Narcissism is made up of inconspicuous actions that prioritize someone else’s well-being above yours. It can often take many years, decades, or a significant event to shed light on someone’s narcissistic patterns. Narcissistic interactions can occur at any point in an individual’s life. This Blog post will focus on ways to begin healing from narcissism.
What Does Narcissism Look Like?
Narcissism will look different for every person. Sometimes people are raised with narcissistic caregivers or parental figures. Other times, they found out that somebody they were in a relationship with had narcissistic tendencies, which only became apparent later on in their relationship. All these situations will look different and feel different.
Mainly, narcissism will focus on a few categories, depending on the age of the person experiencing narcissism. A narcissist will prioritize their well-being over yours. Your emotional perspective or point of view will often never be correct or invalidated if voiced aloud. Their interactions may seem superficial or they may have challenges authentically connecting on an emotional level. And nothing you can do well will please them. These dynamics may occur in parent-child relationship dynamics, when working with coworkers, or in committed relationships.
How Does Narcissism Affect Me?
As mentioned above, every person’s situation will be highly individualized. Self-reflection may be necessary to notice recurring relationship issues that continue to repeat over time. The skill of self-reflection will also help you in the future. This skill will also help highlight ways that you now navigate the world after narcissism ends. Individual trauma therapy near you can be a great way to start healing from either forms of narcissism discussed above.
Initially, people may feel a sense of shock and denial as they come to grips with the immediate aftermath of finding out they were raised in or in a relationship with the narcissist. As these realizations continue to link together, some common experiences I have seen include regret, disappointment, and feeling like a failure for not seeing it coming. At times, questions will arise of did I allow this to happen?, what did I do to deserve this?, or even start questioning their self-worth.
Is Narcissistic Abuse Trauma?
Narcissistic abuse can qualify for trauma. In some cases, it may not rise to the level of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. But in some cases, it could. The age at which a person experiences narcissistic abuse can impact how significant the trauma impacts and the symptoms a person experiences. Often, being near someone who exhibits narcissism creates a level of tension or walk on eggshells type of feeling. This can create a level of nervous system dysregulation, leading to trauma symptoms but also anxiety and depression.
Why is Healing from Narcissism so Difficult?
There are many complex emotions involved in healing from narcissism. If you were raised by somebody who is a narcissist, there can be many challenges associated with this. This can include feeling like you missed out on emotional connection, failed to develop emotional awareness skills, or had numerous experiences with gaslighting. In relationships with a narcissist, people can feel that they wasted a significant portion of their life, question why me?, and feel deep levels of regret and embarrassment. These two examples can greatly impact how you navigate future relationships in life. Linked here is some additional information on narcissism and ways to better your life.
Individual Trauma Therapy to Heal from Narcissism Near You
It doesn’t seem right that the person being impacted by narcissism needs to find therapy. However, individual therapy for trauma can be a gentle way to redirect your life on a path you desire. Fill your life with the vitality, connection, and joy you deserve. I can be reached by following this link or by calling 720.295.6703.
I offer in-person therapy sessions for those who live near Kenosha, Pleasant, Prairie, Racine, and Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Additionally, provide virtual trauma therapy for those who live throughout Wisconsin and Colorado.
