Narcissistic Abuse

Written by Alicia Murray, LMHCD, Syracuse, NY “I know I should leave. So why can’t I?” It’s a question many people ask themselves when they’re in a relationship that has become emotionally exhausting, confusing, controlling, or painful. From the outside, leaving can seem like the obvious answer. When you’re the person inside the relationship, it…

written by Alicia Murray. After narcissistic abuse, many people feel like they have lost themselves. You may not know what you like, what you believe, or what you want anymore. That loss of identity is real. Why Identity Gets Lost In abusive dynamics, you often adapt to survive. You may: Prioritize their needs Suppress your…

written by Alicia Murray. After narcissistic abuse, many people say the same thing: “I feel like I’m losing my mind.” You may question your memory. Your reactions. Your interpretation of events. This is not because something is wrong with you. It is because your reality was repeatedly challenged. What Gaslighting Does to the Brain Gaslighting…

Written by Alicia Murray. Choosing to go no contact can feel like the clearest decision you have ever made. And also the hardest one to follow through on. Even when you know the relationship was harmful, you may still feel pulled back in. You may question your decision, miss them, or feel intense guilt. This…

The word “narcissist” is everywhere right now. Social media has made it easy to label difficult people quickly. But not every conflict is narcissistic abuse. Understanding the difference matters. What Healthy Conflict Looks Like In healthy relationships: Both people can take accountability Disagreements do not erase respect Boundaries are discussed, not punished Repair is possible…

One of the most painful effects of narcissistic abuse is not just what happened in the relationship. It is what happens inside you afterward. You may second-guess your memory. Question your instincts. Overanalyze decisions. Feel paralyzed when making simple choices. This is not indecisiveness. It is the impact of gaslighting. How Gaslighting Rewires Self-Trust Gaslighting…

Written by Alicia Murray. When you go through a major shift in identity — becoming a parent, leaving a religion, coming out, healing from trauma, starting over — your inner world expands. But sometimes, your relationships don’t expand with it. Suddenly, conversations feel strained. Friendships feel out of sync. What used to feel familiar starts…

Narcissistic abuse isn’t just about someone being arrogant or self-absorbed. It’s a pattern of emotional manipulation that slowly chips away at your sense of reality, safety, and self-worth. If you’ve been in a relationship — romantic, familial, professional, or even a friendship — where you felt constantly confused, criticized, or like nothing you did was…

If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse — whether in a relationship, family, workplace, or friendship — you know the effects don’t disappear when the person does.