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Traditional therapy will not heal narcissistic abuse.
In fact, it often makes things worse.
They charm everyone around them.
But behind closed doors they control, confuse, and crush you with neglect, gaslighting and ridicule.
They make you doubt yourself.
They shrink your needs so theirs take centre stage.
As a caring and loyal person, you trust.
When things get tough, you try harder.
You do not see abuse, because you want to see others — even those who hurt you — through a positive lens.
Narcissists often feel attacked when you speak up, push back, and try to be heard.
Even simple requests can sound like criticism to them.
They get defensive and strike back.
They belittle your needs. They may even call you selfish.
In that moment, it feels like you become their enemy.
And, being the empathic person you are, you back down.
You resort to what you know best. You people-please to keep the peace.
You end up being trapped in a one-sided relationship, where you second-guess the value of your own needs.
Most therapists have never studied the many forms narcissism can take.
They may spot the loud, grandiose type. But covert tactics slip right past them.
So you go to joint counselling. The therapist listens to both sides.
Then something subtle happens.
Soon the sessions focus on you being the problem.
You are told to adjust your expectations.
You try to explain. You defend your experience. But the more you speak, the more the story turns against you.
Now you appear irrational, critical, or needy.
Part of you fears that if things get too tense, your partner will quit therapy and call the whole thing pointless.
So you hold back. You push your feelings down to keep the peace.
Slowly, without noticing it happen, you begin to abandon yourself and believe the problem must be you.
You realize you have never been the problem.
You set boundaries. Perhaps you leave.
At first you feel relief.
Then you feel horror.
It feels wired in.
It feels like you will never be free.
You can learn everything about boundaries, self worth, and narcissistic abuse. Yet the deeper pain still lives inside.
It is like cutting weeds at the surface while the roots of trauma stay buried deep in the soil of your being.
Years can pass managing symptoms while the real injury stays untouched.
Narcissistic abuse requires specialized tools. The risk of using the wrong methods is simply too great.
Dr. Michael Haggstrom developed the SmartEmpath® Process. It is a clear, step by step method built over 30 years of clinical work and designed for people just like you.
"I spent years stuck in an unhealthy relationship. I kept giving and giving, but my needs didn't really matter. SmartEmpath® helped me heal and move on. Best of all, I've learned how to love myself again." - Alex T.
"I was quite the people-pleaser, then Dr. Michael gave me the SmartEmpath® tools to become assertive. I can now set boundaries, even with difficult people. Wow, what a difference. His methods work!" - Heather S.
"I lived my whole life struggling with self-confidence. When I discovered it was because of relationship trauma, I was finally able to break free from people's mind games. Dr. Haggstrom's mentorship has been a real game-changer." - Keara L.
Take this Next Step...
"Healing takes time. That's why I'm happy to journey with you every week through my SmartEmpath® Newsletter." - Dr. Michael Haggstrom
Join now. Take this First Step...
"Healing takes time. That's why I'm happy to journey with you every week through my SmartEmpath® Newsletter." - Dr. Michael Haggstrom
SmartEmpath® blends modern neuroscience with practical tools that help you heal and equip you for success.
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Trauma to BadAss
Join our live workshop on September 26th, 2024, at 7:00 PM MST where Dr. Haggstrom will walk you through the 3 stages of healing from narcissistic abuse.
This session is perfect for those ready to take their healing to the next level.
Secure your spot today:
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About Dr. Haggstrom
Dr. Michael Haggstrom is a Registered Clinical Social Worker in Alberta, Canada. He is dedicated to teaching empaths worldwide the skills they need to effectively break free from relationship trauma and finally get their deepest needs met.
Founder of SmartEmpath® Creator of the Big-Hearted & BadAss® program
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