Understanding Narcissistic Abuse
What Is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological harm inflicted by individuals with narcissistic traits or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It can happen in romantic relationships, parent-child dynamics, friendships, and even professional settings.
Unlike physical abuse, narcissistic abuse is often subtle and covert, making it difficult to recognize. Survivors may find themselves in a fog of self-doubt, confusion, and emotional exhaustion.
Traits of Narcissistic Abuse
Common features include:
Gaslighting or making you question your reality
Emotional withdrawal or stonewalling
Love-bombing followed by harsh criticism
Dismissal of your needs or boundaries
Constant criticism or subtle control
Playing the victim or flipping blame
Making you feel like you are the problem
Overt vs. Covert Narcissistic Abuse
Understanding the difference between covert and overt narcissistic abuse helps clarify your experience:
Overt Narcissists:
Appear arrogant, dominant, or entitled
Seek admiration and attention openly
Use obvious manipulation or aggression
Criticize and control publicly and privately
Covert Narcissists:
Appear sensitive, shy, or self-effacing
Use guilt, victimhood, and passive-aggression
Undermine others subtly (“I never said that”)
Often avoid direct confrontation but still manipulate
Both styles can be deeply destructive and cause long-term psychological harm.
Why It’s So Hard to Leave or Heal
Because narcissistic abuse often includes intermittent validation or affection, it creates a trauma bond — a cycle of hope, fear, and confusion. This makes survivors:
Blame themselves for the abuse
Feel responsible for the other person’s emotions
Doubt their memories or feelings
Stay in the relationship longer due to guilt, fear, or confusion
This isn’t weakness. It’s a natural response to manipulation and trauma.
How Therapy Can Help
Working with a trauma-informed therapist like Yasmine helps survivors:
Break free from trauma bonds
Reconnect to their inner voice and intuition
Heal attachment wounds and develop secure boundaries
Rebuild identity, confidence, and emotional regulation
Address symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD
Explore the deeper spiritual and somatic roots of disconnection
Yasmine uses a combination of CBT, psychodynamic therapy, somatic work, and spiritual integration to support holistic recovery.
Healing Outside of Therapy: Tools for Empowerment
Therapy is powerful — but healing also happens in daily choices, body awareness, and community. Here are holistic ways to support your healing journey:
Nervous System Regulation
Practice grounding techniques (e.g., breathwork, orienting)
Gentle movement: yoga, walking, somatic dance
Cold exposure or vagus nerve exercises
Learn to recognize “fight, flight, freeze, fawn” responses
Reconnect With Self
Journaling to reclaim your voice and truth
Mirror work or inner child connection
Meditation, prayer, or spiritual rituals
Spend time in nature to regulate and restore
Education & Awareness
Read books like The Body Keeps the Score or Psychopath Free
Listen to podcasts or watch videos on narcissistic dynamics
Join support groups or online communities (with healthy moderation)
Boundaries + Rebuilding
Practice saying “no” and noticing what comes up
Slowly reduce contact with toxic individuals (including family)
Surround yourself with safe, validating people
Re-engage with passions or creativity you once silenced
Healing is not linear. Some days you’ll feel powerful, others fragile. The goal is not perfection — it's reconnection.
From Yasmine:
“You didn’t imagine it. You’re not too sensitive. You were never meant to live in survival mode. You deserve peace — and it's possible.”
Available Support
Online therapy for narcissistic abuse in Florida
Spiritual + trauma-informed coaching worldwide
Somatic, emotional, and nervous system healing
