Emotional Abuse and Complex Trauma Recovery
Reconnect to others. Reconnect to yourself.
Online Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery California
Are you sacrificing your sense of self for the sake of a relationship?
Maybe you are completely shattered after being in a toxic relationship and your self-esteem seems non-existent compared to who you were before. Or perhaps you are reflecting on past experiences that have left you with a chronic sense of self-doubt. Victims of emotional or narcissistic abuse may feel like they have lost themselves as the cycle of psychological beatings is a soul-killing process.
This damage can have far-reaching effects, including:
Self-doubt -Survivors may constantly question their judgment, decisions, or worthiness in relationships.
Low self-estem- A hallmark of emotional abuse is the systematic erosion of a person’s self-esteem. This can result in chronic feelings of shame, guilt, and a lack of confidence in their abilities or value as a person.
Mental health struggles – The long-term emotional toll can lead to anxiety, depression, and even PTSD, which can affect various aspects of life, including career, friendships, and family.
Difficulty trusting others – Due to the deep sense of betrayal that emotional abuse creates, individuals may become overly cautious or paranoid in future relationships, sometimes pushing others away due to fear of being hurt again.
Anger and Irritability- People often feel powerless or helpless in their ability to change their circumstances. Over time, this can manifest as chronic irritability, mood swings, or outbursts of anger, even in situations where the person’s reaction seems disproportionate to the event. The anger can also be directed inward, leading to self-loathing or self-destructive behaviors.
Chronic Stress and Physical Health Issues- Prolonged emotional trauma can lead to a range of physical health issues, such as headaches, stomach problems, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and weakened immune function. Stress-related disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic pain may also develop.
Difficulty with Boundaries and People-Pleasing- Survivors often ignore their own needs, feelings, or desires in favor of maintaining peace or avoiding conflict. As a result, many are unable to assert themselves in relationships or work situations, leading to burnout, resentment, or unhealthy patterns of codependency.
how i can help
While complex trauma can have a lasting effect, recovery is possible.
Whether it’s time to heal from a former relationship, set some boundaries in an existing one, or bring a relationship to an end, therapy can provide you a safe place to process your experiences.
Therapy can help you by…
Processing the trauma so you can heal.
Developing emotional regulation skills, so they can better manage anxiety, anger, sadness, and other emotions without becoming overwhelmed.
Rebuilding your self worth and self trust.
Identifying, communicating, and enforcing personal boundaries in all aspects of their life.
Through exploring choices, recognizing personal strengths, and setting goals, therapy enables survivors to take back control of their narrative and life decisions.
Recognizing the trauma bond and working through the complex emotions that keep you tied to the abuser.
Helping you understand the dynamics of abusive relationships so you have the awareness to break free from cycles and make healthier choices in the future
Decreasing vulnerability to further abuse.
Teaching healthy communication skills, conflict resolution, and how to recognize red flags in relationships.
I want you to know:
There is hope, joy, and empowerment to be found beyond the pain and suffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with specialized training and experience in working with survivors of this type of abuse. My qualifications include a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, as well as my lived experience. I’m trained in psychodynamic, person-centered, and trauma informed therapeutic approaches. I understand the complexities of narcissistic emotional abuse and how it impacts relationships as well as the individual being abused. I am mindful of the ways in which our past experiences show up in our present relationships, reactions, and even in our bodies, and always aim to maintain a holistic lens in my work.
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Yes! Therapy not only provides a space to grieve and work through some of the emotional complexities, it is also a space where you gain insight into yourself and how you show up in relationships so you can do things differently. It also provides a structured environment to explore yourself, reflect on your experiences, and identify any limiting patterns that may be hindering affecting your self esteem and your relationships.Additionally, it offers you the opportunity to develop skills such as emotional regulation, decision-making, and communication—all of which are crucial for healthy relationships.
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To help get the most out of psychotherapy, approach the therapy as a collaborative effort, be open and honest, and follow your agreed upon plan for treatment. Follow through with any work between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what we’ve talked about.
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$200/50-minute
Sliding scale spots may be available upon request.
While I’m not an in-network provider for insurance, I can provide a monthly superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your out-of-network benefits, including details on your deductible, coverage amounts, and the number of sessions covered. If you have a PPO, there’s a good chance you’ll be partially reimbursed. Please note, if you choose to seek reimbursement, I am required to include a diagnosis on the superbill, which will become part of your medical record.
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Click the “book your free consult”button and we will set up a time to meet. During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss with me your history, current challenges, and hopes for the future.
Therapy duration varies based on individual needs and goals, but I generally recommend a commitment to weekly sessions. Regular, weekly appointments are crucial for establishing consistency, which allows us to build a strong therapeutic rapport and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges you face.