Narcissistic abuse survivors have to navigate a myriad of emotions even after their relationship comes to a close. Whether it is gaslighting or chronic criticism, survivors are left to deal with confusion and anxiety.
Fortunately, all is not lost, as recovery is possible. One of the most important steps for recovery involves accepting and taking therapy seriously.
By working with a professional, survivors can heal and eliminate abusive patterns that are preventing them from reaching their true potential.
What is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse refers to a pattern of behaviors and control carried out by individuals who have high narcissistic traits in romantic, familial, or professional relationships.
The victim ends up with serious issues like anxiety and depression because the abuser continues to damage their sense of worth.
What is included in Therapy for Recovery?
Here are four major reasons why therapy is a must for the road to recovery:
- Therapists offer survivors a safe space to understand what they went through, thus allowing them to reduce isolation.
- Therapy addresses trauma directly, allowing survivors to move forward with their lives.
- Therapy gives survivors the tools they need to set boundaries, identify red flags, and build healthier relationships.
- Therapy helps survivors protect themselves from abuse in the future and reclaim their lost identity.
Types of Therapy for Recovery
Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach, therapy types for different survivors with varying problems, such as:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Our experts utilize cognitive behavioral therapy to identify and eliminate negative behaviors and triggers.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
This type of therapy is best for survivors dealing with relationship difficulties.
Our therapist will equip you with tools to deal with distress and emotional dysregulation.
Trauma-focused Therapies
Methods like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing are used in trauma-focused therapies to help survivors process abusive memories and traumatic past.
Group Therapy
While this isn’t exactly a solid therapy type, it can have its benefits. Participation in groups where survivors meet and share their stories can help reduce shame and the need for isolation.
Choosing the right type of therapy is critical and must be handled by a professional. Our therapist will evaluate your condition and recommend the best therapies according to your needs.
How Therapy Rebuilds Identity and Self-Worth
Our expert therapist will examine your behavior, trigger points and your past to shortlist one or multiple therapies. Therapy can help reduce depression and anxiety and rebuild your self-worth.
- Therapy helps rebuild confidence and eliminate self blame.
- Therapy helps survivors in setting boundaries and deciding how to cope with trauma.
- Using techniques like narrative therapy or journaling, survivors can build a narrative of “who I was, here is what happened, and who I want to be.” Essentially, survivors are rebuilding shattered assumptions about themselves.
- Rather than internalizing constant criticism, therapy allows survivors to cultivate an empowered internal dialogue and a kinder self-voice.
Recovering from an abusive and narcissistic past takes time, and there are no quick fixes.
However, with continuous efforts and counseling, survivors can regain their lost confidence.
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