I have been living with what is termed Narcissistic Victim Syndrome, a condition that has plagued me since my narcissistic abuse at the hands of my father, who had been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. For years, I have worked tirelessly on my recovery through therapy, although I have encountered numerous incorrect diagnoses along the way. It wasn’t until I engaged with a psychoanalytic therapist, whom I’ll refer to as Dr. Turner, that I truly faced emotional devastation, propelling me to uncover the truth behind my suffering.
I cannot conclusively label Dr. Turner as a sociopath, psychopath, or narcissist; I lack the qualifications for such a diagnosis, and she concealed much of her true self from me. Perhaps she is merely a typical abuser—still potentially dangerous given her position. However, her use of psychoanalytic techniques without informed consent made her resemble a sociopath. The resulting pain and anguish are profound, exacerbated by the context of our relationship.
My Journey with Dr. Turner
My journey with Dr. Turner began when I was referred to her for insomnia issues. I shared my history and struggles, and she diagnosed me with C-PTSD, which accurately stemmed from earlier narcissistic abuse. Dr. Turner invited me to participate in what she termed psychodynamic psychotherapy, claiming that my “ego strength” was sufficient to withstand this approach. Unbeknownst to me, this practice was considered legitimate and could be billed to government-funded health care services.
Upon arriving for my first session, I was met with an unsettling refusal to answer my questions regarding therapy or my diagnosis. I assumed this silence was part of the psychoanalytic process. Being intelligent and intuitive, I believed I was grasping the underlying messages. However, I soon realized that I was receiving no substantial information, and my anxiety grew as I struggled to address my issues with her.
When I attempted to end our sessions, Dr. Turner’s predatory gaze made me falter. She claimed my fear of termination was symptomatic of my condition and warned me against leaving, asserting that recovery would take a long time. It took me more than a year to regain my senses. By that point, I was physically and emotionally deteriorating, trapped in a web of false promises and manipulation. The answers and healing she dangled before me were never forthcoming, leading to my impending destruction.
A Turning Point
After a particularly chilling encounter, I experienced a breakdown and sought emergency psychiatric help. Thankfully, a psychiatrist advised me against returning to Dr. Turner. Gradually, I began to heal and immersed myself in literature that illuminated the frightening reality of my previous situation. Dr. Turner had employed shock tactics, emotional blackmail, gaslighting, and manipulation, all while maintaining a hypnotic calm.
Despite my assertiveness and strong boundaries, I found myself entrapped in her web, convinced that her actions were for my benefit and that my perceptions were distorted due to my mental health challenges. This realization underscored how many individuals become ensnared by manipulative figures, reminiscent of cult dynamics.
Raising Awareness
I have formally complained about Dr. Turner’s practices and have engaged in significant recovery efforts since. I now recognize the direct correlation between my experiences and various research findings on pathological behavior. I am ardently committed to raising awareness to help prevent others from falling victim to similar situations. Sadly, I have encountered professionals who have attempted to invalidate my experiences. My complaint is detailed and highlights the urgent need for mandatory informed consent procedures in such therapy practices.
Resources for Further Understanding
For those seeking more information about understanding and navigating these complex dynamics, I recommend visiting Out of the Fog, which offers valuable insights. Additionally, you can explore Psychopaths and Love for further understanding of the psychopathic mind and relationships. For an excellent resource on the connections between sociopaths and narcissism in relationships, check out this Business Insider article.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the very critical thinking skills and instincts Dr. Turner attempted to undermine ultimately saved my life.