Updated: 11/18/2023
Narcissistic abuse is a form of psychological abuse in which one person dominates and abuses another for their own personal gain. This can take the form of verbal insults, control over finances, isolation from friends and family, and even physical violence. Many victims of narcissistic abuse feel ashamed and do not know where to turn for help. However, there are now a number of online resources available that can help those who are struggling with narcissistic abuse. Continue reading to learn about the best online therapy for narcissistic abuse and how to find help near you.
Signs Of Narcissistic Abuse
Narcissistic abuse is a type of emotional and psychological abuse that is often perpetrated by someone who has a narcissistic personality disorder. This type of abuse is characterized by manipulation, gaslighting, emotional blackmail, isolation, ignoring boundaries, and psychological abuse. In my experience, it can be very difficult to identify narcissistic abuse because the perpetrator often does a good job of hiding their true intentions. However, there are some signs that can help you identify if you are being abused by a narcissist.
Psychological Abuse
If you’re in a relationship with someone who is narcissistic, you may be experiencing psychological abuse. Narcissists are often charming and attractive when they first enter a relationship, but their true colors eventually show. They are often emotionally and psychologically abusive, often using manipulation and coercion to get what they want.
Some common signs of narcissistic abuse include being constantly put down, feeling like you can’t do anything right, being made to feel guilty or responsible for the narcissist’s moods and feelings, and being isolated from friends and family. The narcissist may also make unreasonable demands on you and use threats or intimidation to keep you in line.
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Gaslighting
Signs of narcissistic abuse can include gaslighting, which is when the abuser makes their victim doubt their own sanity by constantly denying their perceptions and memories. The abuser may also use threats and verbal attacks to keep the victim in line. Victims of narcissistic abuse often feel isolated and alone, as the abuser typically cuts them off from friends and family.
Learn more about gaslighting in your dysfunctional family.
Emotional Blackmail
There are many different signs that can indicate someone is being abused by a narcissist. One common sign that I frequently see is emotional blackmail. Narcissists will often use threats and guilt trips to get what they want from their victims. They may threaten to leave them or say that they’re not good enough for the narcissist. If the victim doesn’t comply with the narcissist’s demands, they may be subjected to ridicule, insults, and other forms of abuse.
Ignoring Personal Boundaries
Narcissistic abuse is often difficult to spot, especially in the early stages. However, there are some key signs to look out for. One of the most common indicators is a disregard for personal boundaries. Narcissists frequently ignore what other people want or need, crossing over into their personal space without consent. They may also make unreasonable demands, expecting others to drop everything in order to accommodate them. This can be incredibly draining and stressful for the victim, who may feel like they can never do anything right in the narcissist’s eyes.
Are you dealing with a narcissistic mother?
Manipulation
Manipulation is one of the most common tools narcissists use to control their victims. It can be overt or subtle, but the goal is always the same: to get what they want without having to put in the work themselves. Often, narcissists will make their victims feel like they are the only one who can help them or that they are the only one who understands them. This gives the narcissist a sense of power and control over their victim.
Isolation
Narcissists are often charming and charismatic individuals who use their charm and charisma to manipulate others into doing their bidding. They often isolate their victims from friends and family, making them dependent on the narcissist for support. They often use their victim’s friends and family against them by lying to them, manipulating their emotions, or threatening to spread rumors about the victim if they do not do as the narcissist says.
Are you in a relationship with a narcissist?
Take our quiz, 'Deciphering Narcissism: A 23-Question Guide to Understanding and Coping' and discover key insights into navigating complex dynamics with a narcissist.
How Online Therapy For Narcissistic Abuse Can Help You
After experiencing a painful relationship with a narcissist, it’s common to feel low on self-worth and full of self-doubt. These can make healing from narcissistic abuse more challenging, especially if you’re doing it alone.
In my opinion, when it comes to narcissistic abuse, seeking professional help is key. However, for those who don’t feel comfortable talking about their experiences in person, online therapy for narcissistic abuse can be a great option. Online therapy, such as that offered by BetterHelp, provides a safe space for victims of narcissistic abuse to share their experiences and receive the support they need. It also allows them to remain nickname if they choose to do so.
There is a reason why online therapy has become so popular in recent years. It is an incredibly effective way to get help for a wide range of issues. For people who have been affected by narcissistic abuse, online therapy can be an especially valuable resource.
Online therapy also allows survivors to connect with others who have been through similar experiences. This can be incredibly helpful in terms of building solidarity and creating a support network. Additionally, online therapy can help survivors learn how to set boundaries and protect themselves from future abuse.
Are you emotionally depleted from living with a narcissist?
What To Expect During Online Therapy For Narcissistic Abuse
Your journey to healing will start with what is known as talking therapy, a phrase that covers a wide range of interventions that all center on discussing your past and present experiences with your online therapist. It is one of the more popular types of narcissistic abuse online therapy techniques.
This will likely seem like a very new experience for you, as narcissistic abuse victims are accustomed to being ignored or forbidden to confide in others.
Speaking about your experience with a professional who is warm, affirming, understanding, and sympathetic is therapeutic in and of itself, but it is also the best antidote to the narcissistic poison that has been ingrained in you.
It is crucial to have validation from another person because when you feel believed for what you’ve been through, whatever self-doubt you may have about yourself is overcome. It also aids in your understanding of the severity of the trauma you’ve experienced.
In some circumstances, you might be curious as to how you came to be a victim of a narcissist in the first place. In order to explore any potential patterns of abuse in your life, it may be necessary to explain more about your past, particularly your childhood, prior to the relationship when responding to this question by your therapist.
Other times, the focus is on assisting you in realizing that attributing victimhood to yourself is, in fact, a faulty way of thinking.
Whatever the situation, you are never to blame for somebody else abusing you.
From there, online therapy can take a variety of shapes based on your unique experience. Therapy might take a turn aimed to address anxiety and depression, both of which are common symptoms of narcissistic abuse.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are two other therapeutic modalities that could be taken into consideration.
Get our free CBT workbook.
If you’re not quite ready to open up in person or simply don’t have narcissistic abuse help near you, keep in mind that online therapy for narcissistic abuse is unquestionably advantageous because it is convenient and reasonably priced and eliminates the need to worry about finding a local therapist near you.
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, online therapy for narcissistic abuse can be a valuable resource for those who are recovering from an abuser. It can provide a safe and supportive environment where victims can share their experiences and receive feedback from others who understand what they are going through. Online therapy can also help victims develop the skills they need to protect themselves from future abuse. If you are struggling with narcissistic abuse, please consider seeking help from a qualified therapist, like one of the many found on BetterHelp.
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