’s experience and offer a consistent, nonjudgmental presence, we help them begin to build emotional safety. Therapy becomes a space to practice setting boundaries, naming needs, and grieving the relationship they hoped would be different.
Healing from narcissistic abuse is not about going back to who someone was “before.”
It’s about discovering who they are now—free from the shadow of emotional manipulation. This work is slow and sacred. And it’s deeply deserving of support.
Every survivor deserves the chance to heal at their own pace, with tools that honor their autonomy and strength.
👉 Resource to Support Your Practice: Types of Abuse Worksheet
Use this in session to name and explore patterns your client may still be minimizing or questioning.
With appreciation for all you do,
Catrina LPCS
P.S. The work you do is important. Remember to take care of yourself through peer support. Consider joining our monthly support group: www.catrinalpcs.com/providers
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