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Need a therapist

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#1 Sep 1 - 10AM
so lost
so lost's picture

Need a therapist

Hi All, I am new here, but have been reading the posts for quite a while. I have been involved with a narcissist for two years. Like the rest of you, it's been hell. I really would like to find a therapist at this point, but recognize it is important to find someone who has experience with and/or understands NPD and the victims of that abuse. I feel fairly confident I have PTSD as a result. I have been to two different therapists in the last 2 years (only a few sessions each) before quickly realizing they weren't understanding the situation.

I apologize if this is not the correct place to post this. But I was hoping someone may have a few suggestions for a therapist in the Phoenix, AZ area. I really appreciate all of your help and everything on this website. It has been so valuable to me.

Sep 1 - 1PM
Barbara (not verified)
Anonymous's picture

so lost

I will do some looking... in the meantime Sandra Brown, MA's institute has phone therapy to fill in the gap: http://saferelationshipsmagazine.com/counseling-ctr/a-path-to-recovery-start-here You might also want to call your local DV Crisis Center and see if they have a group or can recommend someone to you. If a counselor even MENTIONS you are codependent, leave. You can NOT be codependent with a Narc. This person looks promising: http://www.dragonflyinternationaltherapy.com/new/sjenkins.html you may want to get a copy of WOMEN WHO LOVE PSYCHOPATHS by Sandra Brown, MA - read it and then educate her. (It covers Narcissists also!) You might need to educate her but her CV sounds like she's open and looks like she has good PTSD background for you. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLICK HERE: Articles & information for Narc Victims - Updated Daily "As soon as you feel that crazy sense of walking on eggshells, fending off N-rage, stop. Walk away." - Dr. M. Beck
Sep 1 - 7PM (Reply to #3)
so lost
so lost's picture

Thank you for your

Thank you for your responses. Thank you Barbara for the information. I will look into the information that you posted. Please let me know if you find any other therapists that you think may work, or if you have information on how I can find them myself. Just searching the internet I can't seem to find anyone in the area specific for this stuff. Any help is appreciated! Thank you all!
Sep 1 - 9PM (Reply to #4)
Barbara (not verified)
Anonymous's picture

pointers finding a therapist

don't EVER call a therapist and say "do you deal with victims of narcisissts?" first off - Narcs are rarely diagnosed and second - you're not a doctor. Some therapists think Narcissism can be treated - which is just money in their pocket trying to treat someone who's incurable. Some want to do couples counseling - also a BAD IDEA! Don't be afraid to do a couple sessions and say "this isn't working out" and don't let a therapist guilt you - like with a lawyer - it's your money & your recovery. - look for those who deal with PTSD from trauma relationships - look for those that are EDUCATABLE - as I said, getting WWLP and reading it and then asking them to read is huge! - look for someone who does NOT believe you can be Codependent to a Narc or Abuser you may have to do a couple sessions with them before you get a feel for them. See how they deal with trauma bonding, obsessive thinking and so on. The woman I sent you seems like she takes a great approach to trauma and is very insurance-friendly. http://www.cir.org is an Arizona community directory Others are: http://www.emdrtherapistnetwork.com/therapist.karole.holtkamp http://www.devereux.org http://www.noabuse.org You can also contact - SIDRAN - an organization that educates people about trauma & PTSD for a referral: http://www.sidran.org/sub.cfm?contentID=19§ionid=5 ~~~~~~~~~~~~ CLICK HERE: Articles & information for Narc Victims - Updated Daily "As soon as you feel that crazy sense of walking on eggshells, fending off N-rage, stop. Walk away." - Dr. M. Beck
Sep 1 - 12PM
cynthia (not verified)
Anonymous's picture

HI

my duration was for aprox 2 years, Barbara I am sure will get you some connections for therapy, welcome and you wont be lost forever, welcome home I should say