Hi, I’m Brenda Stephens, a therapist, author, and survivor who created Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Center to be the kind of resource I wish I had during my own recovery. After working with hundreds of clients and walking my own path out of narcissistic abuse, I’ve come to believe that healing isn’t about getting over it. It’s about finally coming home to yourself. I specialize in helping people untangle the invisible wounds of narcissistic abuse, rebuild their self worth, and find solid ground again. I’m the author of Recovering from Narcissistic Mothers: A Daughter’s Guide and The Narcissism Recovery Workbook, and I bring that same depth and realness to everything I do, whether it’s therapy, writing, teaching, or connecting through our podcast, Two Queens and a Joker: My Narcissist’s Ex and Me. If you’re here, you’re not alone anymore.

Warmly,
Brenda

My clients tell me they feel “heard”, listened to without being judged, and that I “get them.” My passion is helping people struggling with Narcissistic Abuse recovery, using my specialized training and experience to assist you in surviving the shattering pain and complicated trauma caused by these Toxic relationships. You can recover and get your life back, even if unable to end the relationship with the abusive Narcissist (whether romantic partner, family member, co-parent, employer, etc.)

Narcissistic abuse is an exceptionally destabilizing experience that can leave you feeling alone, anxious, and searching for answers. One of the most helpful steps to recovery is finding others who can support you on your mission to heal. Working with a therapist who specializes in treating this type of abuse and trauma is also incredibly helpful. As a trauma therapist, I have specific training and expertise that includes years of treating narcissistic abuse and relational trauma, and I understand the long-lasting impacts of abuse occurring in childhood, family, and adult relationships. Together, we can reestablish your sense of identity and empowerment through mindful and tested therapy practices specific to your needs and your comfort level. I look forward to being a part of your healing process.

My work with clients recovering from narcissistic abuse is deeply informed not only by clinical training but also by personal experience. Having navigated the complexities of relationships with narcissistic individuals in my own life, I bring a grounded, empathic presence to this work. I understand how gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and identity erosion can leave lasting impacts on the nervous system and sense of self. Allow me to provide a safe and validating space as we navigate together how to rebuild trust, learn about healthy boundaries, and begin the process of healing and reclaiming your autonomy.

Dana has extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, survivors of narcissistic abuse, trauma, ADHD, OCD, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar. She wholeheartedly believes that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is a kind, respectful, and nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. Her knowledgeable, patient, and compassionate approach incorporates humor, strength-based practice, CBT, DBT, talk therapy, mindfulness, ACT, task-oriented therapy, and solution-focused practice.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I specialize in helping individuals heal from the invisible wounds of narcissistic abuse and complex trauma. Whether you’ve experienced emotional manipulation, gaslighting, or long-term patterns of relational harm, I offer a safe, validating space where your story can be heard—and your nervous system can begin to exhale.

My approach is rooted in compassion, empowerment, and education. I work collaboratively with clients to rebuild a strong sense of self, reclaim boundaries, and process the grief and confusion that often follow covert abuse. Using modalities such as parts work, somatic awareness, attachment-focused therapy, and EMDR, I support survivors in making sense of their experiences while reconnecting with their inherent worth.

Recovering from narcissist abuse is a difficult journey. I’m here to provide a safe space for your healing. With empathy and evidence-based practices, including CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care, I create a space for you to feel heard and validated. There is hope to heal from toxic relationships so that you can have the fulfilling, joyful life you deserve; reach out today to get started. 

Life can be stressful and full of challenges. As a therapist, I believe in helping you find solutions to the problems you might be facing to make life more enjoyable. I provide a safe and welcoming place to work collaboratively to achieve your desired goals. Whether you are trying to find new coping skills to help alleviate your problems, find ways to better communicate within relationships, or recognize the negative behavior patterns within yourself or a relationship, I work directly with clients to fulfill their needs.

To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world” (author unknown). My goal as a therapist is to ensure my clients feel seen, heard, and valued. I do this by using an integrative approach in order to meet the individual needs of my clients. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, narcissistic abuse, PTSD, grief, self-esteem, relationship issues, and more, with my specialized training and experience, I am here to support and guide you in your healing journey.