Narcissist Abuse and Recovery Therapy

Narcissistic abuse often feels like being emotionally trapped in a constant state of confusion and self-doubt. You may feel like you’re never good enough, always to blame, or constantly walking on eggshells. Over time, the manipulation and gaslighting can cause you to question your own reality, instincts, and worth. You might feel isolated, drained, anxious, or ashamed—yet unsure why. Survivors often describe it as an invisible form of control that slowly chips away at their confidence. At Opening the Doors Psychotherapy, we help you name these experiences and begin the journey toward clarity and emotional freedom.

Symptoms of narcissistic abuse can show up emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Common signs include chronic self-doubt, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, people-pleasing tendencies, and difficulty trusting others. Survivors may experience intrusive thoughts, emotional flashbacks, or feel “on edge” much of the time. Many report feeling numb, isolated, or confused about what is real—often a result of prolonged gaslighting. At Opening the Doors Psychotherapy, we understand how layered these symptoms can be, and we provide a safe space to unpack them and begin meaningful healing.

Recovering from narcissistic abuse starts with recognizing that what you experienced was real—and that it wasn’t your fault. Healing involves rebuilding your sense of self, learning to trust your instincts again, and processing the emotional wounds left behind. Working with a therapist who understands the nuances of narcissistic abuse can be crucial. At Opening the Doors Psychotherapy, we help survivors set healthy boundaries, identify and release toxic patterns, and restore a sense of inner peace and personal power. Recovery is possible, and you’re not alone in the process.

Moving on after narcissistic abuse means reclaiming your voice, your identity, and your sense of safety. This process often includes setting boundaries, limiting or ending contact with the abuser, and giving yourself permission to feel and process what happened. It’s normal to grieve, to feel confused, or to question your reality—that’s part of the trauma. Therapy can help guide you through this stage by offering clarity, validation, and tools to rebuild trust in yourself and others. At Opening the Doors Psychotherapy, we support you every step of the way so you can move forward with strength and self-compassion.

Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes you question your own thoughts, memories, and perceptions. It’s commonly used by narcissistic individuals to gain control or avoid accountability. Over time, gaslighting can make you feel like you’re “going crazy” or that you can’t trust your own instincts. Examples include denying things they said or did, shifting blame, or downplaying your emotions as irrational or too sensitive. At Opening the Doors Psychotherapy, we help clients recognize gaslighting patterns and rebuild their confidence in what they know to be true.

Signs of gaslighting often include constant self-doubt, confusion, and feeling like you have to apologize all the time. You might find yourself second-guessing your memory or wondering if you’re being too sensitive. A gaslighter may deny things they clearly said or did, twist the facts, shift blame onto you, or minimize your emotions. Over time, this emotional manipulation can leave you feeling disoriented, anxious, and dependent on the other person for a sense of reality. At Opening the Doors Psychotherapy, we help individuals recognize these patterns and regain clarity and self-trust.