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Last summer, I initiated a support group made up of individuals who have experienced relationships with narcissists, sociopaths, psychopaths, or a combination of these. The motivation behind starting this group was clear: there’s a growing prevalence of emotionally detached individuals who wreak havoc on the lives of their partners. My practice alone had enough clients to warrant forming this group, and since then, I’ve found many others facing similar challenges.
“No one heals in isolation”
Another driving factor was my belief in the effectiveness of support groups. I came across a compelling quote during a workshop: “No one heals in isolation.” This idea aligns with neuroscience research on the development of mirror neurons. These neurons are formed through our early interactions with caregivers. When caregivers are in tune with us, these neurons reflect that connection, fostering feelings of love and attachment. This emotional attunement fosters a sense of safety, belonging, and even moral grounding through shared emotional experiences.
Healing through understanding
As we grow older, we can still cultivate our mirror neurons by experiencing attunement from others. This has been shown to significantly aid emotional healing. We all recognize how beneficial it is to process emotions with someone who truly understands us. This is particularly true when surrounded by individuals who have shared similar experiences, especially regarding relationships with sociopaths. Few people can truly comprehend the trauma and post-traumatic stress that often accompany these relationships.
Relief in shared experiences
Participants in our group often express immense relief simply from being in a room filled with others who understand. They share their current or past challenges, receiving empathy and insights based on others’ experiences. Together, we address PTSD issues, complications surrounding separation or divorce, concerns about children, the struggle of maintaining no contact, and the spectrum of fears and victories. Emotional support is critical, and I hope to introduce additional meetings focused on various healing techniques to enhance our recovery journey.
Join the support group
If you are located in the Central/Northern New Jersey area, I encourage you to reach out about joining our group. You can also find us on Meetup.com by searching for “Relationships with Narcissists, Sociopaths & Psychopaths” (be sure to adjust the search radius to include your location). Meetup will provide regular updates and notifications regarding our group.
For those interested, I also host live online support sessions. You can learn more and sign up on our website: www.destructiverelationshipshelp.com. Whether you are currently navigating a challenging relationship or have moved on years ago, you are welcome to join us for support!
Important Links for Further Understanding:
To learn more about sociopathy and narcissism in relationships, you can visit Psychopaths and Love. Additionally, explore Out of the Fog for insights on the subject. For a detailed understanding of antisocial personality disorder, this APA Dictionary is an excellent resource.
Lastly, be cautious of individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, who have been known to manipulate others emotionally and financially. For more on her background, you can visit her Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.