Heart Wide Open - A Holistic Guide to Self Recovery from Narcissistic Wounding

by Stacey Sanderson Available to Order Now!

Divorcing a Narcissist: How Therapy Can Help

My first guidance when seeing a client who is about to separate, or ready to divorce is that they create a ‘circle of support’ and a cache of expert advice. If they have been in a relationship with a toxic, narcissistic or abusive person, trauma-relational-informed psychotherapy may be very necessary to help shift long-standing patterns of fear and powerlessness - not to mention debilitating self-doubt. Separating from or divorcing a narcissist can trigger you into old trauma patterns and leave you cycling through emotions such as fear, confusion and anger. This can be exacerbated by having a legal representative, or worse, a judge who is dismissive of your experiences.

The reality is, your ex’ narcissistic tendencies are, for the most part, not relevant to the process. They are, however, relevant to your ability to navigate a never-ending to-do list and staying true to yourself. Having the strategies to understand these patterns, and create powerful boundaries can be an integral part of navigating high conflict divorce.

Here is how working with a therapist, particularly one who understanding narcissistic or relational patterns can help:

They can help you see how old attachment patterns may be keeping you stuck.
You can better see how the relationship you are leaving reinforced these patterns.
Help with creating a timeline of the marriage or partnership, to help you feel more organized.
Give you the confidence to create a circle of support - if you don’t already have one.
Anticipatory guidance for meetings with your divorce lawyer, accountant, mediator and any other experts you need to speak with. Being able to simplify your story and focus on what is salient is vital to make the most of your time.
Help you to create boundaries - and yes, boundaries with people who don’t typically have any - and who may still be entitled to your time, money and energy.
Learn mindfulness and self-compassion to create a strong mindset and manage stress
Learn parenting strategies - if applicable
Create a safe place to discuss what your concerns are
Anticipatory guidance for communication with you ex

Note: What therapy CAN’T do is offer legal advice, write character references or assess capacity to parent. (All of these are separate services).

Stacey Sanderson, B.S.W.,M.A.,R.S.W.,R.P.

Let’s Schedule A Time To Connect

Stacey Sanderson

Stacey is a heart-centered holistic psychotherapist and life coach who helps people recover their power after toxic relationship abuse. She offers therapy, organizational consultation, crisis de-briefing, and group programs for narcissistic recovery and high functioning anxiety as well as workshops on mindfulness, self-compassion and healing.

Stacey Sanderson, B.S.W.,M.A.,R.S.W.,R.P.

Sanderson Psychotherapy

Inquire Within Holistic Coaching

64 Hunter Street, West, 2nd Floor

705-930-4233 | stacey@staceysanderson.ca

Newsletter

Please subscribe to my email list to be invited to free workshops, classes, meditations, and events.

>>>