“The work of unfawning is about building a new relationship to ourselves, establishing both trust and connection. We must reset our compass from an external orientation to one focused on ourselves as the authority.”

–Dr. Ingrid Clayton

How I Work

I provide a warm and welcoming space in which to explore the challenges you are having. We will work collaboratively as you talk about the narcissistic abuse you’re experiencing as well as what you would like to gain from therapy. You will also have the opportunity to process thoughts and emotions as they come up as well as develop (or hone) both your strengths as well as your inner resources with my assistance. Part of therapy also entails venturing outside your comfort zone by learning new skills and being open to therapeutic suggestions that can complement the therapy process, such as book recommendations or things to try outside of session. The underlying goal in my work with all clients is to guide you to a place of healing that includes self-compassion, self-awareness, authenticity, and diminishing self-doubt/self-blame.

About Attachment Wounds

Attachment is the ability to form healthy emotional bonds in our relationships. The attachments you experience (or don’t experience) in childhood paves the way for how you experience relationships throughout your life into adulthood as well as setting the tone for your overall well-being.

Attachment wounds left unresolved usually show up in the form of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, “fawning” (such as people pleasing), and relationships that don’t have a healthy “give and take.” You don’t have to go through this alone. I specifically work with adults struggling with these difficulties that are typical for someone who is experiencing narcissistic abuse.

Relational trauma

We will explore your history of relationship “traumas,” including feelings of guilt, shame, and other struggles that tend to be characteristic of someone that has a tendency to put others needs ahead of their own needs. We’ll talk about and work on incorporating skills that can help you with these challenges depending on where you’re at, such as how to set healthy boundaries and developing a stronger sense of self. Some people most need to start with exploring and processing the thoughts and emotions connected to this difficulty without delving into skills work and that has its place too. I meet you where you’re at.

Childhood trauma

We’ll explore relational dynamics in your family of origin and how the patterns from your family system may be impacting you now. I provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore thoughts and emotions you’re struggling with in adulthood as a result. We’ll discuss healthy coping skills you can draw from as you work on understanding and healing from childhood trauma/neglect, including how to navigate current relationships in your life in the face of newfound awareness.

Grief and loss

There is tremendous grief and loss underlying relationships in which narcissistic abuse is present. A big part of the therapy process includes exploring and processing this often unacknowledged aspect of healing from this kind of emotional abuse.