Intimate Partner Abuse & Violence

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) affects people from every background and relationship type. It includes far more than physical harm. It can involve emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, or digital abuse. “Intimate partner” refers to anyone you’ve been romantically connected to, whether current or past. IPV can occur as a single traumatic incident or as a pattern of ongoing control and harm that lasts for years.

One of the most common issues we see in our office involves financial abuse, coercive control, and child-custody challenges, especially in relationships where there is a clear imbalance of power. These dynamics can leave you feeling trapped, confused, isolated, or fearful about what comes next.

Abusive relationships often involve complicated psychological patterns. Many clients come to us wondering whether their partner is “narcissistic,” manipulative, or emotionally abusive. While the internet uses the term “narcissist” loosely, a true diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder can only be made by a qualified professional—and many abusive relationships involve traits from multiple personality patterns, trauma histories, or mental health concerns.

Your experience matters, and you don’t have to untangle it alone.

Narcissistic Abuse & Betrayal Trauma

Narcissistic abuse and betrayal trauma occur when someone you deeply trust violates your emotional, psychological, or physical safety. This may include:

• Chronic lying or deception

• Infidelity or hidden double lives

• Manipulation and gaslighting

• Emotional withholding

• Intimidation or blame-shifting

• Extreme mood swings or volatility

• Exploitation of your empathy or resources

These experiences can leave you feeling disoriented, ashamed, or questioning your own reality. Betrayal trauma often results in symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, difficulty making decisions, and a deep fear of abandonment or instability. You may feel torn between wanting to leave and feeling unable to, especially if children, finances, or threats are involved. This is not a failure on your part—it's a trauma response rooted in survival.

How We Support You

Our therapists specialize in IPV, narcissistic abusive relationships, and betrayal trauma. We help you:

• Understand the dynamics of coercive control

• Identify patterns of emotional and psychological abuse

• Rebuild your sense of safety, worth, and identity

• Learn strategies to protect yourself and your children

• Navigate the complexities of separation, divorce, or custody

• Heal the trauma responses that keep you stuck

• Understand possible personality disorders or mental health patterns in your partner

• Develop a plan for safety, clarity, and next steps

You do not have to stay lost, scared, or confused. We are here to guide you with compassion without judgment.

You are not alone. Support is available.

If you suspect you’re in an unhealthy, abusive, or narcissistically abusive relationship, or if you’re struggling with the aftermath of betrayal, we can help you understand what’s really happening. We work with clients in the Lake Norman and Charlotte, NC areas to reclaim their voice, power, and future. Please contact us to schedule an appointment. Your safety, healing, and freedom matter.