Lisa Van Der Merwe - Alpharetta Counselor

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Partners of Narcissists and Adult Children of Narcissistic Parents

One of my primary specialties is helping those impacted by having a narcissistic family member or partner. This type of emotional abuse can often be covert, and therefore it is sometimes very difficult for those around you to truly understand the severity of what is happening. It is not uncommon for those impacted to question their own perspective of reality in regards to the relationship.

Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and an extreme sensitivity to criticism and inability to take accountability for behavior. These personality traits cause significant problems in relationships. They are  highly adept at exploiting and manipulating other people to meet their own needs. Their partners and family members are often left feeling continually hurt, demeaned, controlled, and confused.

If you are in an intimate relationship with a narcissist I can help you:

  • Better identify and understand your partner’s destructive behaviors and their impact on you
  • Explore what drew you to the relationship
  • Learn how to better manage the relationship or terminate it

Narcissistic parents consistently put their own needs above those of their children, lack the ability to emotionally connect with their child, are frequently critical and manipulative, and redirect attention to themselves. Some narcissistic parents are very withdrawn and distant from their children, and others are intrusive and smothering. The negative impact to their children can be significant and long-lasting. Adult children of narcissistic parents often grow up to have distorted views of love, struggle with feelings of inadequacy, anxiety and depression, and challenges in their relationships.

 If you are a child of a narcissist I can help you to:

  • Understand the impact of being raised by a narcissistic parent
  • Better understand your parent’s behavior and accept what will not change
  • Grieve for the parent you wanted but didn’t have
  • Develop a stronger, more positive sense of self and deal with triggers
  • Determine what type of relationship and boundaries to have with parent
  • Become aware of and better manage your own narcissistic tendencies

I am trained as a Clinical Trauma Professional by the International Association of Trauma Professionals

I am certified in Dr. Karyl McBride’s ‘Will I Ever Be Good Enough?’ five- step recovery model for treating adult children of narcissistic parents.

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Contact Me

Lisa Van Der Merwe, LCSW, PC
Georgetown Park
162 Prospect Place | Alpharetta, GA 30005
ph. 770-356-4408
lisa@lvcounseling.com

Easily accessible from Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Canton, Woodstock, Norcross, Cumming, and Suwanee

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Recent Blog Posts

  • COVID-19 Update 12/23/2020
  • COVID-19 Update 9/28/2020
  • COVID-19 Update 5/7/2020
  • Covid-19 Update 3/22/2020
  • COVID-19/Counseling Update

Contact

Lisa Van Der Merwe, LCSW, PC
Georgetown Park
162 Prospect Place | Alpharetta, GA 30005
ph. 770-356-4408
lisa@lvcounseling.com

Easily accessible from Atlanta, Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek, Canton, Woodstock, Norcross, Cumming, and Suwanee

Stay Connected

Looking for counseling or have a question? Please email, call, or use the contact form to reach me.

I will respond within one business day.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

 

 

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