Description
Those who have had a narcissistic parent can testify to how damaging it can be to one’s psyche. Narcissistic parents lack empathy, show a severe sense of entitlement to micromanage the lives of their children and often subject their children to neglect, as well as emotional, psychological and physical abuse. From the unique challenges daughters of narcissistic fathers face to the ways in which adverse childhood experiences affect our brains, Shahida Arabi’s insightful essays resonate deeply with those who have been raised by narcissistic parents. In this new essay collection, Arabi explores how narcissistic abuse in childhood can set us up for trauma repetition in adulthood, affecting how we navigate relationships, the self, and the world. She pinpoints the toxic traits and behaviors of narcissistic mothers and fathers, exposing how covert abuse insidiously plays out in these specific dynamics. She offers the essential tools, skill sets and healing modalities for survivors who have undergone a lifetime’s worth of abuse, helping them to break the cycle once and for all for future generations.
Love this book has helped me a lot
I am writing this review as a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and Licensed Mental Health Professional who works with survivors of parental narcissistic abuse. I have read many books on the topic of adult survivors of parental narcissistic abuse and this book is one of the most well written and comprehensive publications you will find. As a Ph.D., I am particular with my choice of books on the topic and this one provides a very clear and accurate understanding and etiology of this very misunderstood dynamic/personality disorder as well as providing an abundant amount of research and evidence based recommendations for coping and healing. The author presents the information in a way that allows the reader to first develop a deep understanding of the complex and toxic dynamic, followed by very helpful tips for healing and resolution. There are quite a few books out there on healing from the toxic abuse of a narcissistic parent that are written by lay people with no background, training, or scientific knowledge of the disorder, but this book is a professional and well written resource for anyone looking to heal!
This is the only book to ever explain my childhood (in the 60’s) perfectly. I’ve spent decades trying to understand and stop doing things that are hurtful, because I didn’t understand where those things came from. The pain and trauma are lifelong and it’s only in the past decade that there has been research and help is finally available. This author gives the tools to set us free from the pain and turmoil that were experienced long before we had a vocabulary to explain what happened to us.
This is a must read for adult children of abusive parents of any description.
I got so much information out of this book as to how I was operating in my adult life as a result of the abuse I suffered at the hands of my parents and former friends. I found out the why behind why I think certain ways and act certain ways. OMG, a must read for survivors.
You would think the written was your confidante or invisible monitor, as if she was their noting your experiences and how you felt. You’ll know someone else understand you.