Part 2 of a 3-Part Series
The behaviors of survivors of narcissistic abuse often reflect the coping mechanisms they adopted to survive in a toxic environment. These patterns, while once protective, can become barriers to authentic living in recovery. Let’s examine some common behaviors and explore ways to reclaim personal power.
People-Pleasing and Overcompensating
To appease the narcissist and avoid conflict, survivors often develop people-pleasing behaviors, putting others’ needs above their own. Suppressing desires and emotions to keep the peace becomes second nature. Recovery involves recognizing this pattern and learning to prioritize self-care and assert personal needs without guilt.
Avoidance of Conflict
Survivors often become conflict-avoidant, even in healthy relationships, as a result of years of dodging potential backlash from a narcissist. Part of healing is learning how to engage in constructive conflict and address difficult issues without fear of rejection or devaluation.
Struggling with Boundaries
In narcissistic systems, boundaries are blurred or outright ignored. Survivors may struggle to define their own needs or limits, finding it difficult to say “no” or advocate for themselves. Rebuilding the ability to set and enforce healthy boundaries is essential for creating emotional safety and reclaiming agency.
Overcompensating for Self-Worth
Many survivors develop perfectionistic or attention-seeking behaviors as a way to prove their value. These patterns stem from a need for external validation after having their worth undermined. True healing lies in internalizing self-worth and learning to see oneself as inherently valuable, independent of external feedback.
Breaking free from these behavioral patterns can feel liberating, but true healing often extends into how we build relationships with others. In the final part of this series, we’ll dive into relational healing, from rebuilding trust to creating healthy, fulfilling connections that support your growth.
Your behaviors don’t define you, and they can evolve. If you’re ready to start releasing old patterns and stepping into a healthier way of living, explore therapy or workshops tailored to your journey.
About Vanessa Zakeya Bryant, MS, LPC-Associate
Vanessa is a Relational Empowerment Therapist and the founder of Power Path Counseling. She provides couples and individual therapy across Texas, guiding clients toward deeper connection and authentic self-discovery. With a passion for the transformative power of aligned action from the heart, Vanessa integrates tools like Neuro-Somatic Integration, EMDR, and Health & Wellness Coaching to help clients overcome communication barriers, heal emotional wounds, and reclaim personal power.
Beyond the therapy room, Vanessa embraces the vibrant natural rhythm of Austin’s Hill Country. Whether soaking in fresh spring waters, crafting a delicious mess in the kitchen, or adventuring with her spirited pups, she’s constantly seeking moments of connection and vitality. A lover of hot yoga and an enthusiastic pickleball player, she is also drawn to exploring the intersections of regenerative agriculture and the growth within human relationships.
Ready to begin your journey?
Click here to schedule a consultation and discover how meaningful, lasting change can start today.
