Narcissistic Abuse
Counselling
Virtual sessions: BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
In-person Sessions: Available for Vancouver residents only.
Narcissistic abuse often feels like your reality is constantly being shifted and redefined for you. It is a persistent pattern of emotional control that leaves you questioning your own memory, your judgment, and your worth. You might find yourself "walking on eggshells" to avoid conflict, only to realize that the rules change whenever it suits the other person. This isn't just a difficult relationship. It is an exhausting cycle that can leave you feeling isolated and disconnected from the person you used to be.
Signs of Narcissistic Abuse (NA) In Relationships
The Cycle of Idealize-Devalue-Discard: Experiencing intense praise followed by sudden contempt, rejection, and unpredictable distance.
Gaslighting and Reality Distortion: A repeated pattern of being told your memories are wrong or being labeled "too sensitive" until you begin to doubt your own sanity.
Control and Coercion: Having your time, finances, and/or social life monitored under the guise of "protection" or "care."
Emotional Manipulation: Dealing with the silent treatment, emotional shutdown, or false displays of empathy used to keep you uncertain or compliant.
Boundary Violations: Feeling that your "no" is never respected, and that your needs always come second.
* These signs are shared to help you identify common patterns, not to provide a formal diagnosis. Narcissistic abuse exists on a spectrum, and every person's experience is unique. If you recognize yourself in these descriptions, please know that you are not alone and support is available.
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Erosion of Self & Identity Repeated criticism and invalidation that chip away at your sense of worth, leaving you unclear about who you are and what you want.
Trauma & Hypervigilance Complex trauma and PTSD-like symptoms, including flashbacks, dissociation, and a persistent "fight/flight" response that makes it difficult to feel safe.
Emotional & Mental Health Deepening anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness, often accompanied by shame, self-blame, and a loss of interest in the future.
Confusion & Distorted Reality Long-term gaslighting that creates uncertainty about your memory and impairs your confidence in your own judgment.
Relational Strains Difficulty trusting others and a tendency to repeat harmful patterns or codependency because the chaos has begun to feel "normal."
Physical & Practical Consequences Stress-related illnesses like sleep disturbances and immune suppression, often compounded by financial insecurity or parenting challenges.
Grief & Loss Mourning the relationship you thought you had, the future you envisioned, and the parts of yourself that were muted or surrendered.
Working Together
Creating a Path Forward
One Collective Therapy meets you exactly where you are, moving at a pace that feels safe for you as we work to address:
Restoring safety and self-trust: therapists validate your experience and help you relearn confidence in your perceptions and boundaries.
Teaching boundaries and assertive communication: practical skills to say no, protect your needs, and respond to manipulation.
Processing trauma and grief: evidence-based approaches help reduce symptoms and integrate painful experiences.
Rebuilding sense of self and values: exploration of identity, strengths, and goals to reclaim autonomy and direction.
Developing relapse prevention and relationship skills: identifying red flags, setting standards for healthy relationships, and practicing responses to manipulative behaviour.
To learn more about how the expert support at One Collective Therapy can help you navigate these challenges, please connect with us today. We would be honored to help you find the path forward.