Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Sherman Oaks

Narcissistic abuse is a cycle of emotionally abusive behaviors that are displayed by people with narcissistic tendencies or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These abusive behaviors can include gaslighting, manipulation, emotional neglect, verbal abuse, controlling behavior, and invalidation.

Indications that you might have been abused by a narcissist include:

Chronic self-doubt or confusion
Feeling emotionally drained or “on edge” around that person
Excessive apologizing even when you did nothing wrong
Avoiding voicing your opinion
Cutting friends or family off
Ongoing second-guessing of your own reality (gaslighting)

If you identify with most of these, you would find it beneficial to have specialized help.

Therapy can offer:

Validation of your experiences and feelings
Emotional support and safety
Ways to reconstruct self-esteem and personal boundaries
Coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD-like symptoms
Direction in building healthier relationships

Some of these methods, which are commonly useful, are:

Trauma-informed therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Somatic therapies / body-based treatments
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Psyche education regarding narcissism, boundaries, and health in relationships

Healing is a very individual experience. Some will experience improvement in weeks to months with ongoing support; for more entrenched wounds and long-term abuse, a year or more is needed. The process is not linear, and there can be progress, setbacks, and cycles.

Yes — but it’s harder. Therapy can assist in teaching you coping skills, healthy boundaries, and emotional control skills to better handle contact. In most instances, minimizing or organizing contact (e.g. “gray rock,” limited contact) is part of the recovery process.

Some encouraging signs are:

Increased emotional stability (less reactivity, mood swings)
Improved self-esteem and self-worth
Smoother boundaries with others
Reducing intrusive thoughts about the abuser
Reconnecting with lost aspects of yourself (activities, relationships)
Healthier relationships

Regressions or emotional backsliding are the norm. Healing isn’t a straight line. If you feel worse:

Call your therapist or support system
Go back to grounding exercises and self-care
Remind yourself that setbacks are not failure
Talk about triggers and build coping skills

Find a therapist who:

Has trauma, abuse, or narcissistic personality dynamic experience
Provides a safe, validating, nonjudgmental environment
Is trained trauma-informed or in modalities such as EMDR, IFS, etc.
Is willing to work with your boundaries, pacing, and goals
Has rapport and clear communication

Fees differ based on location, therapist’s credentials, and type of session (in-person or virtual). Sliding scale fees are available from most therapists. Some therapists accept insurance or offer superbills as a form of reimbursement. Be sure to check with both your therapist and your insurance company.

Narcissistic abuse is a cycle of Yes, support groups can offer validation, common experience, and connection. They must be well-moderated and trauma-sensitive. But group settings are adjunctive; individual therapy is frequently still required for more in-depth work.emotionally abusive behaviors that are displayed by people with narcissistic tendencies or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These abusive behaviors can include gaslighting, manipulation, emotional neglect, verbal abuse, controlling behavior, and invalidation.

Yes — many survivors report a life after abuse: healthier relationships, stronger sense of self, emotional resilience. “Complete healing” may look different for everyone, but significant growth, peace, and empowerment are possible aims.

As soon as you’re ready and feel safe to do so. The sooner, the better. Early intervention can prevent those chronic patterns of self-blame, PTSD, or emotional dysregulation. But it’s never too late.

Sometimes. In some instances, conjoint sessions or psycho educational sessions with your trusted loved ones can assist in communication, boundary setting, or reestablishing relational support. But your main healing work will tend to center around you.

You have choices:

Online/teletherapy with trained providers
Sliding scale or low-cost clinics
Peer support groups or nonprofit organizations
Self-help workbooks, trauma recovery materials, and structured programs (as temporary support)
Crisis lines or community mental health resources