Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse & Narcissism Online and In-Person in Fareham, Southampton, Portsmouth & Winchester Hampshire
What are the negative effects of living with a narcissist and can therapy help?
Sharing your life with a narcissist will have a range of debilitating effects on a person’s emotional, psychological and even physical well-being. Below are some common negative effects of living with a narcissist:
Emotional and psychological abuse: narcissists are known to be both emotionally and psychologically abusive towards their partners or family members. This can result in low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.
Gaslighting: the victims of a narcissist’s gaslighting are often manipulated through denial or distortion of the truth, leading their victims to question their own perceptions and reality. Often this leads to confusion, self-doubt and the loss of one's own understanding of their past.
Isolation: narcissists often isolate their partners or family members from friends and family, thus creating a sense of control and dependency.
Financial abuse: narcissists can often control household finances, meaning their partners or family members have no access to money or resources, hindering their ability to leave the relationship.
Lack of empathy: narcissists are known to lack empathy and are unable to recognise or respond to the emotional needs of their partner or family members.
Manipulation: narcissists are skilled manipulators. They use guilt, fear and other tactics to control their partners and family members.
Physical abuse: sadly, in some cases, the narcissist can resort to using physical violence in order to maintain control of their partner, children and family members.
It is vital to note that not every person with narcissistic traits will be abusive or harmful to others and that there are varying degrees of narcissism - it is a spectrum disorder. However, if you believe that you or someone you know is experiencing any of these negative effects within their relationship with a narcissist, it may be useful to seek professional help or support.
RECOVERY FROM NARCISSISM AND NARCISSISTIC ABUSE
HOW CAN COUNSELLING, HYPNOTHERAPY, CBT & EMDR HELP ME TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF HAVING LIVED WITH A NARCISSIST?
It can be challenging to overcome the effects of living with a narcissist, but with the right support and resources, it is possible. Here are some tips to help you overcome the effects of living with a narcissist:
Seek therapy: therapy will provide a supportive, safe environment in which you can process your experiences and emotions. This will help you to develop coping strategies to overcome the negative effects of having lived with a narcissist.
Practice self-care: by engaging in activities which make you feel good, such as exercise, meditation or spending time with loved ones, you will boost your self-esteem and improve your overall sense of well-being.
Build yourself a support system: you should surround yourself with supportive and understanding people such as friends, family, or perhaps an appropriate support group. Sharing your experiences with others who have been through similar events can be particularly helpful when working to overcome the effects of having lived with a narcissist.
Set boundaries: by learning to set and maintain healthy boundaries, you can help to protect yourself from further harm and build a sense of control in your life.
Practice mindfulness: mindfulness practices help you to stay present in the moment and develop a sense of inner peace. These could include meditation or yoga. Mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety, thus setting you on a path towards healing.
Seek professional help: you may be experiencing severe and ongoing symptoms relating to living with a narcissist. These could include PTSD, fear, anxiety or depression. It may be helpful for you to seek professional help from a mental health provider.
Remember that it takes time to heal from the after-effects of having lived with a narcissist. It is important to be patient and kind to yourself while you work through the process. Here at OLIP Therapy, formerly The Hampshire Hypnotherapy and Counselling Centre, we are experienced in supporting those recovering from narcissistic relationships. We are committed to helping you access the right support and resources, enabling you to move forward and build yourself the happier and healthier life that you deserve.
We have a number of informative blogs on recovery from narcissistic abuse and our Narcissism Podcast series on YouTube is full of interesting facts and conversation. Many of our therapists have experience in using counselling and hypnotherapy to help you to recover from narcissistic abuse. Please contact us today to find out how we can help you on your path to recovery.
