Assert Yourself with a Narcissist: Avoiding Unnecessary Conflict
Dealing with a narcissist in any relationship, whether it be a romantic partner, family member, or colleague, can be challenging. Narcissists thrive on control, admiration, and often disregard the feelings and boundaries of others. Assertiveness is crucial for maintaining your self-respect and well-being, but it can be difficult to assert yourself without escalating conflict. Here […]
Understanding the Differences: Avoidance vs. Healthy Boundaries in Cutting Ties
Cutting ties with someone is a profound and often agonizing decision, one that many grapple with at some point in their lives. The reasons behind this choice can be complex, but most often, I see this choice stem from one of two possibilities: cutting someone off as an avoidance tactic and cutting someone off as […]
Isolation in Narcissistic Relationships: Rediscovering Yourself and Reconnecting with Community
Narcissistic relationships are inherently isolating. The narcissist’s need for control and validation often leads to behaviors that undermine the victim’s sense of self and sever connections with supportive networks. Recognizing the signs of isolation in such relationships is the first step toward reclaiming one’s identity and reintegrating into a nurturing community. Let´s take a look […]
Navigating Trust Issues in Narcissistic Relationships
Trust is the bedrock of any healthy relationship. It provides the security and emotional safety necessary for intimacy and growth. However, when entangled in a relationship with a narcissist, trust often becomes the first casualty. Understanding and addressing trust issues in narcissistic relationships is crucial for anyone looking to heal and rebuild their sense of […]
Self-Talk for Self-Worth: Harnessing the Power of Your Inner Dialogue
Are you mindful of the conversations you have with yourself every day? Our inner dialogue, commonly referred to as self-talk, plays a crucial role in shaping ourself-worth. Self-talk is that constant chatter in our minds, influenced by our beliefs, experiences,and perceptions. What we say to ourselves on a regular basis really matters. The words we […]
Codependent Men and Narcissistic Partners
Even in good relationships, things can get complicated and tough. When one person focuses too much on making their partner happy and forgets about their own well-being, we might call this ‘codependency.’ It’s not a diagnostic term but instead describes a behavior pattern. For a new client of mine, Jeff (not his real name), his […]
Saying Yes: Finding Your Balance
We each have so many tasks to do every day. From commuting to work to carpooling the kids to school and practices, running errands, the list goes on and on. One may feel that they often need more time to do everything they need daily. We each have twenty-four hours a day and how we […]
Understanding Codependency in a Narcissistic Relationship
I want to discuss something that’s incredibly important but often misunderstood – codependency in a narcissistic relationship. As a social worker, I’ve witnessed how these toxic dynamics can profoundly impact a person’s sense of self and overall well-being. So, let’s dive into this complex issue and explore how codependency intertwines with narcissistic behavior. What is […]
A Guide on Understanding Narcissism and Staying Sane During Your Divorce
Understanding Narcissism Divorcing a narcissist is possible, but it is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences one can go through. Narcissists, characterized by their lack of empathy, need for admiration, and manipulative behaviours, often make the process exceptionally difficult. However, with the right strategies and support, it is entirely possible to […]
Recognize Your Value:The Importance of Self Worth
Self-Esteem, Self- Confidence and Self-Worth People often confuse self-esteem and self-confidence; they are similar, but so different. Self-esteem is how you appreciate and value yourself; this changes over the course of your life as you experience different things and meet different people. Self-confidence is your belief in yourself and your abilities. Basically, self-esteem is what […]
