Healing After Narcissistic Abuse in Romantic Relationships

Exiting an abusive relationship with a narcissist can be an emotionally devastating experience. The toxic dynamic, manipulation, and emotional abuse can leave you feeling disconnected from your own intuition and self-worth. Also, the process of understanding why you chose this type of abusive partner can be a difficult reality to accept. It may involve embracing certain realities of your childhood or upbringing that may be painful realizations. This is why it is essential to rebuild trust in yourself and your intuition to regain control over your life and embark on a journey of healing. Let’s explore the steps to retune and trust your intuition after leaving a narcissistic relationship.

1. Acknowledge the Experience

The first step towards healing and regaining trust in your intuition is to acknowledge the reality of the relationship and its toxic dynamics. Understand that you were in a relationship with a narcissist, and it was not your fault. Yes, you may have overlooked red flags along the way, even if others recognized them, but receiving abuse is NEVER your fault. In fact, if it was a romantic partnership, your strength can be reflected in the fact that you stayed and tried to make it work. Accept the emotional and psychological toll it took on you, as this acknowledgment is the foundation upon which you'll rebuild your intuition. Then recognize that this was in the past and no longer needs to part of your present.

2. Seek Professional Help

Dealing with the aftermath of a narcissistic relationship IS complex, and seeking the guidance of a trained therapist or counselor can be immensely beneficial. PLEASE SEEK THE GUIDANCE OF A THERAPIST OR COUNSELOR SPECIFICALLY TRAINED IN NARCISSISTIC ABUSE. They can provide you with the necessary tools and coping strategies to help rebuild your self-esteem and trust in your intuition. There are amazing resources online for support groups as well. I will list them at the end of this article.

3. Reconnect with Your Feelings

After being in a relationship with a narcissist, you may have learned to suppress your emotions or rely on THEIR interpretation of your feelings. Start to reconnect with your emotions and trust your feelings again. Journaling can be a helpful way to express and understand your emotions, allowing you to identify patterns and triggers. YOGA IS AN AMAZING WAY TO TEACH YOURSELF TO FEEL YOUR BODY AND BE PRESENT WITH YOUR MIND and YOU CAN DO IT FROM HOME - JUST TRY 10-15 MINUTES PER DAY! I will list resources for YouTube classes you can do from home at the end of this article. AND REST ASSURED, I PRACTICE WHAT I PREACH!

4. Reestablish Boundaries

Narcissists are known for disregarding boundaries, so it's essential to set and maintain healthy boundaries in your life. In fact, it’s likely you’ve been put down or made fun of for trying to make a boundary with a narcissist. Feeling safe and confident in establishing boundaries for yourself is an. integral part of rebuilding your self-trust and intuition. Clearly and lovingly define what you are comfortable with and what you are not, and communicate those boundaries to others.

5. Self-Reflection, Mindfulness and Self-Care

Engaging in mindfulness activities and self-reflection is key to healing. Part of healing means regaining trust in your intuition. Take the time to understand who you are and what you truly want. I love yoga so much because it shows you that you have everything you need, physically, mentally, and spiritually, WITHIN YOU ALREADY! So find ways to nurture your physical and emotional well-being with activities that bring you joy and peace.

6. Reconnect with Your Passions

A narcissistic relationship often leads to a loss of self-identity. Rediscover your passions and hobbies that once brought you joy. Reconnecting with these aspects of your life can help you rebuild your intuition and rediscover what truly makes you happy.

7. Rebuild Your Support System

It's essential to surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who genuinely care about your well-being. Reconnect with those who were pushed aside during the narcissistic relationship and build meaningful connections. If you’re relating to this article, it’s likely that you are a strong empath and as such, it’s important to focus on finding relationships with other people who are sincere and connected to themselves and the earth. Rocking climbing, yoga, hiking, and other similar activities, all typically attract a certain type of person.

8. Educate Yourself

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself about narcissistic personality disorder and the tactics narcissists use. Understanding these dynamics can help you trust your judgment and intuition moving forward, as you'll be better equipped to recognize red flags in future relationships. Dr. Ramani’s education on YouTube is free and an awesome place to start. If you haven’t noticed the previous embedded links, click here.

9. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation and Breathwork

Mindfulness and meditation are instrumental in reestablishing a connection with your inner self. These practices will help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and can strengthen your ability to trust your intuition. I love breath work techniques. Scroll to the bottom for breath work resources and here is a LINK to an neuroscience based explanation for HOW IT WORKS TO CALM YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM.

10. Take Your Time

Healing from a narcissistic relationship is a process that takes time. Be patient with yourself and allow the healing journey to unfold naturally. THINGS OFTEN DON’T HAPPEN WITHIN OUR PRESET TIME FRAME GOALS. Trust in your intuition will return gradually as you rebuild your self-esteem and self-worth.

Exiting a relationship with a narcissist is undoubtedly challenging, but it is possible to rebuild trust in your intuition and heal. By acknowledging the experience, seeking professional help, reconnecting with your feelings, reestablishing boundaries, practicing self-reflection and self-care, rediscovering your passions, building a supportive network, educating yourself, and practicing mindfulness, you can regain the self-trust necessary for a healthier, happier future. Remember that healing is a journey, and with time and PRACTICE, you WILL reconnect with your intuition and thrive once more.

Online Support Groups
Meetup.com: Surviviors of Narcissistic Abuse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinejstrawson

Yoga on Youtube

Never done Yoga before? Try this: Yoga With Adriene

Want something more flowy or Vinyasa? Try This: Tana Yoga or Boho Beautiful

Want something more male or female oriented? Try This: Breathe and Flow

Breathwork on Youtube

Breathe with Sandy

Other Breathwork Option with explanations