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Addiction and Recovery

Bridging the gap between toxic partners, addicts and those who love them

Narcissism
The Effects of Narcissistic Supply in a Toxic Relationship

Sherry Gaba LCSW on June 21, 2021

Most couples describe a healthy, loving relationship as one of give and take. But a relationship with a narcissist is often based on one person getting his or her needs satisfied and never returning any of the value to the other. 

Most couples describe a healthy, loving relationship as one of give and take. But a relationship with a narcissist is often based on one person getting his or her needs satisfied and never returning any of the value to the other. 

Relationships
The Difference Between Healthy And Unhealthy Love

Sherry Gaba LCSW on June 14, 2021

In healthy love, each individual maintains a sense of self. She or he may give to the partner but never expect to have to give more than they are comfortable providing.

In healthy love, each individual maintains a sense of self. She or he may give to the partner but never expect to have to give more than they are comfortable providing.

Narcissism
Why Strong Women and Narcissists Attract Each Other

Sherry Gaba LCSW on June 5, 2021

The narcissist uses a sense of self-confidence and assurance to portray an attractive personality to a confident, successful partner. Achieving a conquest is part of what drives narcissistic behavior in relationships.

The narcissist uses a sense of self-confidence and assurance to portray an attractive personality to a confident, successful partner. Achieving a conquest is part of what drives narcissistic behavior in relationships.

Narcissism
Recognizing a Passive-Aggressive Narcissist

Sherry Gaba LCSW on May 31, 2021

A common perception about narcissists is that they are loud, over-the-top, and extremely visible in their sense of grandiosity and their feelings of superiority over others. That's not the case for the covert narcissist.

A common perception about narcissists is that they are loud, over-the-top, and extremely visible in their sense of grandiosity and their feelings of superiority over others. That's not the case for the covert narcissist.

Cognitive Dissonance
Narcissists, Relationships, and Cognitive Dissonance

Sherry Gaba LCSW on May 24, 2021

Cognitive dissonance can occur in a range of different situations—including in relationships. Simply put, cognitive dissonance is having two very different thoughts or beliefs about something.

Cognitive dissonance can occur in a range of different situations—including in relationships. Simply put, cognitive dissonance is having two very different thoughts or beliefs about something.

Relationships
What Is a Toxic Relationship?

Sherry Gaba LCSW on March 12, 2021

Signs of a toxic relationship may take months or even years to evolve. Here are the typical signs to watch out for.

Signs of a toxic relationship may take months or even years to evolve. Here are the typical signs to watch out for.

Relationships
Toxic Positivity: How It Relates to Unhealthy Relationships

Sherry Gaba LCSW on March 1, 2021

Generally, positivity is considered a good thing. However, there are situations where always looking for the positive creates a potentially negative and dangerous scenario.

Generally, positivity is considered a good thing. However, there are situations where always looking for the positive creates a potentially negative and dangerous scenario.

Narcissism
Why Narcissists Attract People-Pleasers

Sherry Gaba LCSW on November 24, 2020

The extreme selfishness and the extreme lack of self in the relationship creates a situation where two parts can find, in each other, a connection they lack with others.

The extreme selfishness and the extreme lack of self in the relationship creates a situation where two parts can find, in each other, a connection they lack with others.