Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse

If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse from a partner, family member, friend, or colleague, the impacts can be profound and long-lasting. Recovery is possible, but it often requires specialised understanding of these unique dynamics and their effects on survivors.

Narcissistic abuse involves a pattern of manipulative behaviours designed to maintain control and superiority:

• Love-bombing followed by devaluation and discard cycles. This specific sequence is not always present and/or may not be linear
• Gaslighting that makes you question your memory and perceptions
• Projection where their negative traits are blamed on you
• Triangulation using others to create jealousy or insecurity
• Silent treatment as punishment or control
• Hoovering attempts to draw you back after separation
• Smear campaigns to damage your reputation with others
• Financial control or sabotage of your independence
• Isolation from supportive friends and family
• Constant criticism disguised as “helpful feedback”
• Moving goalposts so you can never meet their expectations
• Playing victim to avoid accountability for their behaviour

These tactics are often so subtle and gradual that victims don’t recognise them as abuse until significant damage has occurred.

The impact of narcissistic abuse can be devastating and may include:

• Complex trauma symptoms including flashbacks and hypervigilance
• Severe self-doubt and constant second-guessing of your perceptions
• Anxiety and depression that may feel overwhelming
• Difficulty making decisions or trusting your own judgment
• Hypervigilance and walking on eggshells around others
• People-pleasing behaviours to avoid conflict or criticism
• Difficulty setting boundaries or advocating for yourself
• Fear of being “found out” as inadequate or worthless
• Social anxiety or withdrawal from relationships
• Cognitive symptoms like brain fog or memory problems
• Physical symptoms including fatigue, headaches, or autoimmune issues

These effects can persist long after the abusive relationship has ended, making recovery challenging without appropriate support.

Recovery from narcissistic abuse requires understanding of its unique dynamics and effects. At Seed Psychology, our experienced psychologists use trauma-informed approaches including Complex Trauma therapy, DBT skills, and CBT to support survivors of narcissistic abuse.

Specialised therapy can help you:

• Recognise and validate your experiences of narcissistic abuse
• Rebuild your sense of reality and trust in your own perceptions
• Process complex trauma and reduce symptoms of hypervigilance
• Develop healthy boundaries and assertiveness skills
• Rebuild self-esteem and reclaim your authentic identity
• Learn to recognise red flags in future relationships
• Develop secure attachment patterns and trust in healthy relationships
• Process grief for the relationship you thought you had
• Build resilience and prevent future victimisation

Recovery takes time, but with proper support, you can reclaim your life and develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Narcissistic abuse is not your fault, and the effects you’re experiencing are normal responses to abnormal treatment. You deserve relationships built on genuine respect, empathy, and mutual care.

Our compassionate team at Seed Psychology understands the unique challenges faced by survivors of narcissistic abuse. We provide a safe, validating space where you can heal from these experiences and rebuild your sense of self.

Connect with us to book an appointment with a psychologist in our Brunswick clinic or via telehealth Australia-wide.