The Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse How It Works and How to Break Free

Do you keep getting pulled back into a toxic relationship? This might explain why.

Hi, I'm Dr. Andrea Zorbas, a psychologist in San Francisco, and I'm gonna walk you through the cycle of narcissistic abuse and how to start breaking free.

So first off, love bombing. So that starts with intense praise, attention, connection, but it's too much and it's too fast.

Next, there's devaluation. The subtle jabs begin. So that looks like criticism, withdrawal, or shifting blame.

Next is discarding and return, they pull away or lash out, and then reel back when you try to leave.

Breaking free starts with awareness. So naming this pattern helps you stop blaming yourself and start reclaiming your power.

If this cycle sounds familiar to you, Therapy Now SF can support you in setting boundaries, rebuilding trust in yourself and moving forward.