Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse in Cary, NC

Recovering from narcissistic abuse from a partner or parent can feel overwhelming. You may feel shame for being conditioned into a certain role. Perhaps you feel more empathy for others than yourself, and struggle maintaining boundaries. Maybe you don't trust your own emotions and are afraid to make mistakes around others.

As a licensed therapist, I provide compassion, knowledge and unconditional acceptance of who you are and where you are in your journey. You do not have to be alone on your journey towards growth. We can work together in the present to find a new path for your future.

Book Appointment

What Is Narcissistic Abuse?

Narcissistic abuse is a deeply damaging form of emotional and psychological manipulation that often unfolds slowly and subtly, leaving survivors confused, drained, and unsure of themselves. It can happen in romantic relationships, family dynamics, friendships, or even work settings — and it often involves patterns of gaslighting, blame-shifting, emotional invalidation, control, and intermittent praise or affection.

This type of abuse isn't always obvious, which can make it especially painful. You may have been made to feel like everything was your fault, that your needs were "too much," or that your reality wasn’t valid. Over time, this constant erosion of your self-trust and self-worth can lead to anxiety, depression, chronic self-doubt, and feelings of isolation or shame.

Common Signs of Narcissistic Abuse:

If you’re trying to understand whether your relationship dynamics are unhealthy, these signs can help you recognize narcissistic abuse:

  • Feeling like you’re always “walking on eggshells”

  • Being blamed for things you didn’t do

  • Experiencing gaslighting or having your reality denied

  • Losing confidence in your ability to make decisions

  • Being idealized, then suddenly devalued or discarded

  • Feeling emotionally exhausted, confused, or “not yourself”

  • Struggling to trust others — or your own instincts

You Are Not Alone — And It Wasn’t Your Fault

One of the most painful aspects of narcissistic abuse is the invisibility of the harm — especially when others don’t see what you went through. But your experience is real, and the impact it has had on you matters. Healing from narcissistic abuse involves learning to recognize these patterns, reclaiming your voice, reestablishing boundaries, and rebuilding trust in yourself.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides a safe, validating space to untangle the effects of narcissistic abuse. Together, we’ll process emotional pain, identify harmful patterns, and rebuild your sense of self. I incorporate EMDR and somatic approaches to help release trauma stored in the body and gently reprocess difficult memories.

You’ll also gain practical tools to support long-term healing, including:

  • Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries

  • Recognizing manipulative patterns early

  • Managing post-abuse or ongoing contact with an ex-partner, co-parent, or family member

  • Planning for separation or co-parenting in a way that protects your wellbeing

  • Rebuilding trust in your own emotions, perceptions, and inner voice

These services are available both online and in-person, offering flexible support wherever you are in your healing journey. Working with a narcissistic abuse therapist can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This work can benefit anyone impacted by these dynamics — including women, men, partners, friends, and family members who have experienced emotional manipulation or coercive control.

  • Narcissistic abuse often includes manipulation, gaslighting, blame-shifting, emotional invalidation, and cycles of idealization and devaluation. Over time, it leaves people feeling confused, controlled, and unsure of their own perceptions.

  • The “4 Ds” commonly refer to Deny, Dismiss, Devalue, and Discard—tactics used to avoid accountability, undermine your confidence, and keep you emotionally off balance.

  • Long-term effects may include chronic anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty trusting yourself or others, emotional exhaustion, and symptoms of trauma such as hypervigilance or intrusive thoughts.

  • Recovery varies for each person. Many people begin to feel better within months of consistent support from a licensed therapist or counselor, but deeper healing can take longer, especially after prolonged or repeated abuse.

  • Yes. Narcissistic abuse can lead to PTSD or complex PTSD, especially when the manipulation, fear, and instability continue over long periods. Working with a narcissistic abuse counselor can help rebuild safety, self-trust, and emotional stability.

Begin Healing Now

You don’t have to carry this alone. Recovery is possible — and you deserve to feel whole, empowered, and free.

Book your free 15-minute consultation to get started.

Book Appointment