“The paradox of trauma is that it has both the power to destroy and the power to transform and resurrect. When someone feels the full pain of their past and is able to
make sense of it, they can resolve their trauma and
alter their path into the future." - Peter A. Levine
ARE YOU IN AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP?
You don't feel like yourself. You are dazed, isolated, and confused but can't pinpoint why. You are not sure what's real and doubt your memory. But you can't tell anyone what you're going through.
You do most of the work, giving, and apologizing. Your feelings and needs are met with disregard, criticism, or contempt. You are always made to feel wrong. They don't apologize, and it's hard for them to take responsibility for hurting you.
You are criticized, demeaned, and attacked. You feel nervous and on-edge because you're not sure what will set them off. Talking about your feelings with them either ends with anger and silent treatment, or takes hours of confusing, circular conversation with no resolution. You start to make your needs and feelings smaller because it's easier than conflicts.
You have been manipulated or coerced into doing things you would not normally do yourself, or into excusing behavior from them that isn't okay with you. You may be exploited financially or sexually, or physically abused as well.
Glimpses of past happiness with them happen much less often, and they are usually followed by their worsening anger, rage and silent treatment. You focus on the hope that they will change or glimpses of the past instead of your pain, but the pain is getting worse.
You are in so, so much pain, but you can't seem to leave. You may have tried to leave before, but it hurt too much to not let them back in.
IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU,
I KNOW HOW TO HELP.
Narcissistic abuse is devastating, isolating, misunderstood trauma.
The abuse itself is soul-crushing and feels impossible to recover from.
But because this abuse is not usually understood by the
people we ask for help, survivors suffer multiple, repeated
(re-)traumas and can get trapped in the relationship or
just surviving instead of learning to heal, thrive and live again.
Narcissistic abuse is hidden, covert domestic violence.
I can help you recover and find yourself again.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
I'm Paula, a licensed therapist in the Pasadena area, and I've worked with trauma for more than twenty years. I support people who want to break free from abusive relationships, heal trauma, and reclaim their lives.
After personal experience with narcissistic abuse, I know the challenges survivors face finding people that understand and heal narcissistic/hidden abuse. I understand it.
I provide gentle, compassionate, empowering therapy to help people leave unhealthy relationships and recover from trauma, and I can help you, too.
YOU'RE PROBABLY WONDERING
LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW I CAN HELP
How we get started...
Fill out a consultation form.
I'll be in touch within 24-48 hours to set up an initial 15 - 20 minute phone call.
During our call, I'll answer your questions and you'll get a feel for me and how I work. We can schedule our first appointment, or you can take some time to think it over and get in touch with me if you'd like to schedule an appointment.