Narcissistic Abuse in a Relationship
Improving lives after narcissistic abuse
If you are in or coming out of a relationship that has left you doubting yourself, exhausted, and wondering what happened to the person you used to be — you are in the right place. For Cluster-B personality disorder relationships, the other person ends up in therapy.
Do you recognise any of this?
- You feel like you can never do anything right, no matter how hard you try.
- They switch between ‘loving’ you and making you feel worthless’
- You’ve been gaslit — made to doubt your own memory and perception.
- You’re walking on eggshells, constantly managing their moods.
- You’ve been isolated from friends, family, financial independence, agency.
- Arguments, you always apologise, even when you did nothing wrong.
- You’re frightened of their reaction if you speak honestly.
- You still love them but you know something is deeply wrong.
Talk to someone who understands.
No forms. No waiting list. Just a conversation.
Email us any time
Sometimes writing it down is the first step. Say as little as you like, everything you share is confidential, unless we have a legal or safeguarding duty to act.
It’s not your imagination, it DID happen.
Coercive control and emotional abuse in relationships are recognised under UK law.
How we can help
- One-to-one coaching,keeping safe, observing, responding
- Somatic trauma support for the nervous system
- In-person support groups — across the UK
- Zoom group support sessions with other survivors
- Help with self-regulating and understanding Cluster-B
Book a Clarity Call
Or call: 0333 242 5348
If you can’t book or call safely, email support@thepowerandcontrolwheel.co.uk
Understanding what’s happening to you
Narcissistic abuse in intimate relationships is characterised by a specific cycle: idealisation, in which the abuser makes you feel uniquely loved and understood; devaluation, in which criticism, manipulation, and emotional withdrawal begin; and discard or hoovering, in which the abuser either ends the relationship or pulls you back in. This cycle can repeat many times, and each time it does, the trauma bond — the psychological attachment that forms under conditions of intermittent reward and punishment — becomes stronger.
Coercive control in intimate relationships has been a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Serious Crime Act 2015 since December 2015. It does not require physical violence. Patterns of behaviour that isolate, control, humiliate, or monitor a partner are covered. Many survivors do not know this. Many do not know that what is happening to them is against the law.
The nervous system impact of this kind of abuse is significant and physical. Living in a state of chronic hypervigilance — constantly scanning for signs of the abuser’s mood, constantly managing your own behaviour to prevent an explosion — rewires your stress response over time. Somatic, body-based support addresses this in ways that talking therapy alone often cannot.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
PACW Support Line: 0333 242 5348 | National Domestic Abuse Helpline (women): 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours) | Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 | Galop (LGBTQ+) 0800 999 5428 | Samaritans: 116 123 | NHS 111 | Victim Support 08 08 16 89 111
USA — 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233