narcissistic abuse | Counselling Insight

Understanding “Hoovering” in Narcissistic Relationships: A Guide to Breaking Free

by Ina Spellings 15/10/202415/10/2024No Comments

If you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, you may have experienced a confusing pattern of push and pull—intense love-bombing, followed by emotional distance, and then a sudden return just when you’re ready to walk away. This emotional rollercoaster often includes a manipulation tactic known as hoovering. In this …

Emotional Manipulation: Recognising the Signs and Finding Your Strength

by Ina Spellings 19/09/202429/09/2024No Comments

Emotional manipulation is a covert form of control where someone exploits another’s feelings to gain power, influence, or personal advantage. It can happen in various types of relationships—romantic, familial, professional, or friendships—and often leaves the manipulated person feeling confused, anxious, and emotionally drained. Understanding the dynamics of emotional manipulation is the first step toward reclaiming …

Breadcrumbing in Narcissistic relationships

by Ina Spellings 17/06/2022No Comments

Breadcrumbing is a technique used in narcissistic relationships to bring the control back to the abuser. Take a moment and reflect upon your narcissistic relationship…do you find yourself surprised to see that so little of what you received went such a long way? Through a narcissistic relationship you might have experienced a lack of kindness, …

Mental health awareness week

by Ina Spellings 09/05/2022No Comments

Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 -Loneliness Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 runs between May 9th and May 15th 2022, with this year’s theme being loneliness. As human beings, we are genetically wired for connection.Connection brings psychological security-being part of a community that shares goals and values, working together not only to survive, but to thrive …

Gaslighting

by Ina Spellings 21/02/2022No Comments

Gaslighting is a form of emotional abuse that makes the victim question/doubt their own beliefs and perception of reality. Britannica defines it as ” an elaborate and insidious technique of deception and psychological manipulation, usually practiced by a single deceiver, or “gaslighter,” on a single victim over an extended period”. In time, the victim is unsure of …