Understanding the Narcissistic Family - The Journey from Conditioning to Authenticity
If You Grew Up in This, You Already Know Parts of the Story
If you grew up in a narcissistic family system, you already know parts of this story. What you may not yet see clearly is how those early patterns are shaping your current relationships, your sense of self, and the decisions you are making right now.
This two-part workshop is for the sensitive, capable, high-functioning adults who have spent years trying to understand what happened to them. You have likely read the books, watched the channels, and listened to the podcasts. You may have been in therapy that focused on relationship repair when what was actually happening was abuse. You are not looking for reassurance. You are looking for a clear framework and a real plan.
Over two sessions, we will move through the recognition, the roles, the patterns that repeat in adulthood, and the practical work of individuating. The second session takes on the specific territory that almost no one is talking about with any honesty: estrangement, no contact, aging parents, and the sibling and estate dynamics that surface as our families age.
What We Will Cover
We will look at what actually defines a narcissistic family system, the roles children are assigned inside them (scapegoat, golden child, peacemaker, and others), and how those roles shape self-esteem, relationship choices, and the patterns you may be repeating in your adult life without realizing it. From there, we move into the work: how to anchor into your authentic Self, how to protect your energy, and how to build boundaries that actually hold.
The second session takes on the territory most people are navigating alone. We will talk about the current phenomenon of estrangement and going no contact, what true individuation looks like, and how to step fully out of the old roles and expectations. We will also discuss what happens as parents age in a narcissistic family: the sibling dynamics, the estate law considerations, and the practical planning that can protect you. Most importantly, we will get clear on the lines in the sand you may need to draw for yourself and for the family you are building now.
Sign up for this Free Workshop
Join Stacey Sanderson, Author and Psychotherapist for this two part event where we will consider the patterns we have learned that have influenced the way we think about ourselves and our relationships.
No spam, one-click unsubscribe
This Workshop Is For You If
This workshop is for you if you recognize yourself in any of this:
You are intelligent, sensitive, and successful, and you have been told for most of your life that there is something wrong with you. You have tried therapy and have felt unseen or unhelped by it. You put everyone else first and then wonder why you are exhausted and resentful. You are starting to see the patterns, but you have not yet found the language, the framework, or the strategy to change them. You are ready to stop doubting your own perceptions.
You can attend one session or both. The two sessions are designed to build on each other, and you will get more from the work if you join us for both.


About Stacey...

I'm Stacey Sanderson, a Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Social Worker, Certified Holistic Life Coach, and the author of Heart Wide Open: A Holistic Guide to Self Recovery from Narcissistic Wounding.
It's my mission to help people heal and release relationship patterns and step into their power. As part of my own healing and recovery process I dove into understanding personality pathology and focused on this and the biopsychosocial roots of this issue.
For the last twenty years I have sought to better understand narcissism from the point of view of trauma, attachment and energy. With many years experience as a therapist, I wanted to create a more heart-centered and holistic approach in my work with clients, integrating trauma and somatic modalities with meditation, mindfulness, expressive arts.
My work is collaborative and intuitively guided. A lot of the time, this work is about empowering empaths! I believe that there is healing in connection and community. My own personal healing from narcissistic family and work systems came full circle when I stepped into my power and full potential - and I know you can do the same!
I live in rural Ontario, Canada where I enjoy being in nature either running, skiing, kayaking or gardening! I have been married for 27 years and have two adult children, our beautiful rescue dog Zoe and two cats. I have a small private psychotherapy practice, and my passion is in leading the Inquire Within relationship recovery community.
What’s It Really Like To Work With Me?
Here’s what my coaching clients have to say . . .
“Stacey is amazing at what she does! She has helped me find strength in the most trying time of my life. With her help I’ve started to regain ME again. If you are struggling this is a great resource to help you gain clarity and confidence and be your best self.”
~ B.C. [Finding Your Way Workshop Participant]
My experience working with Stacey has been life changing. Stacey is so kind, insightful and knowledgeable. I instantly felt a connection with her the very first time we met. She has gently supported and guided me on my journey. I appreciate her never ending patience and authenticity. We have laughed, cried and dug deep together. Stacey has taught me so much and continues to inspire me after each session we have together. She is a natural leader.
~ A.V. [Transforming Pain to Power Participant]
Copyright© 2026 Stacey Sanderson | Privacy policy | Legal | Terms & Conditions