Narcissistic abuse and partial reward schedules go hand in hand. The mix of unpredictable affection, dopamine spikes, and stress-relief cycles makes toxic love feel like destiny—but neuroscience shows it’s a pattern you can break.

Healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t always super straightforward. If you’ve felt stuck in therapy, it doesn’t mean you or your therapist are failing, but it may be time to integrate bottom-up trauma therapies like EMDR. With the right support and active engagement outside of sessions, recovery is possible.

Narcissistic abuse recovery isn’t something you can fast-track, even when we wish we could. In this blog, I examine why recovery often takes at least six months of therapy, how to stay grounded when the process feels slow, and why our healing—unfair as it may seem—is still our responsibility.

If you’re in narcissistic abuse recovery and constantly asking yourself, “Am I too much?”—you’re not alone. The truth is, you were never too much. You just learned to shrink in a relationship that couldn’t hold your fullness. Healing means learning to take up space again.

Anxious-preoccupied attachment is often misunderstood and, too often, mocked. Behind the fear of being “too much” is deep self-abandonment and vulnerability to narcissistic abuse. If you find yourself overgiving, second-guessing your worth, or chasing love that hurts, it’s time to come home to yourself. Two Lights Therapy Center offers support for individuals with anxious-preoccupied attachment styles and narcissistic abuse recovery in Chicago.

Thinking about couples therapy for narcissistic abuse in Chicago? In most cases, it’s not the safest or most effective path (and can even be harmful without the right precautions). But in very select situations, with a specialist and a clear harm reduction approach, couples therapy may help clarify relational realities or reduce further harm. Learn more about when it’s appropriate and when it’s not (in this blog!).

Wondering if it's narcissistic abuse? Learn how to spot the signs, from chronic gaslighting to identity erosion, and why these patterns go far beyond ordinary relationship toxicity.

Wondering if you’re dealing with a narcissist or fearful avoidant? While they can look similar on the surface—hot-and-cold behavior, emotional withdrawal, or hypersensitivity—their core motivations are different. This blog breaks down how to tell the difference, how attachment wounds can mimic narcissism, and what it really takes to navigate conflict with a fearful-avoidant partner.

If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, finding the right kind of support is essential. In this post, we explore the best therapy for narcissistic abuse—why general approaches often fall short, and how a trauma-informed, relational specialist can help you safely process the manipulation, rebuild self-trust, and find peace. Not all therapy is created equal, and for survivors, that difference matters.

If you’ve been left reeling from a confusing, emotionally volatile relationship, you might be wondering whether your partner was a narcissist or a dismissive avoidant. The truth is, antagonistic dismissive avoidants can look a lot like narcissists, especially when their fear of intimacy turns into resentment, cruelty, or perceived abandonment. Understanding the difference can help you make sense of the chaos. Start therapy today.

Searching for a narcissistic abuse support group in Chicago? Whether you’re craving community or trying to break free from a trauma bond, this guide explores the benefits of group support & how individual trauma therapy for narcissistic abuse might offer additional benefits.

Survivors of narcissistic relationships often face invisible wounds that go far beyond the relationship itself. From isolation and gaslighting to being met with judgment instead of support, the struggle doesn’t always end when the relationship does. This blog explores the silent weight survivors carry—and why healing requires more than just “leaving.”

Thinking of calling your ex a narcissist in court? As a Chicago narcissism specialist, I’ve seen how this can backfire. Learn why using behavior-based language is often a smarter legal strategy—and how to protect your credibility in high-conflict cases.

Confused about whether you were dealing with narcissistic traits or avoidant attachment? This guide breaks down 3 key differences. Narcissistic abuse therapy in Chicago can help you make sense of it all.

You may have asked yourself, what is post-narcissist stress disorder, or you've wondered whether narcissistic abuse syndrome is an official diagnosis. While these aren't formal clinical terms, they reflect very real trauma symptoms experienced after emotionally abusive relationships. This blog explores the origins of these phrases, what they truly mean, and how therapy can support your narcissistic abuse recovery journey.

Relational therapy is a powerful approach for narcissistic abuse recovery. By creating safety, building trust, and offering corrective emotional experiences, this form of therapy helps survivors heal the relational wounds that logic & insight alone can’t touch.

EMDR therapy helps survivors of narcissistic abuse and relational trauma reprocess and integrate painful memories utilizing what we know about the AIP model. By targeting the root of emotional wounds, EMDR reduces distress, rewires negative beliefs, and offers lasting relief. This blog explains how it works—and how Chicago-based EMDR therapy can support you in your recovery after narcissistic abuse.

A narcissistic smear campaign can flip your world upside down—especially when it affects your work, friendships, family life, or support systems. In this blog, we’ll look at how these campaigns unfold, how to stay grounded in your truth, and when to consider legal action like defamation lawsuits or restraining orders. Rebuilding your reputation starts with knowing you're not alone—and you don’t have to stay silent.

Breaking a trauma bond after narcissistic abuse takes time. Learn from a Chicago narcissistic abuse recovery therapist how EMDR and parts work can help you heal deeply and let go for good.

Does EMDR therapy work online? Learn how virtual EMDR helps trauma, anxiety, and narcissistic abuse, from a licensed Illinois therapist