Understanding Narcissistic Abuse: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Description: Narcissistic Abuse can be devastating. The cycle of abuse is very similar to other types of domestic violence however the way this abuse is applied is quite different. Outside of the relationship, most people see the good side (the mask) that the narcissist presents. The victim can’t understand why others don't see the real person and the victim starts to question their own perceptions. Clinicians need to read between the lines to understand what is really happening in these relationships.Imagine if you had a client walk into a session and you were able to speak the language of the client who has been abused by a narcissist. You could cut down the time it takes to start helping them recover and heal from the pain they have endured in their relationship with a narcissist. Victims of narcissistic abuse are seeking treatment for this particular abuse that has nuances and behaviors that are different and more insidious than other types of abuse. Clients are desperate for a clinician who gets it and are terrified that they will seek treatment and not be believed. Learn the language and the cognitive dissonance and distortions that keep people in these relationships and help them get out.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1103412

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain an understanding of Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Relationships and How This Differs from Emotional Abuse
2. Develop Strategies to Help Clients Break the Cycle of Abuse by Using Trauma Informed Approaches to Build Self Esteem, Self-Care, and Support.
3. Learn How to Build Treatment Plans Focused on Rebuilding Identity, Returning clients to their core selves, and Building a Healed Sense of Self.

About the Presenters:

Brenda Stephens is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who works solely with survivors of narcissistic abuse and trauma. She obtained her education through the University of Wisconsin system where she graduated with honors. Brenda is the founder of a group practice in southern California and The Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Center, a coaching practice  assisting survivors of narcissistic abuse globally. She offers training to other therapists to help them supporttheir clients who are children, partners, and others who have been abused by a person, or persons, with narcissistic traits. She is the author of “Recovering From Narcissistic Mothers: A Daughter’s Guide” and “The Narcissism Recovery Workbook: Healing from Emotional Abuse.” She has presented at conferences, appeared on several podcasts to talk about narcissistic abuse, and recently appeared in a documentary on Covert Narcissism.     Brenda Stephens holds a Masters of Mental Health Counseling degree from the University of Wisconsin system where she graduated with honors. She is a licensed therapist in several states holding licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor. Brenda is trained in IFS, EMDR, and has completed comprehensive training in Polyvagal Theory and uses this modality extensively in treating survivors of trauma.