Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW · Telehealth throughout New Jersey
Therapy for adults leaving narcissistic abuse
Specialized care for the aftermath of high-control relationships and complex trauma. Telehealth throughout New Jersey.
You can describe what happened. You still brace when the phone lights up, reread old messages, and lose hours replaying a conversation that is already over. Insight helped you name the pattern. Your body may not have gotten the message yet.
I work with adults recovering from a narcissistic partner, a high-control parent, or a high-conflict coparent — especially when court, finances, or children are part of the picture.
Private pay is $250 per session, due at the time of service. Many PPO plans reimburse part of out-of-network care; we can look at that on the consult.
This practice is specialized trauma work, not general counseling. If what you need is a low-copay therapist for a broad range of concerns, I will say so quickly so you are not left guessing.
You are probably here because
You have left, or you are leaving, and you still feel pulled back in. Gaslighting, trauma bonding, and hypervigilance often continue after the relationship ends.
Your body is still on alert. Flashbacks, panic, sleeplessness, and the urge to check their social media can take over a day.
You already understand the cycle. Understanding alone has not been enough to stop the over-explaining, the going back, or the crash after a hostile email.
There may be a lawyer, a custody schedule, or a family tie you cannot fully cut. You need steadiness you can use in real time, not only insight.
What we do in session
This is focused trauma work, not open-ended supportive counseling. Sessions draw on four tools chosen for this kind of injury:
EMDR
Reprocess the moments that still take over: the blowup, the silent treatment, the court hallway, the voice that says it was your fault.
Clinical hypnosis
Strengthen a calmer response under the beliefs the abuse installed (“I am too much,” “I caused this,” “I cannot trust myself”).
IFS / parts work
Work gently with the part that fawns, the inner critic, and the part that still hopes they will become the person from the beginning.
Somatic work
Help your nervous system settle enough to send the email, sit through the meeting, or put the phone down.
Who I treat
Adults in New Jersey recovering from narcissistic abuse and high-control dynamics in a romantic relationship, a family system, or a high-conflict coparenting situation. Complex trauma (C-PTSD) after prolonged emotional abuse. People-pleasing, collapsed boundaries, and self-doubt that grew in that environment.
Who this practice is not designed for
I do not offer general treatment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, children, or teens. If what you need is a weekly therapist for a broad range of concerns, I will say so on the consult and will not book you into the wrong fit. If the central problem is the relationship that rewired you, and you want focused work, you are in the right place.
Fees and payment
- 50-minute session: $250, due at the time of service.
- Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Oscar Health: we can review at consult whether a given appointment can be billed in-network. Many clients still choose private pay for privacy, especially during divorce.
- Horizon and other PPO plans: out-of-network. I use Thrizer so claims can be submitted for you. Reimbursement depends on your deductible and plan, so I do not quote a set percentage.
- I do not accept Medicaid, Medicare, or NJ FamilyCare.
- A Good Faith Estimate is provided for self-pay services as required.
About this practice
I am Barbara Duchnowski, LCSW. Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, EMDR therapist, and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist. I see clients by telehealth throughout New Jersey.