Addiction and Recovery

Narcissism

The Effects of Narcissistic Supply in a Toxic Relationship

Sherry Gaba LCSW on June 21, 2021

Most couples describe a healthy, loving relationship as one of give and take. But a relationship with a narcissist is often based on one person getting his or her needs satisfied and never returning any of the value to the other. 

Most couples describe a healthy, loving relationship as one of give and take. But a relationship with a narcissist is often based on one person getting his or her needs satisfied and never returning any of the value to the other. 

In healthy love, each individual maintains a sense of self. She or he may give to the partner but never expect to have to give more than they are comfortable providing.

Narcissism

Why Strong Women and Narcissists Attract Each Other

Sherry Gaba LCSW on June 5, 2021

The narcissist uses a sense of self-confidence and assurance to portray an attractive personality to a confident, successful partner. Achieving a conquest is part of what drives narcissistic behavior in relationships.

The narcissist uses a sense of self-confidence and assurance to portray an attractive personality to a confident, successful partner. Achieving a conquest is part of what drives narcissistic behavior in relationships.

Narcissism

Recognizing a Passive-Aggressive Narcissist

Sherry Gaba LCSW on May 31, 2021

A common perception about narcissists is that they are loud, over-the-top, and extremely visible in their sense of grandiosity and their feelings of superiority over others. That's not the case for the covert narcissist.

A common perception about narcissists is that they are loud, over-the-top, and extremely visible in their sense of grandiosity and their feelings of superiority over others. That's not the case for the covert narcissist.

Cognitive Dissonance

Narcissists, Relationships, and Cognitive Dissonance

Sherry Gaba LCSW on May 24, 2021

Cognitive dissonance can occur in a range of different situations—including in relationships. Simply put, cognitive dissonance is having two very different thoughts or beliefs about something.

Cognitive dissonance can occur in a range of different situations—including in relationships. Simply put, cognitive dissonance is having two very different thoughts or beliefs about something.

Narcissism

Spotting the Hoovering Techniques of a Narcissist

Sherry Gaba LCSW on May 17, 2021

One of the most frightening prospects for a narcissist is being forced to live without someone to blame for their problems.

One of the most frightening prospects for a narcissist is being forced to live without someone to blame for their problems.

Addiction

How Narcissists Withhold Love to Control Their Partners

Sherry Gaba LCSW on May 11, 2021

A narcissist's cycle of behavior in a relationship begins with "love bombing" and ends in abuse.

A narcissist's cycle of behavior in a relationship begins with "love bombing" and ends in abuse.

Narcissism

The Methods Narcissists Use to Traumatize Their Victims

Sherry Gaba LCSW on April 7, 2021

A relationship with a narcissist may start out as a dream before turning into a roller coaster ride.

A relationship with a narcissist may start out as a dream before turning into a roller coaster ride.

Embarrassment

The Role of Shame in Being Attracted to Narcissists

Sherry Gaba LCSW on March 23, 2021

Shame is something that is very normal for anyone to feel and experience throughout life. Shame is different than regret or sadness.

Shame is something that is very normal for anyone to feel and experience throughout life. Shame is different than regret or sadness.

Relationships

What Is a Toxic Relationship?

Sherry Gaba LCSW on March 12, 2021

Signs of a toxic relationship may take months or even years to evolve. Here are the typical signs to watch out for.

Signs of a toxic relationship may take months or even years to evolve. Here are the typical signs to watch out for.

Relationships

Toxic Positivity: How It Relates to Unhealthy Relationships

Sherry Gaba LCSW on March 1, 2021

Generally, positivity is considered a good thing. However, there are situations where always looking for the positive creates a potentially negative and dangerous scenario.

Generally, positivity is considered a good thing. However, there are situations where always looking for the positive creates a potentially negative and dangerous scenario.

Attachment

The Link Between Anxious Attachment and Craving Relationships

Sherry Gaba LCSW on February 16, 2021

Moving from insecure to secure attachment styles is essential in recovering from love addiction. Here are three ways to address your anxious attachment style.

Moving from insecure to secure attachment styles is essential in recovering from love addiction. Here are three ways to address your anxious attachment style.

Getting into a relationship with a narcissist is easy, but getting out of this relationship is difficult.

Relationships

Signs You Are Struggling With Healthy Relationships

Sherry Gaba LCSW on January 8, 2021

Almost everyone has experienced a bad relationship due to another person's actions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Almost everyone has experienced a bad relationship due to another person's actions, thoughts, or behaviors.

Attachment

Why Do Anxious Attachment Styles Stay in Toxic Relationships?

Sherry Gaba LCSW on December 29, 2020

Most people do not know why they seem to have problems choosing a partner or why they may stay in dysfunctional, toxic, or destructive relationships.

Most people do not know why they seem to have problems choosing a partner or why they may stay in dysfunctional, toxic, or destructive relationships.

Relationships

Carrying a Wounded Inner Child Into Your Relationships?

Sherry Gaba LCSW on December 16, 2020

One of the realities of life for many adults is growing up without a happy, stable, loving childhood.

One of the realities of life for many adults is growing up without a happy, stable, loving childhood.

Narcissism

Stop Defending and Explaining Yourself to a Narcissist

Sherry Gaba LCSW on December 6, 2020

Successful strategies to stop defending and explaining yourself to a narcissist.

Successful strategies to stop defending and explaining yourself to a narcissist.

Narcissism

Why Narcissists Attract People-Pleasers

Sherry Gaba LCSW on November 24, 2020

The extreme selfishness and the extreme lack of self in the relationship creates a situation where two parts can find, in each other, a connection they lack with others.

The extreme selfishness and the extreme lack of self in the relationship creates a situation where two parts can find, in each other, a connection they lack with others.

Narcissism

Leaving Behind Guilt When You Leave a Narcissist or Addict

Sherry Gaba LCSW on November 13, 2020

For people in a relationship with a narcissist or an addict, there is still a genuine concern for the other person.

For people in a relationship with a narcissist or an addict, there is still a genuine concern for the other person.

Trauma

The Relationship Between Trauma Survivors And Narcissists

Sherry Gaba LCSW on October 19, 2020

Many people with trauma have experiences that date back to their early childhood years.

Many people with trauma have experiences that date back to their early childhood years.