Welcome. Whether you're recovering from emotional abuse, untangling yourself from unhealthy patterns, worrying you're a narcissist, or exploring how your attachment style has shaped your relationships—healing is possible. As a therapist who specializes in narcissism and narcissistic abuse therapy, every day, I help clients break free from trauma bonds, make sense of their relational wiring, & move toward secure, fulfilling connections. I'm glad you're here.
Chicago’s Leading Specialists Offering Expert, Trauma-Informed Care for Narcissism & Narcissistic Abuse
Therapy After Narcissistic Abuse is Essential.
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You are in the right place.
A Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) can help you navigate through and recover from any pain, chaos, & confusion so that you can reconnect with the most authentic version of yourself. Treatment protocol & neuropsychological tools for survivors of narcissistic abuse differ from those used for an anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or PTSD.
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Survivors, who typically already feel lost & misunderstood, deserve carefully curated care that aligns with their reality. Whether clients would like to use the word “abuse” is up to them. Regardless of what you call it, recovery during & after these painful experiences with antagonistic individuals can feel unbearable– but you are not alone.​
You should never have had to be so strong & you should never have had to carry this heavy pain all on your own.​
You're not imagining it.
You're not being "too sensitive".
WHAT IS NARCISSISTIC ABUSE
Narcissistic abuse is a distinct form of psychological manipulation marked by exploitation, control, and coercion. In short, it's a neurochemical con job.
​​​This form of antagonistic relational stress involves tactics such as gaslighting, lying, devaluation, blame-shifting, and other forms of coercive control, which erode the victim's sense of self and reality. The power imbalance in these relationships allows the abuser to manipulate for personal gain, creating cycles of dependency & confusion. Over time, victims often develop symptoms resembling (but not identical to) post-traumatic stress, including severe self-doubt, emotional dysregulation, and trust/identity issues. The abuse often follows a pattern of idealization, devaluation, & discard, and may include sexual or financial exploitation, as well as many double standards. Narcissistic individuals often use charm, dominance, and a lack of empathy to trap & invalidate their victims. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for addressing narcissistic abuse.
NARCISSISTIC ABUSE CAN MANIFEST IN VARIOUS CONTEXTS.
Anyone can be affected...
In romantic partnerships, it may involve cycles of intense love-bombing followed by devaluation, further manipulation, coercive control, and discard.
Within families, a narcissistic parent or sibling might enforce rigid expectations, invalidate emotions, or use favoritism and scapegoating to dominate others.
In the workplace, a narcissistic boss or colleague may exploit power dynamics, taking credit for others’ work, belittling employees, or fostering a toxic environment.
Even friendships can involve narcissistic abuse, where one person monopolizes attention, dismisses boundaries, or leverages guilt to maintain control.
OUR VIRTUAL SERVICES
Start Here!
Treatment Types Specifically Designed withYou in Mind.
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Longer Sessions
Are Available
MINUTES PER SESSION
50+
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With intention, Erika only serves a limited number of clients per day.
CLIENTS PER DAY
1 of 4
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We will work towards
your goals at
a realistic pace.
RUSH OR JUDGMENT
0
Person-Centered
Care
An Integrative Approach
ADJUSTED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
"QUICK FIXES" ARE A BANDAID ON A BULLET WOUND
This process isn’t about forcing change—it’s about creating the conditions for it.
Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and start shifting patterns that no longer serve you. Initially, my focus is on building a strong, therapeutic relationship.
My approach is warm and conversational while integrating the latest research on interpersonal neurobiology, relational psychology, attachment theory, personality development, and nervous system regulation. By untangling the deeper dynamics at play, you can (in time) move forward in a way that feels more connected, empowered, grounded, and authentic.
STABILIZATION
CYCLE-BREAKING
INDIVIDUATION
Regulate and balance by restoring safety to the body & nervous system.
Identify and disrupt unhealthy neurochemical & relational patterns.
Reclaim identity, autonomy & authenticity while strengthening self-trust, and building a life aligned with your needs and values.
LET'S PRACTICE HOLDING BOTH.
At Two Lights Therapy Center, we condemn both the demonization of Cluster B personality disorders, as well as any & all kinds of abuse. We can hold both.
Embracing nuance & humility will always lead us closer to deeper understanding. There is no excuse for abuse. There is also no need to dehumanize people in order to hold them accountable. All are welcome here.
LET'S GET STARTED
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
The research consistently points to the effects of narcissistic abuse being unique phenomena when compared to c-PTSD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, adjustment disorders etc. This matters because it needs to be treated differently to avoid causing further harm.
A MESSAGE FROM ERIKA
Just A Reminder That...
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You Are Not Imagining Things.
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Just because the term “narcissistic abuse” is being thrown around & watered-down these days doesn’t mean you aren’t really experiencing it. The world is talking & awakening to the destruction it can cause.
Don’t let the static drown out your distress call.
You deserve to be heard.
You deserve to be safe.
ENDORSEMENT
"Erika is my top referral for clients seeking to heal from the effects of narcissism."
"She possesses deep knowledge, empathy, and dedication to her clients wellness. Her approach meets clients where they are and provides tools for meaningful change."
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- Sophia Turner, LMFT
(Relationship & Sex Therapist)
