Every year on 1st June, people around the world come together to observe World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD). This day serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating effects of narcissistic abuse and aims to raise awareness, provide support and promote healing for survivors.
Narcissistic abuse is a form of psychological manipulation and control inflicted by individuals with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) or narcissistic traits. Most narcissists are undiagnosed and likely to stay that way so I prefer to focus on behaviour rather than labels. These individuals often exhibit an inflated sense of self-importance, a profound lack of empathy and a constant need for adoration. They exploit and manipulate others for their own gain, leaving their victims emotionally, mentally and sometimes physically scarred.
Survivors of narcissistic abuse often face and uphill battle in their journey towards healing and regaining their sense of self. The trauma inflicted by the abuser can lead to feelings of worthlessness, self-doubt, anxiety, depression, PTSD and CPTSD. In many cases, survivors struggle with establishing healthy boundaries, rebuilding self esteem and trusting others after prolonged periods of gaslighting, emotional manipulation and devaluation.
Divorcing a narcissist is draining and requires a specific approach by you, your lawyer and anyone else in your support team. It is crucial those supporting you have an understanding of the dynamics of narcissistic abuse so that they are aware of the tactics and behaviour that your ex is likely to use.
As a coach with an understanding of narcissistic behaviour and disordered personalities, I understand that providing a safe, non-judgemental space for individuals to process their experiences, heal their wounds and create a path forward is fundamental to not only surviving your divorce but thriving on the other side.
Here are some ways working with a coach can help you reclaim your life after narcissistic abuse:
1. Validation and empowerment: Coaches understand the unique challenges faced by survivors and validate their experiences. Offering empathy and support, empowering clients to recognise their worth, regain self confidence and rebuild their lives on their own terms.
2. Education and awareness: Coaches provide valuable education about narcissistic abuse, it's dynamics and the impact it has on survivors. Understanding patterns of abuse and manipulation helps individuals break free from the cycle and develop healthier relationships in the future.
3. Emotional healing: Healing from narcissistic abuse involves addressing deep emotional wounds and coaches will use various techniques such as cognitive behavioural approaches, mindfulness exercises and somatic healing practices to help clients process emotions, release trauma and cultivate self-compassion.
4. Setting Boundaries: Narcissistic abuse will often shatter a person’s self esteem but a coach will guide survivors through a process of rebuilding their self-worth, self-love and self-acceptance. What happened was not the fault of the client. We work to reframe negative self-perceptions, challenge limiting beliefs and foster a positive self-image for post traumatic growth.
5. Future planning and goal setting: Through coaching, survivors can envision a future beyond their abusive experiences and we will work together to set achievable goals and create action plans, to take those initial steps towards a fulfilling life, filled with healthy relationships and personal growth.
While the journey of recovery from narcissistic abuse can be challenging, coaching offers survivors invaluable guidance, support and empowerment. On this World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day, let us acknowledge the strength and resilience of survivors while highlighting the critical role of coaching in their healing process.