Are they a narcissist or just toxic? What a debate. TikTok will have you believe that everyone is a narcissist, just like anyone who disagrees with you is gaslighting you. That is not the case. So allow me to break it down the best I can based on years of helping individuals heal from unhealthy and unfulfilling relationships via abuse and boundary therapy.

Work with Aida Morales, LPC, to recover from abuse and high-conflict relationships via boundary therapy, abuse therapy, and attachment-focused EMDR.

Here's the other beautiful thing about communicating assertively- YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIE. Your reason, even if it is just that you are tired, is ENOUGH. You are not required to sacrifice yourself for others to deserve their love, respect, and regard. Remember, you consider your needs and wants first, then communicate your capacities to give to others. We will not shut down people like an aggressive communicators. Still, we will not build resentment or forget ourselves like the passive ones.

Grief is a common occurrence in trauma healing. Therapy can help make sense of the complex emotions that arise in the process of healing.

When you have always been a “get shit done” type of person, taking time for yourself may feel lazy, self-centered, egotistical. Maybe that’s how you feel but maybe that’s also what you were told growing up or presently. This isn’t correct. While it happens A LOT that people go from one extreme to another in the process of finding their balance, which we call healing, not being on the go 24/7 is actually a sign of progress.

Secure and Insecure attachments and why do we relate in these ways?

Tired of trauma bonding or being in toxic relationships? Guess what? It’s not your fault.