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Toxic Relationships

How to Free Yourself From Problem Partners 

Narcissism
The One Secret Narcissists Won't Reveal

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on December 12, 2021

Narcissists' entire personality is a contrived facade to hide who they are and their worst, secret fear about themselves. It explains all of their behavior.

Narcissists' entire personality is a contrived facade to hide who they are and their worst, secret fear about themselves. It explains all of their behavior.

Relationships
Understanding a Jekyl and Hyde Personality

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on October 5, 2021

Splitting can cause you to shift from loving to judging or hating someone. It can make you unable to recall a partner’s good or abusive nature and can lead to pain and problems.

Splitting can cause you to shift from loving to judging or hating someone. It can make you unable to recall a partner’s good or abusive nature and can lead to pain and problems.

Trust
How to Rebuild Trust in 7 Steps

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on September 2, 2021

Trust is the cornerstone of an intimate relationship. Once broken, it may be hard to rebuild. Ask for and follow these 7 steps to make your relationship stronger than ever.

Trust is the cornerstone of an intimate relationship. Once broken, it may be hard to rebuild. Ask for and follow these 7 steps to make your relationship stronger than ever.

Narcissism
The Concept of Narcissistic Supply

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on August 7, 2021

Narcissists crave their narcissistic supply to fill insatiable needs for recognition and admiration. Like addicts, for them, it's survival. Don't sacrifice yourself to feed them.

Narcissists crave their narcissistic supply to fill insatiable needs for recognition and admiration. Like addicts, for them, it's survival. Don't sacrifice yourself to feed them.

Jealousy
Dealing with Triangulation, Envy, and Jealousy

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on July 29, 2021

Envy, jealousy, and shame are primal emotions that are inextricably intertwined. They're evidence of individual and relationship problems of intimacy and autonomy that cause pain.

Envy, jealousy, and shame are primal emotions that are inextricably intertwined. They're evidence of individual and relationship problems of intimacy and autonomy that cause pain.

Embarrassment
What to Do When You Get Triggered

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on July 6, 2021

Our triggers or "buttons" are our wounds revealed when we overract to peoples’ feelings, needs, problems, and statements. By taking back our projections we can live in the present.

Our triggers or "buttons" are our wounds revealed when we overract to peoples’ feelings, needs, problems, and statements. By taking back our projections we can live in the present.

Relationships
9 Precursors for Toxic Relationships

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on April 17, 2021

Did your childhood family have any of these 9 patterns? Changing them can improve your love life and the quality of all your relationships.

Did your childhood family have any of these 9 patterns? Changing them can improve your love life and the quality of all your relationships.

Narcissism
Why Narcissists and Abusers Won't Let Go and What You Can Do

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on March 21, 2021

Beware of narcissists and abusers who "hoover" to lure you back into a relationship. They'll bait-and-switch to reassert their power over you. Read these six steps for your own protection.

Beware of narcissists and abusers who "hoover" to lure you back into a relationship. They'll bait-and-switch to reassert their power over you. Read these six steps for your own protection.

Self-Esteem
Tactics Narcissists Use to Gain Power

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on February 3, 2021

Narcissists constantly assess who's on top to manage their self-esteem, image, power, and social rank. Learn their tactics to not be hurt, manipulated, or deceived.

Narcissists constantly assess who's on top to manage their self-esteem, image, power, and social rank. Learn their tactics to not be hurt, manipulated, or deceived.

Relationships
Should You Leave or Should You Stay?

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on January 2, 2021

Do you doubt whether you still love your partner or wonder whether "Is it me?" "Can I do better?" Here are 6 steps that can improve your relationship or help you decide what to do.

Do you doubt whether you still love your partner or wonder whether "Is it me?" "Can I do better?" Here are 6 steps that can improve your relationship or help you decide what to do.

Narcissism
Dating a Narcissist

Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT on December 3, 2020

You may not know you're dating a narcissist. They're often skilled game-players. Be prepared. Learn their tricks and find out what to expect so you're not ensnared by seduction.

You may not know you're dating a narcissist. They're often skilled game-players. Be prepared. Learn their tricks and find out what to expect so you're not ensnared by seduction.