Narcissistic Abuse Support Groups in Chicago: Finding the Right Support for You

This guide will explore how to find the right group support for narcissistic abuse recovery. Once survivors recognize how isolated they’ve become as a result of narcissistic abuse, they often wonder what kind of support they should seek out. It’s natural to be hesitant or unsure of where to turn (especially given that narcissistic abuse makes you feel like you can't make good decisions). If your friends or family have been less than understanding, you might start to wonder about support groups. If you’re searching for a narcissistic abuse support group in Chicago, here are a few tips to help you make sure you land somewhere safe and supportive. Please note: guidelines may vary by state

There is really nothing better than being in a room (or in a virtual meeting) with other people who really GET IT. Not to mention, looking for a narcissistic abuse support group in Chicago might just lead you to something even more powerful: a path back to yourself. (Too cheesy? Never!)

While I don’t currently offer group therapy or support groups at Two Lights Therapy Center, many of my clients initially found me while searching for one. What they often discover is that both group and individual support have their place. I think understanding the difference can help you take the next right step.

Why Narcissistic Abuse Survivors Seek Out Support Groups or Group Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse

Individuals who have experienced narcissistic abuse can tell you—the isolation feels endless. Sometimes, we not only feel deeply alone because we have become so, but also because when we have reached out for help, we’ve been met with judgment.  Abusers often isolate their targets (both physically and emotionally), and your loved ones may not have been able to understand why you weren’t in touch as often. Friends may have misread the situation, assuming your "flakiness" reflected a lack of desire to connect. Please also consider that it is not uncommon for survivors to push away those close to them during abuse due to shame, fear, and their abuser’s demands.

While those relationships can be repaired, in the meantime, support groups can be a powerful antidote to this isolation. For many survivors, narcissistic abuse survivor communities are a place where they feel truly seen. When someone shares a story that sounds just like yours, it becomes easier to believe that what happened to you was REAL and that it wasn’t your fault. (It wasn't by the way...).

The Benefits of Narcissistic Abuse Support Groups

• Mutual understanding & the accompanying validation

• An opportunity to step out of the shadows

• A place to break the silence that keeps your shame alive

• Opportunities to learn new language for the things you have experienced

• Opportunities to build healthy, corrective relationships through peer connection

• Support during trauma bond "withdrawal" (THE WORST)

  
  

One of the most common patterns I see in my clients is the feeling of being "addicted" to a narcissistic ex, even when they logically know the relationship was damaging. This is the nature of trauma bonding. Support groups can help ease the withdrawal when you finally decide to go no-contact, especially if your support system is limited and you are often alone.

What Is the Difference Between Individual Therapy and a Narcissistic Abuse Support Group?

Both support groups and therapy have much to offer, but they certainly serve different roles. Support groups provide that sense of shared experience, which can be comforting and normalizing. Finding a place where you need not fear judgment and can set aside social anxiety is really something magical. Narcissistic abuse support groups typically focus on connection, validation, and exploring those aforementioned shared experiences. 

Individual therapy, on the other hand, allows for personalized, deeper trauma work (which you should not be doing in a support group). Individual therapy for narcissistic abuse recovery offers a space to explore your unique history, attachment patterns/traumas, and current circumstances under the guidance of a licensed professional. Instead of needing to share a space, the therapeutic one is your own. There may be themes or topics you don't feel comfortable discussing in a group space (like your sex life, past traumas, or specific instances of abuse). Discussion of these topics often feels more appropriate in a confidential space.

Can a Support Group Help Me Let Go of My Narcissistic Ex?

This is a common question, and it is normal to want answers and absolutes when things have felt so unsteady. While healing from narcissistic abuse isn’t quick work, support groups can absolutely help in that they provide both accountability and community. Trauma bonds can mimic addiction, and group support can be a lifeline during your hardest moments of withdrawal. When you feel the urge to reach back out or question whether it "was really that bad," hearing others share stories of similar struggles can ground you back in reality.

The opposite of addiction is not just “sobriety”—it’s connection. Finding community and people who understand the emotional grip of narcissistic relationships can help loosen the hold a trauma bond has on your heart and mind. This is especially true when you feel like blaming yourself or romanticizing the past. This kind of community can offer accountability and perspective. 

What to Look for in a Narcissistic Abuse Support Group in Chicago (In-Person or Online)

Here are some things to consider when looking for a narcissistic abuse support group or group therapy for narcissistic abuse:

• Is it peer-led or facilitated by a licensed therapist? Who is the organizer?

• Are there clear boundaries and confidentiality policies?

• Do the group’s values align with your own healing goals? Not every group will be the right match for you

• Is it focused on narcissistic abuse in romantic or familial contexts?

• Is the group open to anyone, regardless of who the perpetrator was?

  
  

Whether in-person in Chicago or virtual, a good support group should feel safe, structured, and inclusive. 

Can’t Find a Good Fit? Why 1:1 Therapy Might Be a Better Option For Some

If you’re not finding the kind of support group that feels right, individual therapy can be a powerful alternative (or adjunct option). Narcissistic abuse recovery therapy offers you a private space to explore your stories, rebuild self-trust, process betrayal trauma, and form a corrective relationship. 

I work with survivors of narcissistic abuse, folks who have experienced betrayal trauma, and individuals struggling with attachment challenges. If you’re looking for a space to be seen, heard, understood, supported, and empowered, reach out anytime.

Interested in Therapy Instead of a Group? I am a Narcissistic Abuse Therapist in Chicago.

Reach out today to explore treatment options and to see if we'd be a great therapeutic match. You can read more here about how Two Lights Therapy Center works with survivors of narcissistic abuse: https://www.twolightstherapy.com/

Virtual Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Sessions for survivors can be booked by emailing: hello@twolightstherapy.com or by visiting: https://www.twolightstherapy.com/contact 

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Two Lights Therapy Center | Chicago, Illinois.

Narcissistic Abuse Therapy & Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Specialists

Please Note: The information provided in these blog posts is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapy or therapeutic services. While these blogs are written by licensed psychotherapists, readers should not use this content as a replacement for individualized advice or treatment. If you are experiencing a crisis or need immediate assistance, please call 911 or contact other emergency services in your area.