Narcissistic Relationships Therapy in Petaluma, CA

Are You Questioning Your Own Reality?

Narcissistic relationships therapy in Petaluma helps when you feel lost after emotional manipulation. You might question your own memories and perceptions. Simple decisions feel impossible because you've been told you're always wrong. The person who claimed to love you made you feel crazy and worthless.


This type of relationship trauma creates unique wounds:


  • You doubt your own thoughts and feelings constantly
  • Setting boundaries feels impossible and creates intense guilt
  • You feel responsible for someone else's emotions and actions
  • Fear of making mistakes paralyzes you in daily life



I understand the specific damage narcissistic relationships cause. In our work together, you'll learn to trust your own voice again and rebuild the confidence that was systematically destroyed.

A man and a woman are sitting on a couch having an argument.
A man and a woman are sitting on a couch having an argument.
A man and a woman are sitting on a couch talking to a counselor.

What Are Narcissistic Relationships?

Narcissistic relationships involve patterns of manipulation, control, and emotional abuse designed to benefit one person at the expense of the other. The narcissistic person uses tactics like gaslighting, blame-shifting, and emotional manipulation to maintain power.


These relationships often start with intense love-bombing followed by gradual devaluation. Victims lose their sense of self as they adapt to impossible and ever-changing demands. Recovery requires understanding these patterns and their effects.


Common experiences in narcissistic relationships include:


  • Being told your feelings and perceptions are wrong
  • Walking on eggshells to avoid explosive reactions
  • Feeling responsible for the other person's moods and behaviors
  • Losing contact with friends and family who might offer perspective
  • Experiencing cycles of punishment and reward that create trauma bonds



You can learn more about narcissistic abuse patterns here.

Why Choose Karen Collins For Narcissistic Abuse Recovery?

With over 20 years of experience and personal understanding of narcissistic abuse, I know how devastating these relationships can be. I've walked this healing path myself, which helps me understand the complexity of recovery.


My approach focuses on rebuilding your relationship with yourself first. We work on distinguishing between your authentic thoughts and the critical voices implanted by abuse. I provide the validation and reality-checking that narcissistic relationships destroy.

A woman with blonde hair is smiling and wearing a white shirt.

Benefits of Narcissistic Abuse Therapy

A black and white drawing of a human head with a plant growing out of it.

Reality Validation

Learn to trust your own perceptions and memories again.

Three smiley faces are sitting next to each other on a white background.

Boundary Skills

Develop the ability to protect yourself from manipulation.

A black and white drawing of two hands shaking in a circle with arrows.

Self-Worth Rebuilding

Reclaim your value independent of others' opinions.

A black and white drawing of a box with tools in it.

Pattern Recognition

Identify red flags to avoid similar relationships in the future.

A man and a woman are sitting on a couch talking to a therapist.

What The Future Could Look Like

Picture yourself making decisions without second-guessing every choice. Imagine having relationships where your feelings matter and are respected. Think about speaking up for yourself without fear of punishment or retaliation.


Recovery from narcissistic abuse means reclaiming your authentic self. You'll develop strong internal boundaries that protect your peace of mind. Healthy relationships become possible when you know your worth isn't negotiable.

Book Your Appointment Today

Begin your healing from narcissistic abuse with someone who truly understands. If you're located in Petaluma, support is just a call away. I also support clients from neighboring areas like Novato, San Rafael, and Mill Valley.

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Process

Healing from narcissistic abuse requires specialized understanding and gentle, patient support.

Step 1:

Validate Your Experience

Confirm that what happened to you was real and not your fault.

Step 2:

Rebuild Self-Trust

Learn to distinguish your authentic voice from implanted criticism.

Create Safety Develop boundaries and skills to protect yourself going forward.

Step 3:

Create Safety

Develop boundaries and skills to protect yourself going forward.

Breaking Free Is Possible

Without proper support, the effects of narcissistic abuse often worsen over time. Self-doubt becomes chronic and affects all future relationships. Depression and anxiety may develop as you internalize the abuser's messages about your worth.


With specialized therapy, you can break free from the psychological prison narcissistic abuse creates. Many survivors discover they're much stronger and more capable than the abuse made them believe.

A man and woman are sitting on a couch talking to a woman.

Frequently Asked Questions About Narcissistic Abuse Recovery

  • How do I know if I was really in a narcissistic relationship?

    We'll explore your experiences together without rushing to labels. The patterns matter more than the diagnosis.

  • Why do I still miss them sometimes?

    Trauma bonding creates powerful attachments even to harmful people. These feelings are normal and will fade with healing.

  • Will I ever be able to trust someone again?

    Yes, but it takes time to rebuild trust in yourself first. Healthy relationships become possible with healing.

  • How long does recovery take?

    Recovery timelines vary greatly. Some people feel significantly better in months, others need longer. We go at your pace.

Reclaim Your Life and Voice

You survived something that was designed to destroy you. Now let's help you thrive. Reach out today and take the first step toward reclaiming your authentic self.