Narcissistic abuse can be subtle and covert, often leaving you questioning your own reality and self-worth. Recognizing the patterns of emotional manipulation is the first step toward healing. Here are 10 signs you may be experiencing narcissistic abuse:

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1. Gaslighting: You often feel confused or question your memory of events because your reality is denied or distorted by the other person. This can sound like “I never said that, that never happened, I think you’re confused”.
2. Constant Criticism: You’re subjected to frequent put-downs, belittling, or overly harsh judgments designed to erode your confidence.
3. Excessive Control: The other person tries to dictate your actions, decisions, or even your thoughts, leaving you feeling powerless. This might be obvious or subtle over time.
4. Love-Bombing and Devaluation: They shower you with affection, compliments, gifts, only to withdraw their love and criticize you later, creating a cycle of hope and despair. 
5. Emotional Blackmail: You’re made to feel guilty or responsible for their emotions, often at the expense of your own needs.
6. Isolation: They covertly or overtly distance you from friends, family, or support systems to increase your dependence on them. 
7. Walking on Eggshells: You feel like you must carefully monitor your words or actions to avoid triggering their anger or disappointment, and in some cases what resembles a “tantrum”.
8. Projection: They accuse you of behaviors or traits that they themselves exhibit, diverting attention from their own actions. Occasionally, they call you the narcissist.
9. Boundary Violations: They dismiss or ignore your boundaries, making you feel disrespected and unheard.
10. Sense of Worthlessness: Over time, their manipulation erodes your self-esteem, making you feel unworthy of love, respect, or happiness. This reinforces their own need for validation due to deep rooted fear of abandonment. “If you need them to survive, you’ll stay” mentality.

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If these signs resonate with you, know that you’re not alone (or “crazy”). Recognizing narcissistic abuse is a vital step toward reclaiming your power and seeking support.

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At Through the Woods Psychotherapy, we specialize in helping individuals heal from the effects of narcissistic abuse. Book a consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

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