Not sure if what you're going through is narcissistic abuse, or whether you're in a narcissistic relationship? That doesn't matter. If someone else is making you feel bad enough, I can help.
I'm Chris Rudyard, a counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years' experience, working from a private practice in Garston, south Liverpool. I also offer sessions online.
Why you need a therapist who understands narcissism
Not every counsellor understands narcissism. Unless you've lived it, it's hard to know how much it can affect someone's wellbeing. People are sometimes told that nobody can make you feel a certain way. But you can be bullied and abused so badly that suicide feels like the only escape. If someone hits you over the head with a hammer, it hurts.
It's best to work with someone experienced in narcissism, who has the insight and also the tools to get you through and help you heal.
What narcissistic abuse looks like
I believe there are narcissistic parts in all of us, but some people have far more than others, and some are abusive with it. Highly narcissistic people are controlling, and it can feel like you have no options and no choices. It's like a crazy game of chess where you're forced to move, or not move, by your opponent, who backs you into corners.
Signs often include:
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Love bombing early on
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Lying and cheating
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Bullying and gaslighting
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Tracking you or spying on you
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Putting on a show for others, while you cringe and feel sick
The person often holds power over you. It might be a spouse, a family member, or a manager or colleague. They may have a respectable job, sometimes in the helping professions. Others often don't see it, which makes it even more isolating.
How narcissistic abuse counselling can help
I use a range of approaches, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Brainspotting, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), EMI, NLP, counselling and coaching skills, to best help you. Together we work on:
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Surviving a narcissistic relationship and keeping one step ahead
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Getting your confidence back
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Recovering from what's happened
Many of the effects of narcissistic abuse, such as anxiety, shame, hypervigilance and a loss of trust in your own judgment, are trauma responses. See my Trauma & PTSD page for more.
Narcissistic abuse in relationships, families and at work
I support adults experiencing narcissistic abuse from:
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A partner or spouse
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A parent or other family member
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A manager or colleague
When I'm not the right person to help
If you're currently in a relationship with someone who is violent, I'm not the right person to help you right now. If you're in immediate danger, call 999. The risk can increase when someone is about to leave or is in contact with an abusive partner. You can also contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Book narcissistic abuse counselling in Liverpool
Sessions are at Office 19, Mersey House, 140 Speke Rd, Garston, Liverpool L19 2PH, with free on-site parking, or online. Book an appointment, check session fees, or email me.
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How do I know if I'm in a narcissistic relationship? If someone is controlling, lying to you or making you feel bad, and you're unsure, that's enough reason to talk to someone.
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Do I have to talk about everything that's happened? No
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Do you offer narcissistic abuse counselling online? Yes. Sessions are available in Liverpool and online.
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How long does narcissistic abuse recovery take? It takes as long as it takes, sometimes if there is PTSD or CPTSD recovery is longer.