Narcissistic Abuse Recovery in Austin
You Weren’t “Too Sensitive.”
You Were Being Manipulated.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, confusion, self-doubt, or a deep sense of emptiness after a relationship—whether with a partner, parent, boss, or friend—you may be experiencing the aftereffects of narcissistic abuse.
This form of emotional and psychological harm often goes undetected—because narcissistic abuse rarely leaves bruises. It leaves questions:
Why do I feel so broken when it wasn’t “that bad”?
Why can’t I stop thinking about them?
Was it even abuse? Was I just difficult?
How did I lose myself in that relationship—and how do I get her back?
If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone—and you’re not crazy.
You’re likely a survivor of emotional manipulation that was designed to make you question everything.
What is Narcissistic Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a pattern of emotional control, manipulation, and gaslighting used to keep you off balance. It can come from a partner, parent, sibling, friend, or employer. You may have experienced:
Charm and affection followed by withdrawal and punishment
Gaslighting or being told you’re “too sensitive” or “making things up”
Silent treatment, blame-shifting, or emotional stonewalling
Love-bombing, followed by devaluation or discard
Feeling like your needs, memories, or pain are always minimized
Chronic self-doubt, confusion, and emotional exhaustion
This kind of abuse is often invisible to outsiders—and incredibly damaging to your sense of self.
What Does Recovery From
Narcissistic Abuse Look Like?
In therapy, we work to:
Help you name and validate what you’ve been through
Restore your sense of agency, intuition, and boundaries
Heal shame, hypervigilance, and nervous system dysregulation
Understand trauma bonding and break toxic patterns
Rebuild self-trust and emotional sovereignty
Explore your grief—not just over the relationship, but over the version of you who got lost in it
This is deep work. It’s also sacred work. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Who Is This Therapy For?
You may benefit from narcissistic abuse recovery therapy if you:
Feel “addicted” to a toxic relationship you can’t seem to leave
Second-guess your feelings, memories, or decisions
Have trouble trusting others—or yourself
Were raised by emotionally unavailable, controlling, or self-absorbed parents
Often feel responsible for others’ moods or needs
Walk on eggshells to avoid conflict or rejection
Have a hard time explaining what happened, even to close friends
This therapy is especially helpful if you’ve been told, “It wasn’t that bad,” or “You’re overreacting.”
How Do I Work with Narcissistic Abuse Survivors?
I work gently, intuitively, and with deep respect for the complexity of your experience. I bring over 30 years of clinical experience—and the insight of someone who truly understands what emotional abuse looks like beneath the surface.
My approach blends to for an Integrated Trauma Therapy:
Trauma-informed therapy
Parts work and self-trust restoration
Narrative therapy to rewrite your story
Somatic work to soothe the body’s response to chronic stress
Attachment and boundary work to help you reconnect with your own emotional needs
This work is slow, sacred, and incredibly transformative.
Do You Offer In-Person
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery in Austin?
Yes. I offer narcissistic abuse recovery in Austin at two locations:
Northwest Austin near Cedar Park (78729)
Central Austin in the Rosedale area (78731)
FAQs About Narcissistic Abuse Therapy
Q: What if I’m not sure it was abuse?
A: That’s okay. You don’t need a diagnosis to deserve support. Therapy can help you sort through what happened and reclaim your voice.
Q: Can therapy help even if I’m still in contact with the narcissist?
A: Yes. Many survivors are co-parenting, caregiving, or working with someone who harmed them. Therapy can help you stay grounded and protected, even in ongoing contact.
Q: Why does it still hurt even though I left?
A: Narcissistic abuse creates deep trauma bonds. The confusion, grief, and emotional withdrawal can feel overwhelming even after the relationship ends. Healing takes time—but you’re not broken.
Q: Do you take insurance for this type of therapy?
A: Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna/First Health, United/Optum, and soon Cigna. I also offer Open Path and private pay options.
You Didn’t Imagine It.
And You Don’t Have to Untangle It Alone.
The damage wasn’t your fault. But the healing—that’s yours to claim.
Let’s rebuild your voice, your clarity, and your sense of peace with Narcissistic Abuse Recovery in Austin with Carolyn C Martin MS LPC CCPT-II, a certified clinical trauma professional.
Carolyn is an in-network therapist with UnitedHealthcare and First Health EAP.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today with Carolyn
Your story deserves to be honored. So do you.
Learn More About Integrated Trauma Therapy at Mariposa Integrative Therapy