RESOURCES
If watching this film, or even just learning about it, stirred something in you, a memory, a recognition, a question you've been afraid to ask, we want you to know that what you felt matters. Narcissistic abuse, coercive control, domestic violence, and manipulation by high-control groups are real. The damage they do is real. And the path out of them, while not always easy, is real too.
This page is for anyone who is just beginning to recognize what they've been through, actively trying to leave a situation, or deep in the work of healing and looking for more support. We've gathered crisis resources, legal help, therapy options, support groups, books, and educational tools, all in one place, organized so you can find what you need at every stage of the journey.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
For everyone else, take your time. Look around. Reach out. The resources here were built by people who understand what you've been through, and many of them were created by survivors themselves.
Healing is not linear. But it is possible. Others have walked this path before you, and there are people with the resources, the knowledge, and the lived experience to help guide the way.
Note: This list will continue evolving over time, and not every one of these resources has been vetted by us.
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER
Call 911.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, free, confidential). Text START to 88788. thehotline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (24/7, free, confidential). rainn.org
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. veteranscrisisline.net
ADDITIONAL CRISIS HOTLINES
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-311-9474. loveisrespect.org
StrongHearts Native Helpline (for Native Americans and Alaska Natives): 1-844-762-8483. strongheartshelpline.org
The Deaf Hotline: Video phone 855-812-1001. thedeafhotline.org
ManKind Initiative (male victims of domestic abuse, UK): 01823 334244. mankind.org.uk
Samaritans (UK and Ireland): 116 123. samaritans.org
NARCISSIST'S PLAYBOOK AMBASSADORS
These are practitioners and coaches who've partnered with Narcissist's Playbook to support survivors. Reach out directly to learn more about working with them.
Kimberly Weeks, CTCP-S, CNAP-S, CTCA-S — Virtual, worldwide (based in Atlanta, GA). Specializes in marital and intimate partner abuse, divorce, coercive control, and spiritual abuse. Co-founder of the Global Trauma Institute, dedicated to trauma-informed education through a decolonized, culturally responsive approach. kimberlyweeks.com — hello@kimberlyweeks.com
Ana Lorena Sanchez — San Antonio, TX, worldwide (virtual). Specializes in online and in-person Grief Recovery Method support. paperbell.me/ana-lorena-sanchez — analorenasm@gmail.com
Noelani Pearl Hernandez — California, worldwide. Specializes in trauma-informed leadership, narcissistic abuse recovery, and nonprofit executive leadership. beyondmommydearest.com — noelanipearlhernandez@gmail.com
Carissa Brockman — Courtenay, BC, Canada, worldwide. Clinical counsellor, somatic therapist, and narcissistic abuse recovery coach helping survivors rewire for the healthy love they deserve. carissabrockman.com — carissabrockmancoaching@gmail.com
Elizabeth Shaw — United Kingdom, worldwide. Specializes in helping survivors of narcissistic and emotional abuse understand manipulation, heal emotional wounds, break trauma bonds, rebuild self-worth, and create healthier, empowered lives. linktr.ee/elizabethshaw — elizabeth-shaw1@sky.com
Nina Batista — Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, worldwide. Offers therapy in FL, IL, and MA (insurance accepted); private-pay coaching sessions available outside those states. narcissismwithnina.com
Stacey Uhrig — New Jersey, worldwide (virtual). Specializes in mindset, nervous system regulation, anxiety, narcissistic abuse, and trauma-informed care. flipyourmindset.com — stacey@staceyuhrig.com
Chantal Contorines — Canada, worldwide (virtual). Specializes in coercive control, co-parenting, and divorce recovery. chantalcontorinescoaching.com — chantal@chantalcontorines.com
Samantha Bachota — Worldwide (virtual). Specializes in narcissistic abuse recovery, somatic trauma-informed coaching, coercive control, nervous system healing, and complex trauma (C-PTSD). informed-healing.com — theinformedhealingmethod@gmail.com
Alex Mack — Worldwide (virtual). Specializes in legal strategy coaching, helping abuse survivors win against narcissists in court and reclaim their power. exodusstrategyconsultants.com — alex@exodusstrategyconsultants.com
Dr. Mishel Rych — Worldwide, Gulf Coast (licensed in IL and AL). Specializes in recovery and healing after narcissistic abuse. doctormishel.com — mishelrych@doctormishel.com(also listed under Finding a Therapist)
AM I IN AN ABUSIVE SITUATION? START HERE
If you are just beginning to recognize that something may be wrong in your relationship, organization, or environment, these resources can help you understand what you are experiencing.
National Domestic Violence Hotline — Safety planning, recognizing abuse, and next steps. thehotline.org
WomensLaw.org — Plain language legal information for survivors of abuse, including state-specific guides and an email hotline for legal questions. womenslaw.org
Narcissistic Abuse Rehab — Carefully curated resources for people beginning to recognize narcissistic abuse patterns. narcissisticabuserehab.com
Out of the Storm — Resources specifically for people beginning to understand complex trauma and CPTSD. outofthestorm.website
ICSA / International Cultic Studies Association — For those questioning whether they are or were in a high-control group or cult. A thorough checklist, leaving guides, and survivor stories. internationalculticstudies.org
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
National Domestic Violence Hotline — Crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local resources in all 50 states. Available 24/7. thehotline.org
YWCA USA — Largest provider of domestic violence shelter and services in the country, with programs in over 900 communities. ywca.org
National Network to End Domestic Violence — Advocacy, resources, and state coalition links. nnedv.org
VAWA / Office on Violence Against Women, US Department of Justice — Federal resources on domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. justice.gov/ovw
National Center for Victims of Crime — 1-800-394-3255. Advocacy, training, and information for crime victims. victimsofcrime.org
RAINN — Nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Operates hotline and local service provider network. rainn.org
Domestic Shelters — Searchable database of local shelters and services across the US and Canada. domesticshelters.org
Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence — 24/7 hotline: 408-279-2962. nextdoor.org
NARCISSISTIC ABUSE
Narcissistic Abuse Survivors — Peer support and recovery resources. narcissisticabusesurvivors.org
Narcissistic Abuse Rehab — Curated resources including hotlines, support groups, and vetted service providers. narcissisticabuserehab.com
Dr. Ramani Durvasula — Courses & Healing Programs — In addition to her free YouTube content, Dr. Ramani offers The Healing Program, a structured self-paced course and community for people in or recovering from narcissistic relationships, and the Dr. Ramani Network, a membership library of expert-led content on relationship red flags and recovery. doctor-ramani.com
TELL — Therapy Exploitation Link Line — Volunteer-run peer support network, by and for survivors of sexual or emotional exploitation by psychotherapists and other healthcare providers. Not a crisis line or a therapy referral service — TELL responds to email inquiries (usually within 24–72 hours) with resources, perspective from people who've been through it, and help weighing options for reporting, legal action, or finding a new treating provider. Free, no membership, not a charity. therapyabuse.org — info@therapyabuse.org
FINDING A THERAPIST
If you're looking for a name, not just a directory, these clinicians work specifically with narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and complex trauma. Contact each directly to confirm they're taking new clients and whether they're licensed in your state.
Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, PsyD — Ardmore, PA. Licensed clinical psychologist and national expert in narcissistic abuse, owner of The Z Group, author and active media contributor, hosts the podcast Next Up: Narcissism. drjaimezuckerman.com — (610) 890-6250 — info@drjaimezuckerman.com
Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle, PhD — Licensed in TX, IL, and Washington DC (Doyle Practice, offices in Chicago and DC). Psychologist specializing in complex PTSD, dissociation, and survivors of cults and coercive control. Board president of SEEK Safely. Practices exclusively via telehealth. Contact via his Psychology Today profile or through seeksafely.org.
Dr. Christine Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW — Woodbury/Bethlehem, CT. Coercive control and narcissistic abuse expert, founder of the Coercive Control Consulting Institute, co-author of FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld, developer of The Protective Parenting Program. coercivecontrolconsulting.com — (959) 214-2382 — admin@drcocchiola.com
Dr. Ingrid Clayton, PhD — Los Angeles, CA. Licensed clinical psychologist with 17+ years in private practice, author of Fawning and Believing Me: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and Complex Trauma, work featured in Oprah Daily, The New York Times, and NPR. ingridclayton.com (contact form)
Vanessa M. Reiser, LCSW — Licensed in NY, NJ, MA, and FL. Specializes in narcissistic abuse and cult abuse, author of Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist's Guide, founder of the private teletherapy practice Tell A Therapist (unrelated to TELL — Therapy Exploitation Link Line, listed under Narcissistic Abuse above). tellatherapist.net — (732) 307-9559 — vanessa@tellatherapist.net
Dr. Nadine Macaluso, LMFT, PhD — Manhattan Beach, CA. Licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in trauma bonds, narcissistic abuse, and complex PTSD, trained in NARM, author of Run Like Hell. drnae.com — (310) 612-1113
Dr. Sherrie Campbell, PhD — Yorba Linda, CA. Licensed psychologist specializing in family estrangement and boundary setting with toxic people, author of Adult Survivors of Toxic Family Members, TEDx speaker. drsherriecampbell.com — (714) 248-5913
Wendy Behary, LCSW — Springfield, NJ. Founder and director of The Cognitive Therapy Center of NJ and the Schema Therapy Institutes, author of Disarming the Narcissist, over 30 years training clinicians on treating narcissism directly. disarmingthenarcissist.com — (973) 671-8047
Dr. Kerry Kerr McAvoy, PhD — Retired psychologist and narcissistic abuse survivor with 25 years of clinical experience, author of Love You More, hosts the podcast Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse. Best used as an educational/author resource — she's retired from active clinical practice, so confirm fit before referring someone here for live therapy. kerrymcavoyphd.com — hello@kerrymcavoyphd.com
Daniel Shaw, LCSW — New York City and Nyack, NY. Psychoanalyst in private practice, author of Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation and Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery, faculty and clinical supervisor at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. Cult survivor himself and winner of the Margaret Thaler Singer Award for his work on coercive persuasion. danielshawlcsw.com (contact form)
Dr. Karyl McBride, PhD, LMFT — Denver, CO. Licensed marriage and family therapist with over 40 years in practice, creator of the 5 Step Recovery Model, author of Will I Ever Be Good Enough?, Will I Ever Be Free of You?, and Will the Drama Ever End?. karylmcbridephd.com — (303) 420-9565 — karyl@drmcbride.com
Mishel Rych, PhD, LCSW, M.Ed — Mobile, AL. Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University, focuses on narcissistic abuse recovery and toxic relationships, also trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) group therapy. doctormishel.com — contact via her Psychology Today profile (phone not publicly listed)
Psychology Today Therapist Finder — Filter by specialty including narcissistic abuse, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, and somatic therapy. psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
EMDR International Association — Find a certified EMDR therapist. One of the most well-researched treatments for trauma and PTSD. emdria.org
Somatic Experiencing International — Find a Somatic Experiencing practitioner near you. Body-based trauma healing developed by Dr. Peter Levine. traumahealing.org
Therapy Den — Inclusive therapist directory searchable by specialty, identity, and location. therapyden.com
The Embody Lab Therapist Directory — Somatic and trauma-informed practitioners. theembodylab.com
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation — Find a Therapist locator for trauma and dissociation specialists. isst-d.org
CULT AND HIGH-CONTROL GROUP SURVIVORS
International Cultic Studies Association / ICSA — The leading research and support organization for cult survivors, families, and professionals. Referrals, support groups, and an extensive resource library. internationalculticstudies.org
People Leave Cults — Support groups, recovery resources, and professional guidance for cult survivors. Online support groups run by experienced facilitators. peopleleavecults.com
Cult Recovery 101 — Directory of cult recovery organizations worldwide. cultrecovery101.com
Wellspring Retreat — Residential counseling for cult survivors based in Ohio. wellspringretreat.org
SAFE Portland — Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education. Support groups for spiritual abuse survivors. safeportland.org
reFOCUS — Secular nonprofit providing support and referrals for individuals recovering from destructive cults and high-demand groups. refocus.org
SEEK Safely — 501(c)(3) nonprofit protecting consumers and promoting accountability in the self-help industry through education, advocacy, and legislation. Founded in memory of Kirby Brown. Offers safety guidelines, a red-flags/green-flags resource list, legislative advocacy, and a podcast featuring cult experts and therapists. Board president Dr. Glenn Patrick Doyle (see Finding a Therapist above). seeksafely.org
COMPLEX PTSD
CPTSD Foundation — The leading nonprofit dedicated entirely to complex trauma. Daily virtual support groups, peer support, trauma-informed yoga, creative healing groups, and an extensive resource library. cptsdfoundation.org
Out of the Storm — Community forums, information sheets, therapist-finding resources, book recommendations, and provider education forms specifically for CPTSD survivors. outofthestorm.website
Beauty After Bruises — Information, resources, and financial assistance to connect people with CPTSD treatment and support. beautyafterbruises.org
Complex Trauma Resources — Curated collection of books, videos, and articles for survivors, caregivers, and professionals. complextrauma.org
Healing and CPTSD Community — Private survivor-led online space for connection, support circles, and resources. healingandcptsd.com
International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation — Fact sheets, webinars, and a Find a Therapist locator for trauma and dissociation specialists. isst-d.org
Adult Survivors of Child Abuse / ASCA — Support program for adult survivors of childhood physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect. Free meetings and a Survivor to Thriver manual. ascasupport.org
TRAUMA AND PTSD — GENERAL
National Center for PTSD — Comprehensive resource on PTSD research, treatment, and self-help tools including the free PTSD Coach app for iOS and Android. ptsd.va.gov
NAMI / National Alliance on Mental Illness — Mental health resources, support groups, and helpline: 1-800-950-6264. nami.org
Sidran Institute — Nonprofit focused on traumatic stress education, advocacy, and a helpline and referral service for trauma survivors. sidran.org
Mental Health America — Resources, screening tools, and a local affiliate finder. mhanational.org
MORAL INJURY
Moral Compass Federation / Moral Injury Network — Advocacy, research, and resources for those experiencing moral injury, including a self-assessment survey and personalized resource finder. moralcompassfederation.org
National Center for PTSD — Moral Injury — Detailed clinical information on moral injury, how it differs from PTSD, and treatment options. ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/moral_injury.asp
Moral Injury Support Network for Servicewomen — Support for women veterans and servicewomen, though resources apply broadly to anyone experiencing moral injury from betrayal or ethical violations. misns.org
Volunteers of America / VOA ReST 4 Veterans — Free peer support program for moral injury using trained peers and evidence-based resilience strategies. voa.org
LEGAL RESOURCES
WomensLaw.org — Plain language legal information for survivors. State-specific restraining order guides and a national email hotline for legal questions. womenslaw.org
Legal Services Corporation — Largest funder of free civil legal aid in the US. Funds 132 local programs nationwide. lsc.gov
American Bar Association Free Legal Answers — Submit legal questions to be answered by volunteer attorneys. abafreelegalanswers.org
Survivor Justice Center — Free legal advocacy for low-income survivors, including restraining orders, family law, and immigration. survivorjusticecenter.org
Battered Women's Justice Project — Extensive legal resources for survivors and their attorneys on all aspects of domestic violence law. bwjp.org
FreeFrom Compensation Compass — Helps survivors determine what financial restitution they may be eligible for based on their state. freefrom.org
National Center for Victims of Crime — Victim rights advocacy and legal referrals. 1-800-394-3255. victimsofcrime.org
AARDVARC — An Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection. Comprehensive legal and support resource directory. aardvarc.org
AFFORDABLE THERAPY OPTIONS
Open Path Collective — Reduced cost therapy sessions between $30 and $80 for those who cannot afford standard rates. openpathcollective.org
BetterHelp — Online therapy platform offering accessible, lower-cost options. betterhelp.com
Talkspace — Online therapy platform with flexible pricing. talkspace.com
Charlie Health — Virtual intensive treatment for trauma and narcissistic abuse recovery. charliehealth.com
SUPPORT GROUPS
ICSA Support Groups — Referrals to support groups for cult and high-control group survivors across the US. internationalculticstudies.org/resources-for-survivors-families-friends
People Leave Cults Support Groups — Online support groups run by experienced facilitators for cult survivors. peopleleavecults.com/services/support-groups
CPTSD Foundation Support Groups — Daily virtual support groups for complex trauma survivors. cptsdfoundation.org
Survivors.org — Online support group registration for domestic violence survivors. survivors.org
SAFE Portland — Support groups for spiritual abuse survivors. safeportland.org
Meetup.com — Search locally for trauma recovery, PTSD, codependency, and narcissistic abuse support groups. meetup.com
Reddit Communities — Active peer communities. Quality varies; approach with discernment. r/NarcissisticAbuse r/raisedbynarcissists r/CPTSD r/MoralInjury
BODY-BASED AND SOMATIC HEALING
Somatic Experiencing International — Body-based approach to releasing trauma stored in the nervous system. Practitioner directory available. traumahealing.org
EMDR International Association — Find a certified EMDR therapist. emdria.org
Body Mind Reset — Somatic Experiencing practice specializing in complex, developmental, sexual, and relational trauma, including recovery from narcissistic abuse and coercive control. Founded by Alex Papaconstantinou, SEP, a Somatic Educator and Bodyworker who works with survivors of relational abuse as well as people working to understand and change their own relational patterns. In person in Toronto and online. bodymindreset.ca
The Embody Lab — Online courses, practitioner training, and a therapist directory for somatic and body-based trauma healing. Features leading voices including Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, Dr. Peter Levine, and Dr. Gabor Maté. theembodylab.com
ESSENTIAL BOOKS
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk — Essential reading on how trauma lives in the body and the range of treatments available. Widely considered the foundational book on trauma recovery.
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker — Written by a licensed therapist who also has CPTSD. Practical recovery tools and deeply validating for survivors of narcissistic and relational abuse.
Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft — Essential reading for anyone trying to understand abusive relationship dynamics and the psychology of abusers.
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay Gibson — For survivors raised by narcissistic or emotionally unavailable parents.
Whole Again by Jackson MacKenzie — Specifically focused on recovering from narcissistic abuse and rebuilding a sense of self.
The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté — Explores how trauma, society, and the body are connected. Accessible and validating for anyone questioning the roots of their pain.
Coping with Cult Involvement: A Handbook for Families and Friends — Published by ICSA. Available at internationalculticstudies.org
PODCASTS AND VIDEO RESOURCES
Dr. Ramani on YouTube — Leading clinical psychologist and expert on narcissistic abuse. Deeply educational and validating. youtube.com/@DoctorRamani
Surviving Narcissism with Dr. Les Carter — Practical, compassionate, and highly regarded in the narcissistic abuse community. survivingnarcissism.tv
Trauma and Narcissism Redefined with Caroline Strawson — Trauma therapist and survivor. Covers gaslighting, trauma bonds, codependency, and CPTSD recovery. carolinestrawson.com
We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle — Broader mental health, resilience, and healing conversations. wecandohardthings.com
Richard Grannon (Spartan Life Coach) — BritishCPTSD coach whose YouTube channel is one of the most-watched destinations for identifying narcissistic, psychopathic, and other "dark personality" abuse patterns. Hosts the Fix CPTSD Podcast, blending psychology and philosophy to help survivors heal from complex trauma and narcissistic relationships. youtube.com/@RichardGrannon — spartanlifecoach.com
Vanessa Reiser, LCSW — Psychotherapist and author of Narcissistic Abuse: A Therapist's Guide, known for combining clinical expertise with lived survivor experience. Hosts the Narcissistic Abuse with Vanessa Reiser podcast and has been featured on Dr. Ramani's Navigating Narcissism, People, The New York Times, and Fox News. In 2021 she ran 285 miles across New York State in a wedding dress to raise narcissistic abuse awareness. youtube.com/@vanessareiserlcsw — tellatherapist.net
Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, PsyD — Licensed clinical psychologist and owner of The Z Group, who hosts the podcast Next Up: Narcissism, tackling hard questions about narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, love bombing, and coercive control with a clinical but accessible tone. drjaimezuckerman.com
Darren F. Magee — Psychotherapist and clinical supervisor who hosts his own podcast covering personality types, narcissism, and relationship dynamics, and is a frequent guest voice on other shows tackling narcissism and cult psychology. youtube.com/c/DarrenFMagee