I felt the need to write this article because unfortunately, a number of my clients are in abusive relationships looking for a way out. In the majority of these cases, there is extreme narcissistic behaviour in the person they are with. See this article I wrote in order to assess whether you are with a … [Read more...] about How to tell the difference between a toxic and a healthy relationship
Dealing with Personality Disorders
What is a Narcissist?
It seems we've hit the cooler weather with grey skies that often keeps us hiding indoors wrapped in a blanket by the fireplace. It is during these months that my husband and I turn to playing board games when we cannot enjoy walking outside much or riding our bikes, let alone sunbathing. I often fantasize … [Read more...] about What is a Narcissist?
How to Protect Yourself from Emotional Vampires
What is an Emotional Vampire? This is a topic very near and dear to my heart. And based on how often it comes up in therapy sessions, I thought you might find it useful to have a primer on how to deal with emotional vampires (now referred to as EVs throughout the rest of this article). To test the waters … [Read more...] about How to Protect Yourself from Emotional Vampires
How You Can Stop Being A Victim
If you’ve been reading my writing lately, you’ve probably noticed that narcissism is on my mind- in particular- figuring out how to help people deal with narcissists effectively, as they are the most slippery of snakes to handle. I thought I could help readers more by tackling what I see as the most prominent … [Read more...] about How You Can Stop Being A Victim
How to Deal with Narcissists
Following the US presidential election before the holidays, I did a lot of musing about narcissists. So did many other therapists by the looks of it. I’ve written before on this topic, but I feel it has an altogether heavier meaning now that a full-fledged narcissist is running our neighbouring country. I … [Read more...] about How to Deal with Narcissists
Esther’s Recommended Reading: Dealing with Borderline
One topic that comes up in my practice at least once a week or more is dealing with a loved one who suffers from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). You may have read an earlier article I wrote on borderline mothers and how to cope with them. In my opinion, the best online resource for people in this … [Read more...] about Esther’s Recommended Reading: Dealing with Borderline
Ask Esther…Personality Disorders
Question: How do I explain to my (young adult) children that their grandmother has an extreme Narcissistic Personality Disorder? When they were younger I limited exposure and taught them to just go along, so they still had both my parents in their life. Their grandfather is a gentle, loving man but he will … [Read more...] about Ask Esther…Personality Disorders
Ask Esther…Setting Boundaries
Question: I have a cousin, 4 years older than I am, who lives alone, out of town, and both her parents are deceased. She has physical disabilities, as well as being treated for mental issues, due to her brain problems at birth. I heard from my parents that her mother (my aunt) had problems as well, so they … [Read more...] about Ask Esther…Setting Boundaries