One of the most common phrases survivors bring into therapy is: “I feel crazy.” Narcissistic abuse is designed to create exactly this feeling. Through gaslighting, blame-shifting, and emotional manipulation, abusers force their partners into questioning their sanity.
Why Survivors Feel “Crazy”
Living in an environment of constant invalidation and unpredictability erodes mental stability. Survivors often experience:
• Cognitive Dissonance – holding two opposing beliefs at once.
• Hypervigilance – always waiting for the next attack.
• Emotional Whiplash – going from love-bombing to devaluation overnight.
These symptoms are not proof of insanity—they are natural responses to prolonged trauma.
The Role of Therapy
In therapy, one of the most powerful interventions is validation. Simply naming the abuse, confirming that the client’s perceptions are real, and reassuring them that their reactions are normal helps dissolve years of self-doubt.
Therapists can also teach grounding skills, narrative reframing, and self-compassion practices that gradually restore confidence.
The Truth
If you’ve ever asked, “Am I crazy?” the answer is no. You are not broken—you are healing from a system designed to destabilize you.
👉 At Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic, we specialize in helping survivors move from confusion to clarity, and from self-doubt to self-trust. Book a session today.
