Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse in Baton Rouge

Is It Emotional Or Narcissistic Abuse?

You've Googled "do I need therapy or am I overreacting?" or asked ChatGPT “is my partner a narcissist?” late at night. Your friends or family have expressed concern, but you've defended him. You've told yourself that because he doesn't hit you, it doesn't count as abuse. He can be very loving sometimes, so you’re still hoping things will get better. He promises to change, and he does, for a little while. But you've started to recognize the patterns and feel ashamed, confused, or terrified about what it means.

You're in the right place.

I help women who are experiencing emotional abuse, verbal abuse, psychological manipulation, and coercive control—including narcissistic abuse.

Signs You Might Be In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship

Emotional, narcissistic or psychological abuse can look many different ways, and it's rarely as obvious as physical violence. It's often subtle, confusing, and difficult to name. You might be experiencing some of these patterns:

In your relationship:

• Your partner criticizes you constantly—your appearance, intelligence, parenting, work, or how you do everyday tasks

• He dismisses or mocks your feelings, making you feel like you're "too sensitive" or "overreacting"

• He controls your finances, monitors your phone or whereabouts, or isolates you from friends and family

• He shifts between being loving and cruel, leaving you constantly off-balance

• He denies things he said or did, making you question your own memory and sanity (gaslighting)

• He gives you the silent treatment as punishment or uses withdrawal of affection to control you

• He blames you for his behavior ("You made me do this" or "If you hadn't...")

• The relationship started intensely—he seemed like your soulmate, showered you with attention, and moved things very quickly (love-bombing)

In yourself:

• You've lost confidence in your ability to make decisions, even small ones

• You feel anxious all the time, especially around him or when you know you'll have to interact

• You've developed people-pleasing behaviors—you say yes when you mean no, you hide your true feelings, you prioritize his needs over your own

• You experience panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or physical symptoms like headaches or stomach problems

• You feel confused about what’s real because of gaslighting and manipulation

• You feel numb, disconnected from yourself, or like you're just going through the motions

• You've become isolated and don't feel like you can talk to anyone about what's really happening

• You feel ashamed because you're accomplished, intelligent, and capable—this isn't supposed to happen to people like you

How Therapy For Emotional Or Narcissistic Abuse & Controlling Relationships Helps

You can:

• Gain clarity and validation. You'll learn to recognize abusive patterns and understand that what's happening to you is real, it's not your fault, and it has a name.

• Understand trauma bonding. We'll explore why leaving feels so difficult and develop strategies for breaking the psychological grip of the relationship.

• Explore your people-pleasing and anxiety. We'll trace these patterns back to their roots and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

• Rebuild trust in yourself. You'll reconnect with your intuition, learn to honor your feelings, and make decisions that reflect your true needs and values.

• Develop boundaries and communication skills. Whether you're planning to leave, trying to stay safely, or still figuring things out, you'll learn how to protect your wellbeing.

• Process complex emotions. Therapy for emotional or narcissistic abuse provides a safe space to work through grief, anger, shame, confusion, and the ambivalence that often comes with recognizing abuse.

• Create a path forward. Together we'll develop a plan that centers your safety, healing, and autonomy—whatever that looks like for you.

Why This Work Is Different

I’m a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience providing therapy for narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse and relational trauma. My approach is Trauma-Informed, rooted in Attachment Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, Client-Centered and Relational, which means I get it and am committed to helping you create better relationships with other people and most importantly—a better relationship with yourself—at YOUR pace.

Types Of Abuse I Specialize In

While every relationship is unique, I have extensive experience helping clients navigate these specific patterns:

• Therapy For Emotional, Verbal  & Psychological Abuse: Ongoing patterns of criticism, humiliation, threats, blame, and emotional manipulation designed to control and diminish you.

• Therapy For Narcissistic Abuse: Relationships with partners who display narcissistic traits—grandiosity, lack of empathy, need for admiration, and exploitative behavior. This often includes love-bombing, devaluation, gaslighting, and cycles of idealization and discard.

• Therapy For Coercive Control: A pattern of behavior used to dominate you through intimidation, isolation, monitoring, manipulation, and gradual erosion of your autonomy and sense of self.

• Therapy For Trauma Bonding: The powerful emotional attachment that forms in abusive relationships, making it feel impossible to leave even when you know you should.

There’s No Pressure To Have It All Figured Out

You don't have to know whether you're leaving or staying. You don't have to have proof that it's "bad enough." You don't even have to call it abuse if that word doesn't feel right.

You just have to know that something isn't right—and that you deserve support.

I won't push you to make any decisions before you're ready. My role is to walk alongside you, help you see your situation clearly, and support you in making choices that are right for you and your circumstances.

Who This Work Is Best For

Therapy for narcissistic abuse, emotional abuse or controlling relationships may be a good fit if you:

• Are questioning whether your relationship feels emotionally unhealthy

• Feel stuck, anxious, or confused in your relationship dynamics

• Notice ongoing self-doubt or difficulty trusting yourself

• Want to better understand recurring relational patterns

• Are looking for a supportive, non-judgmental space to think clearly

This may not be the best fit if you are:

• In immediate danger or crisis (call 911 or 988)

• Seeking couples therapy in an actively unsafe or physically abusive relationship

• Looking for short-term, symptom-only or skills-only work

• Seeking medication management (I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, not a prescriber)

Common Questions About Therapy For Narcissistic Abuse, Emotional Abuse & Controlling Relationships