Narcissism has made its way into the pop-psychology and social media zeitgeist over the last several years. The often one-dimensional definition of narcissism as one with an overinflated ego reduces the label of narcissist to a simple "drag" or "critique". In reality, the emotional isolation, shame, anxiety, and at times outright terror that transpires in a family or relationship with a narcissist is much more egregious! 

 

Living with a narcissistic parent can feel like living in an alternate reality. A reality where your wants, needs, ambitions, and perspective have little-to-no place for existence. Where you are forced to abandon your sense of self or risk admonishment, alienation, or shame from the narcissistic other. A reality that places the narcissists needs, beliefs, and desires above all else. 

 

"Deciding to embark on your healing journey is a huge step toward finding your voice & untangling the traumatic web of narcissism!"

 

Your autonomy and right to self-agency deserve to be honored. The fact that you are seeking support is an act of self-agency and resiliency in and of itself!

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The Many Faces of Narcissistic Abuse

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Does this sound familiar to you? 

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 A parent who showered you with love, attention, and affection when you were younger, then grew cold, invalidating, and critical as you grew older and became more independent.

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A parent who made you feel guilty for expressing your own needs, wants, and desires. 

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A parent who often builds their self-worth up at the expense of putting others down. 

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A parent who suffocates you with their needs and expectations, but gives you breadcrumbs of support in return. 

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Manipulation of your words, feelings, or actions as a way to confuse you or get you to second guess yourself. 

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A parent with trouble empathizing and taking your perspective, yet often expects you to empathize and understand them.  

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If any of the above ring true for you, these can be signs of a parent or family member with narcissistic tendencies. 

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What is Your Specialty within the Narcissistic Trauma Field?

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Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents, Siblings, or Family Members

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I work primarily with adult children of narcissistic parents, siblings, and family members who are looking to untangle the complexities of their childhood experiences and present-day family dynamics. Together we explore how to navigate relationships with narcissistic family members in a way that honors your authenticity and self-agency.

 

For more information on treatment for Adult Children of Narcissistic and Emotionally Immature Parents click here.

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My practice is affirming of sexuality, gender, and relationship diversity.   

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How Can You Help Me?

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Integrating relational neuroscience (attachment neuroscience), emotionally-focused therapy, and somatic understanding of the mind-body connection, we will work together to understand how your past experiences have had an impact throughout your personal, social-relational, and internal life. Together, we will process the influence your relationship with a narcissist has had on your perceptions of self and relationships with others.

 

As we untangle your reality from the distorted reality forced upon you by the narcissistic other, we can begin to identify ways of reclaiming your sense of self that feel right, authentic, and empowering for you!  

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Tools fostered throughout our sessions include: emotional and body-based regulation skills, self-compassion, effective communication, embracing resiliency, boundary setting skills, and somatic affective awareness.

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What Makes You Different from Other Trauma Therapists in Bergen County, New Jersey? 

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In addition to trauma training, I am a WIEBGE Certified - Clinical Narcissistic Abuse Therapist. I have completed extensive training and mentorship on healing from narcissistic parents and narcissistic abuse from expert in the field Dr. Karyl McBride, author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough? Healing Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers.

 

This advance training led to Level 2 Clinical Certification in Dr. McBride's recovery model for treating adult children of narcissistic parents and narcissistic partners.

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As an attachment-informed trauma therapist, I have completed post-graduate training in attachment theory, childhood and adolescent development, developmental trauma, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and relational neuroscience. I am formally trained in attachment-informed trauma modalities including: Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, and Somatic Attachment Therapy.

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Lastly, I myself am a survivor of childhood developmental trauma and parental narcissism on my own healing journey as I navigate the residual effects of my childhood experiences.  

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For additional resources on narcissism and the narcissistic family system, check out my entire series on Peeling Back the Layers of Narcissism here.