Caring, Secular, Scientifically-Informed.

Narcissistic abuse is a tricky term. The person dishing it out may or may not be a diagnosable narcissist, and regardless, we cannot diagnose someone whom we have not seen and evaluated (though we may speculate as to what might be going on with them). I (Todd) therefore tend to use the word "narcissistic" to describe the manner of the abuse rather than the abuser themselves, since the patterns we see are predictable. We see gaslighting, emotional manipulation, coercion, intimidation, excessive criticism, withholding of affection, belittlement, and using resources (or approval or sex) for control. In some cases, the abuser presents as fragile and needy, making you feel like you are responsible for managing their emotions (and even their bad behavior) to your own detriment.

​

Narcissistic relationships feel like being trapped in the gravitational pull of an emotional black hole. Trapped in their orbit, we twist ourselves into pretzels trying to accommodate their needs and demands or to avoid their anger, rejection, and criticism. This person could be a parent, a romantic partner, or even a friend, employer, or business partner. They may be grandiose and demanding, they may be fragile, dramatic, and excessively needy, or they may trap us in a constant pattern of push-pull ("now I love you, now I hate you, get away from me, please don't leave"). 

​

Regardless of its form, the effects are often the same: we lose our sense of who we are (or were), we come to doubt our own judgement, we do things that violate our own values, and we feel chronically drained and empty.

​

We offer the path back to wholeness and self-worth through counseling and psychotherapy in-person at our offices in Kennesaw, GA, or throughout the state via telehealth.

​

​