If you’re looking for a therapist who specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery, you may have come across the title Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC). Many prospective clients have questions such as “What is an NATC?” or “Do I need a certified narcissistic abuse treatment clinician as a therapist?” This page will explore what the NATC credential really means, who it’s for, and why working with a specialist can make all the difference if you’re starting your narcissistic abuse recovery journey. While this narcissistic abuse treatment clinician is based in Chicago, more and more providers are joining the mental health space. You are not alone.
A SPECIALIZED THERAPIST FOR NARCISSISTIC ABUSE IN CHICAGO, IL.
What Kind of Therapist Treats Narcissistic Abuse?
A Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) is a licensed mental health professional with specialized training in narcissistic abuse recovery and relational trauma work. This certification was developed and led by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, one of the world’s foremost experts on narcissism, narcissistic abuse, and antagonistic relationships. The NATC certification is offered through a trauma-informed training program administered in partnership with PESI, Psychotherapy Networker, and Evergreen Certifications, ensuring clinicians receive specialized education in relational trauma, antagonistic relational stress, emotional abuse, gaslighting, trauma bonding, and complex relationship dynamics. Starting therapy with an NATC increases the likelihood that you’ll be working with someone who truly understands the unique and devastating psychological impacts of narcissistic abuse.
ENSURING A TRAUMA-INFORMED APPROACH
How is a narcissistic abuse treatment clinician different from a general therapist?
The therapist has specific training in narcissistic abuse recovery and trauma-informed care that goes beyond general education in personality disorders.
They avoid pathologizing your trauma responses and instead help you explore protective adaptations like fawning, freeze, or self-doubt with compassion.
The therapist understands that narcissistic abuse recovery is not linear and requires time, patience, grief work, trauma processing, and consistent support.
The therapist understands how psychological abuse and chronic antagonism impact identity, and helps clients regain confidence and autonomy at a sustainable pace.
THE BEST KIND OF THERAPY FOR NARCISSISTIC ABUSE IN CHICAGO, IL
A Therapist Who Really Sees You
The honest truth is that many survivors of narcissistic abuse have (in the past) left therapy feeling dismissed, misunderstood, or even sometimes blamed. Some therapists overlook the subtle signs of antagonistic relational stress and unintentionally focus on teaching their client to adapt to what is actually abuse. This is alarmingly common and an unfortunate side effect of the limited education most clinicians receive on narcissism.
At Two Lights Therapy Center in Chicago, IL, it is our mission to ensure that the proper care is available for survivors of narcissistic abuse. Working with a Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) means you don’t have to explain every detail. We already recognize the patterns. We hold space for your grief, confusion, and anger without minimizing your experience or pushing for premature progress. You are not too much. You are not imagining it. You are seen.
When someone finally sees what you’ve been carrying in silence, healing can begin.
Meet Erika!
A CERTIFIED NATC IN CHICAGO, IL
Erika Koch-Weser is a licensed psychotherapist and certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) based in Chicago, Illinois. She specializes in narcissistic personalities and narcissistic abuse recovery therapy using a relational, trauma-informed approach that centers safety, trust, and authentic connection. Her specialty therapy practice, Two Lights Therapy Center, was founded to address the gap in care for those affected by narcissism in Chicago. Clients describe Erika as "down-to-earth", "non-judgmental", and "relatable". Reach out today to explore whether therapy with Erika would be right for you.
