I used to believe that if I connected with someone, I could trust what I was seeing. If they were kind, I believed they were kind. If they seemed interested in me, I believed the interest was genuine. If they told me who they were, I believed them. Why wouldn't I? But one of the things I've learned after narcissistic abuse is that you don't really know someone because you've had a few great conversations with them. You don't know them because you have a lot in common. And you

I remember the moment narcissism became real to me. I was working for a large engineering firm, and there was a woman I worked with who seemed determined to make my work life miserable. I was new, and looking back, I believe that made me an easy target. She rarely looked me in the eyes. She never showed any interest in getting to know me personally. I remember her standing beside my cubicle talking about fantasy football and asking, “Who else can we get to join?” Not me. I wa

There are times in recovery when we suddenly recognize a pattern we thought we had already left behind.

Understand the difference between narcissistic abuse recovery coaching and therapy, when each may help, and how survivor-led coaching can support rebuilding after abuse.

Learn how to rebuild self-trust after narcissistic abuse by reconnecting with your feelings, decisions, boundaries, values and voice one choice at a time.

Signs you may be recovering from narcissistic abuse, from second-guessing yourself to rebuilding boundaries, identity and self-trust after emotional manipulation.

Learn what narcissistic abuse recovery coaching is, how it differs from therapy, who it helps, and how The Watered Willow helps women rebuild self-trust and boundaries.

You would think that once you finally understand what is happening, letting go would be easy. It isn't. For me, one of the biggest reasons was empathy. I've always had a pretty good sense of people. I can often see their pain, even when they aren't talking about it. I can feel when someone is hurting or lost. And even though my mother could be incredibly mean and hurtful, I could also see something else. I could see that she was lost herself. That mattered to me. I could see

There is something I want you to know about me before we go any further. I have never believed in being hard on myself. If I gain weight, I don't punish myself for it. If I don't get the job, I don't decide that I'm not good enough. If a relationship doesn't work out, I don't want to spend the rest of my life believing that must mean something is wrong with me. Life is already going to be hard on us. I don't believe we need to join in. And after everything I have lived throug

One of the hardest things to explain about a narcissistic relationship is just how confusing it can be. Because it isn't bad all the time. There are good days. There are moments of affection. Laughter. Attention. Kindness. Maybe even moments when you think, There you are. This is the person I knew was in there. And hope comes rushing back. Maybe they're changing. Maybe they finally understand. Maybe this time will be different. That little bit of love or attention can be enou