Welcome to a space dedicated to some of the most complex work in relational healing. Whether you’re recovering after emotional abuse, wondering whether you might have narcissistic traits, or mapping the impact of your attachment style, you deserve therapy that’s as dynamic as you are and that keeps pace with what we now know about psychological well-being. Our understanding of the mind grows more sophisticated every year, and with this expansion, the science of trauma and attachment evolves as well. This practice evolves right alongside it, bringing you care that’s relevant, research-driven, and designed for transformation. Specializing in narcissism, narcissistic abuse recovery, and attachment trauma, we help clients break trauma bonds, make sense of their relational wiring, and move toward secure, fulfilling connections. Our relational approach integrates parts work and somatic & attachment-focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR into both narcissistic abuse recovery and therapy for narcissistic tendencies. Our focus always remains on creating a therapeutic experience that feels safe, effective, and profoundly holistic. You're not too much. You're just ready for more. We're glad you're here.
Chicago’s Leading Specialists Offering Expert, Trauma-Informed Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse & Narcissism
Therapy After Narcissistic Abuse is Essential.
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You are in the right place.
A Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician (NATC) can help you navigate through and recover from any pain, chaos, & confusion so that you can reconnect with the most authentic version of yourself. Treatment protocol, EMDR protocols & neuropsychological tools for survivors of narcissistic abuse differ from those used for an anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or PTSD.
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Survivors, who typically already feel lost & misunderstood, deserve carefully curated care that aligns with their reality. Whether clients would like to use the word “abuse” is up to them. Regardless of what you call it, recovery during & after these painful experiences with antagonistic individuals can feel unbearable– but you are not alone.​
You should never have had to be so strong & you should never have had to carry this heavy pain all on your own.​
You're not imagining it.
You're not being "too sensitive".
"To deepen my work, I’ve completed specialized certification & trainings taught by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a trusted & renowned authority on narcissism & narcissistic abuse."
FOUNDER, ERIKA KOCH-WESER
WHAT IS NARCISSISTIC ABUSE
Narcissistic abuse is a distinct form of psychological manipulation marked by exploitation, control, and coercion. In short, it's a neurochemical con job.
​​​This form of antagonistic relational stress involves tactics such as gaslighting, lying, devaluation, blame-shifting, and other forms of coercive control, which erode the victim's sense of self and reality. The power imbalance in these relationships allows the abuser to manipulate for personal gain, creating cycles of dependency & confusion. Over time, victims often develop symptoms resembling (but not identical to) post-traumatic stress, including severe self-doubt, emotional dysregulation, and trust/identity issues. The abuse often follows a pattern of idealization, devaluation, & discard, and may include sexual or financial exploitation, as well as many double standards. Narcissistic individuals often use charm, dominance, and a lack of empathy to trap & invalidate their victims. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for addressing narcissistic abuse.
We get it. Finding the right therapy and the right therapist can feel overwhelming. We've all experienced a season of life when the search for support became so overwhelming that we just slammed that laptop shut. Sometimes, giving up on the process seems easier than starting over again with another provider. When it comes to finding care for narcissism or narcissistic abuse, the search is even more difficult. Many therapists have limited training in this specialized area, which can leave one feeling misunderstood, isolated, and unsupported. Because these dynamics and challenges can be exceptionally complex, it’s important to work with someone who specializes in narcissism. Narcissistic abuse treatment clinicians understand the unique nature of narcissism. We see the subtle patterns and can educate you along the way, always aiming to help you cut through any lingering confusion so you can focus on regulation.
NARCISSISTIC ABUSE CAN MANIFEST IN VARIOUS CONTEXTS.
Anyone can be affected...
In romantic partnerships, it may involve cycles of intense love-bombing followed by devaluation, further manipulation, coercive control, and discard.
Within families, a narcissistic parent or sibling might enforce rigid expectations, invalidate emotions, or use favoritism and scapegoating to dominate others.
In the workplace, a narcissistic boss or colleague may exploit power dynamics, taking credit for others’ work, belittling employees, or fostering a toxic environment.
Even friendships can involve narcissistic abuse, where one person monopolizes attention, dismisses boundaries, or leverages guilt to maintain control.
OUR VIRTUAL SERVICES
Start Here!
Treatment Types Specifically Designed withYou in Mind.
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Longer Sessions
Are Available
MINUTES PER SESSION
50+
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With intention, Erika only serves a limited number of clients per day.
CLIENTS PER DAY
1 of 4
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We will work towards
your goals at
a realistic pace.
RUSH OR JUDGMENT
0
Person-Centered
Care
An Integrative Approach With EMDR
ADJUSTED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
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TWO LIGHTS THERAPY CENTER | CHICAGO, IL
What therapy works best for narcissistic abuse recovery?
While every client is different, therapy that’s trauma-informed and relational (like specialized narcissistic abuse therapy) helps survivors process after antagonistic relational stress and trauma. Bottom-up processing modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and parts work can be integrated into more traditional talk therapies to help clients rebuild self-trust, break trauma bonds, and regulate their nervous systems.
What is a narcissistic abuse treatment clinician (NATC)?
Being an NATC means I’ve completed advanced training with Dr. Ramani and PESI in recognizing, treating, and supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse. It’s a specialized credential focused entirely on this form of trauma.
How long does narcissistic abuse recovery therapy take?
I'm very transparent about the fact that recovery from narcissistic abuse typically isn’t quick, but therapy provides a safe, structured path toward happiness and healthier relationships. Clients should remain open to the reality that therapy will likely take 6+ months.
What kind of therapy helps with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD)?
While many believe individuals with narcissistic tendencies don't respond well to therapy, I don't agree that this is always the case. Therapy for narcissistic personality disorder is most effective when it focuses on the corrective therapeutic relationship, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Integrating approaches like DBT and somatic & attachment-focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR can help people with NPD process trauma, recognize patterns, improve empathy, and build healthier connections.
"QUICK FIXES" ARE A BANDAID ON A BULLET WOUND
This process isn’t about forcing change—it’s about creating the conditions for it.
Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of your experiences, and start shifting patterns that no longer serve you. Initially, my focus is on building a strong, therapeutic relationship.
My approach is warm and conversational while integrating the latest research on interpersonal neurobiology, relational psychology, attachment theory, personality development, and nervous system regulation. By untangling the deeper dynamics at play, you can (in time) move forward in a way that feels more connected, empowered, grounded, and authentic.
STABILIZATION
CYCLE-BREAKING
INDIVIDUATION
Regulate and balance by restoring safety to the body & nervous system.
Identify and disrupt unhealthy neurochemical & relational patterns.
Reclaim identity, autonomy & authenticity while strengthening self-trust, and building a life aligned with your needs and values.
NON-JUDGMENTAL TREATMENT FOR NARCISSISTIC TENDENCIES IS AVAILABLE IN CHICAGO
Healthier Relationships Are Within Reach
If you’re concerned that you might be a narcissist, know that this fear isn’t uncommon. Many secretly wonder, “Am I a narcissist?” without recognizing that this self-awareness is already a powerful step towards growth. As a Chicago therapist specializing in narcissistic personalities, I help individuals explore patterns with curiosity and compassion, never judgment. In my work, I help clients examine their defenses and adaptations without forcing change or demanding immediate action. We can explore and process the traumas that left you feeling alone and work towards building better connections with those around you at a realistic pace. My main goal is just to get to know you and form a corrective, therapeutic relationship. Typically, progress happens naturally from there. I believe strongly in my relational approach.
LET'S PRACTICE HOLDING BOTH.
At Two Lights Therapy Center, we condemn both the demonization of Cluster B personality disorders, as well as any & all kinds of abuse. We can hold both.
Embracing nuance & humility will always lead us closer to deeper understanding. There is no excuse for abuse. There is also no need to dehumanize people in order to hold them accountable. All are welcome here.
LET'S GET STARTED
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
The research consistently points to the effects of narcissistic abuse being unique phenomena when compared to c-PTSD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, adjustment disorders etc. This matters because it needs to be treated differently to avoid causing further harm.
A MESSAGE FROM ERIKA
Just A Reminder That...
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You Are Not Imagining Things.
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Just because the term “narcissistic abuse” is being thrown around & watered-down these days doesn’t mean you aren’t really experiencing it. The world is talking & awakening to the destruction it can cause.
Don’t let the static drown out your distress call.
You deserve to be heard.
You deserve to be safe.
ENDORSEMENT
"Erika is my top referral for clients seeking to heal from the effects of narcissism."
"She possesses deep knowledge, empathy, and dedication to her clients wellness. Her approach meets clients where they are and provides tools for meaningful change."
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- Sophia Turner, LMFT
(Relationship & Sex Therapist)
