Narcissistic abuse therapy in Denver
Recover from emotional abuse. Rediscover who you are and what’s real.
Therapists for narcissistic & emotional abuse
When you’re experiencing narcissistic abuse or you’ve survived it in a past relationship, the experience can be very difficult to explain, recognize, or make sense of. Narcissistic abuse can make people feel hopeless, alone, powerless, and even confused about what’s happening in the moment. It even can cause dating or relationship issues, long after the relationship has ended.
You might even be out of a relationship, but it feels like your ex still controls you in ways you can’t explain because of the emotional abuse you’ve experienced. Even if they blamed you for everything that went wrong, a part of you might continue wishing that you were still together for reasons you can’t explain, despite the fact that they told you that you were the one who did everything wrong.
This type of narcissistic abuse can be devastating for not only the person who experiences it, but parents, friends, and future partners who see what’s happening but struggle to find the right way to address it. At the time, victims and survivors of narcissistic abuse may not be aware of what’s happening, or that there’s actually a term for what they’re going through. They often feel confused, shocked, and experience a loss of identity and self-esteem once they realized what has happened to them during the relationship.
As devastating as narcissistic abuse can be, recovering from it and protecting yourself from future abuse is possible through therapy. With the help of an experienced narcissistic abuse therapist in Denver, Greenwood Village, or Lone Tree, you can stop the cycle of being devalued, ignored, and feeling belittled.
No matter what a narcissist might say to you, you are not crazy. Your feelings are valid. Your thoughts are valuable and worth having. There is nothing wrong with you. Our narcissistic abuse therapists can help you recognize the signs of narcissism so that you can regain and protect yourself in the future.
Are you in a relationship with a narcissist?
At My Denver Therapy, we understand the devastating impact of narcissistic abuse. If you’re questioning your relationship and experiencing some of these common feelings, you’re not alone:
- Lost in a Fog of Doubt: Gaslighting and manipulation can leave you questioning your own reality and memories. Is this how it really happened? Am I overreacting? These are normal struggles for victims of narcissistic abuse.
- Emotional Tug-of-War: Your relationship may feel like a rollercoaster, swinging between intense highs and soul-crushing lows. Anxiety and depression, often linked to the unpredictable nature of a narcissistic partner, can take their toll.
- Frustration and Helplessness: Feeling angry and stressed while simultaneously trapped in a hopeless situation is a frequent outcome of narcissistic control.
- Blamed and Shamed: Are you constantly apologizing or feeling like you can’t do anything right? The burden of blame in a narcissistic relationship can leave you questioning your own sanity and worth.
- Exhausted and Emotionally Drained: Walking on eggshells, seeking validation, and dealing with constant criticism takes a significant emotional toll. You may feel depleted and disconnected from yourself.
Remember: Your feelings are valid. If you recognize these patterns in your relationship, reaching out for professional help from a therapist can be the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life.
Symptoms of narcissistic abuse in relationships
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can be complex and nuanced in relationships, but here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Entitlement & Control: A perpetual sense of deserving special treatment, coupled with a strong need to dictate situations and exert dominance.
- Emotional Detachment & Lack of Empathy: Difficulty connecting authentically with others' emotions, often accompanied by limited expression of vulnerability or remorse.
- Grandiosity & Unrealistic Expectations: Inflated self-perceptions of abilities and achievements, fueling grandiose fantasies of success and perfection.
- Exploitation & Manipulation: Willingness to use others for personal gain, employing tactics like charm, guilt, or even threats to further their agenda.
- Volatile & Reactive: Prone to outbursts of anger and rage when their ego is challenged, sometimes resorting to the silent treatment or emotional withdrawal.
- Hypercritical & Blameshifting: Constant criticism of others while seeking endless affirmation and praise themselves, which can include a tendency to deflect responsibility and paint themselves as the victim.
Understanding the cycle of narcissistic abuse
If you’re in a relationship marked by intense highs and devastating lows, you might be experiencing the cyclical nature of narcissistic abuse. These relationships can feel incredibly confusing and emotionally draining, but understanding the patterns can empower you to make choices that are right for you..
The Idealization Phase: Imagine a whirlwind romance, filled with compliments, promises of commitment, and an intoxicating sense of “perfect love.” This is known as the idealization phase, where the narcissist showers you with affection and attention, making you feel like the center of their universe. They may mirror your interests, paint grand visions for the future, and offer unwavering support. However, remember, this level of intensity is rarely sustainable.
The Devaluation Phase: As the initial infatuation fades, the narcissist’s insecurities and need for control begin to surface. This is known as the devaluation phase, where their behavior subtly shifts. They may become critical, belittling your achievements, dismissing your concerns, and subtly manipulating situations to undermine your confidence. Gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and emotional manipulation become frequent tactics to erode your sense of self and reality.
The Discard Phase: By this point, the narcissist has gained a significant power dynamic. In this part of the cycle known as the discard phase, the abuse escalates. Outbursts of anger, rage, and threats become commonplace, often used to punish you for perceived slights or simply for the narcissist’s own gratification. You may be isolated from loved ones, subjected to relentless criticisms, and made to feel utterly worthless.
Breaking the Cycle: Recognizing these cyclical patterns is crucial for escaping the emotional toll of a narcissistic relationship. Remember, this is not your fault. You deserve a healthy, supportive relationship built on mutual respect and genuine love.
Narcissistic personality disorders exist on a spectrum
Narcissistic personality disorder, often abbreviated as NPD, can be a complex and challenging concept. Unlike what many people believe, it exists on a spectrum. While some individuals exhibit a few characteristic traits, others meet the full diagnostic criteria for NPD.
Behind the facade of confidence and charisma often displayed by individuals with NPD lies a hidden world of internal turmoil. Insecurities, anger management issues, shame, and fear can lurk beneath the surface, unseen by the outside world.
This internal conflict can manifest in unpredictable behavior, making it especially difficult for those experiencing their abuse.
Understanding the narcissistic spectrum
It’s important to remember that NPD exists on a spectrum, not as a rigid category. This means that individuals with the disorder can exhibit varying degrees of its characteristic traits. Some may express mild narcissism, while others struggle with severe, debilitating symptoms.
Why the NPD spectrum matters
Recognizing the spectrum of NPD empowers both survivors and mental health professionals:
- For survivors: It can help them validate their experiences and understand the complexities of the abuser’s behavior.
- For therapists: It allows for more nuanced diagnoses and tailored treatment approaches for individuals with NPD.
How therapy helps survivors of narcissistic abuse
When you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, it often leads to emotional issues, low self-esteem, and a loss of identity. When you work with a narcissistic abuse therapist, we’ll help you:
- Understand if you’re in a narcissistic or abusive relationship
- Provide skills to help you set strong boundaries, set expectations and express your feelings in productive ways
- Provide support for you as you decide whether you leave or work through the relationship that you’re in
- Help you heal from the damage narcissistic abuse has caused or identify the patterns that are associated with this type of abuse
- Support family members and friends who are trying to understand this type of abuse and what they can do to support survivors of it
We can provide psychiatric medication management
At My Denver Therapy, our in-house psychiatric nurse practitioner Shannon Keane (PMHNP-BC) can provide medication management and prescriptions to help treat behavior, mood, and mental health issues. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Shannon is dual certified in family medicine and psychiatry, and she strives to provide patients with comprehensive strategies to improve and maintain their mental health.
By combining therapy with medication management within one therapy private practice, we’re able to provide a deeper level of support and an integrated approach to mental health for clients who have depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, or are looking into Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Instead of searching for a therapist and a psychiatrist in Denver separately, we can save you time and create an integrated plan for your mental wellness by offering both in our Denver area offices.
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Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn’t you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are.
Rachel Naomi Remen
Meet our Denver therapists
My Denver Therapy is one of the largest woman-owned therapy private practices in Colorado with many of the best, most requested therapists in Denver.
As a therapist-owned practice with decades of combined experience, we care about seeing our clients heal, grow, and thrive. We’re one of the only therapy practices in Colorado with licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners who actively see new clients. Whether you’re an adult, teen, young adult, couple, or family, our inclusive therapist team is built to specialize in you.
Our practice started with one therapist in a shared office suite, but we’ve grown to help thousands of people in Colorado by providing in-person therapy at our conveniently located Denver Metro area counseling offices in Denver, Greenwood Village, and Lone Tree, plus online therapy for clients throughout Colorado. Because of the way our team works, our therapists provide consultation for other therapists and private practices in the Denver Metro area.
Our inclusive therapists provide some of the most innovative, effective, and in-demand forms of therapy available today, including EMDR, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, CBT, and IFS. We also have more therapists trained in Ketamine-assisted therapy and more teen therapists and young adult counselors than nearly every other private practice in Denver.
We know that clients want to find the best therapists in Denver, so our team includes therapists with different backgrounds, specialities, and experiences to help you find the right fit. We’ll match you with one of our therapists who is the best for your goals, location, budget, and schedule to help you get started quickly.
We’re out of network for insurance, Tricare, and are unable to take Medicaid, but most of our therapists’ rates are lower than the local and national averages for therapy.
All of our therapists take a client-focused approach to counseling and approach each session with a commitment to your progress and growth.
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- With therapists and counselors in Denver, Greenwood Village, and Lone Tree, My Denver Therapy provides in-person counseling for adults, teens, couples, and families in Colorado.
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Please note: We’re unable to accept Medicaid or insurance.
Our rates are listed on our website. MDMA and Psilocybin-assisted therapy aren’t available yet. We are out of network for all types of insurance, including TRICARE.