Beyond 'Just Leave': Understanding the Complex Emotional Barriers to Escaping Narcissistic Relationships
The connection between a narcissist and their victim goes far beyond conventional relationship attachment. What develops is a trauma bond—a biochemical dependency that functions remarkably similarly to addiction. When in a relationship with a narcissist, your brain becomes accustomed to the dramatic highs of their intermittent positive attention and the crushing lows of their withdrawal and criticism. This creates a cycle of cortisol and dopamine releases that literally rewires your brain's reward pathways.
Family dynamics when one parent has strong Narcissistic Traits
The interactions between these family roles create a complex and often toxic environment. The golden child and the scapegoat may find themselves in direct conflict, with the golden child siding with the narcissistic parent and reinforcing their judgments of the scapegoat. Meanwhile, the enabling parent may attempt to mediate but ultimately fails to challenge the narcissistic parent's control.
Reclaiming Reality: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse Through Existential Therapy
Narcissistic abuse significantly erodes a victim's sense of self and reality. Those affected typically come to therapy feeling confused, believing that they are at fault, and thinking there is something wrong with them that needs fixing. This self-doubt can be even more entrenched if the abuse began in childhood. As victims’ sense of self-worth and reality become heavily dependent on the narcissist, they often start therapy with very little confidence in their own sense of reality and self.