Narcissistic Abuse & Coercive Control
These articles examine relationships in which narcissistic or controlling individuals mistreat others, often through emotional invalidation or other manipulative tactics. These pieces can help both therapists and clients recognize the traumatic effects of narcissistic abuse and coercive control in families, intimate partnerships, and parenting arrangements. You'll find guidance on building rapport with survivors, standing your ground with narcissistic clients, and managing the burnout that can often arise in this work. Learn more about realistic healing journeys for survivors, even if they choose to stay in the emotionally abusive relationship, and trauma-informed interventions that prioritize survivor safety, agency, and meaning-making. Learn from experts like Ramani Durvasula, a pioneer in bringing narcissistic abuse to light for therapists and survivors worldwide.
When Burnout Threatens Therapy with Survivors
Cultivating Your Stamina as a Therapist
Just because a relationship isn't physically violent doesn't mean emotional abuse won't turn violent. Read more
The arrival of children in a coercively controlling relationship adds a complicated abuse accelerant. Read more
Watch this clip of Dr. Ramani explaining the signs of narcissistic abuse in a relationship and what it looks like in your therapy office. Read more
Watch this clip of Dr. Ramani explaining how to help your clients who are survivors of narcissistic and build trust. Read more
Watch this clip of Dr. Ramani explaining what betrayal blindness looks like in relationships impacted by narcissistic abuse. Read more
People in relationships with narcissists are rarely going to catalyze meaningful change in their partners. How can therapists support them, whether they leave... Read more
The jokes many couples share reinforce their identity as an “us.” But there can be a dark side to humor in couples, too. Read more
Watch this clip to hear Bruce talk about a client unwilling to leave an abusive situation and the approach he uses to uncover the underlying reasons why. Read more
Some practical guidelines for handling confrontive and critical clients. Read more
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