Growing up with a narcissistic parent can leave lasting emotional scars. Narcissistic parents may often prioritize themselves over those of their children and neglect their children’s mental, emotional, and physical needs. Healing from a narcissistic parental relationship is a journey that requires understanding, self-compassion, and patience. That’s because the brain development (neural wiring) that occurs during childhood needs to be altered and healed through individual therapy.
Children of narcissistic parents frequently experience a range of emotional issues. These may include low self-esteem and worth, difficulty in forming healthy relationships with others and oneself, dysfunctional attachment patterns, and an overall numbness to life. Narcissistic parents often employ manipulative tactics, such as gaslighting, to maintain control of dynamics within the house. This can leave children feeling confused and doubting their own perceptions and feelings. This then can influence whether or not a child or, later in life, the same adult child can trust their decision-making abilities.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step towards healing is acknowledging how narcissistic parenting dynamics have impacted you. It’s important to validate your experiences and understand that your feelings are legitimate. Further, if one lacks emotional awareness, this is something to acknowledge as well. Denying or minimizing the impact of a narcissistic parent only prolongs the healing process and can become an internal battle you don’t want to wrestle with. Journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking out a local individual therapist can be insightful ways to process these experiences.
Set Boundaries
Establishing clear boundaries with a narcissistic parent is very important here. This might mean limiting contact, going (dark) no-contact, or moving out of a specific living situation if it is within your financial means. Boundaries are essential for protecting your mental, physical, and emotional health. Setting boundaries can feel extremely uncomfortable at first. That’s because it is a deviation from the norm. Communicate your boundaries firmly and consistently and be prepared for resistance. Remember, setting boundaries is an act of self-respect and is vital for your well-being in these types of situations.
Seek Individual Therapy
Therapy can be immensely beneficial in healing from a narcissistic parent. A licensed therapist can provide a safe environment to explore your emotions, past traumatic experiences, and other stressful life events. As noted above, therapy may take time to be effective. Changing someone’s life perspectives takes time. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Somatic Experiencing (SE) therapies are two powerful treatment modalities that can help you heal.
How Can an Individual Therapist Help Me?
An individual therapist can help you look at life and situations from different perspectives. This can help foster a healthier, more balanced sense of self and rebuild self-esteem that typically is worn down by narcissistic parenting styles. As one changes their life perspectives and begins to rebuild their sense of self, new relationships may have the opportunity to form. This can add significant levels of meaning to life. Once someone begins to make positive changes in their life, other things in life tend to change for the better in an upward pattern.
Individual Therapy in Kenosha, WI
Healing from a narcissistic parent is a challenging but not out of reach. The tips listed in this blog can help you along this process. However, there may be lingering fears about addressing some of the scars from the past. You aren’t alone. This is something to bring to the therapy session. We are currently accepting new clients at this time. Give us a call at 720.295.6703 or submit an online form here to begin the healing process.
