Survivors of narcissistic abuse often present with chronic self-doubt. They lived in double binds: “You’re too emotional,” yet “You’re cold.” No matter what they did, it was wrong.
The Impact of Double Binds
This impossible standard erodes confidence. Survivors internalize contradictory demands as evidence of personal failure. In therapy, they may struggle with indecision or feel they can “never get it right.”
Clinical Strategies
• Psychoeducation – Teach that double binds are tools of control.
• Cognitive Restructuring – Highlight the impossibility of the abuser’s demands.
• Empowerment Work – Encourage survivors to reject the trap and set boundaries.
Training Application for Psychotherapists
Supervisees should learn to listen for the language of double binds in sessions and call them out explicitly. Survivors heal when they realize the contradiction was never their fault.
👉 At Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic, we train psychotherapists to dismantle double binds and restore survivor confidence.
