Navigating the Journey of Supporting a Loved One on the Path to Healing from Narcissistic Abuse
The challenges of showing up as a source of comfort amid a surreal landscape of traumatic abuse
“Love is a decision, it is a judgment, it is a promise.” ~ Erich Fromm (The Art of Loving)
Whether it be from a friend, a colleague, sibling, one’s spouse, a parent or a mental health provider, victims of narcissistic abuse benefit from safe validating support from those in their personal orbit. Decimated by the violent personal assault inflicted by a narcissistically disordered abuser, receiving kindness, understanding and protection from folks proffering safe and secure involvement is crucial to recovery.
Unfortunately all too often, rather than the victim’s deterioration being viewed as evidence of abuse, they are further stigmatized and perceived as delusional and problematic by those they need to rely on the most. This disappointing turn of events occurs for a variety of complex reasons.
To begin with, the narcissist seems contrite, grounded and even concerned while the victim, irrespective of whether they present with a prior history of complex trauma, is beset by symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Hence, as Tracy Malone’s PTSD checklist…
