--- title: "Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships | Relationship Counselling Kent" description: "abuse in relationships refers to a pattern of manipulative and emotionally harmful behaviors perpetrated by someone with narcissistic traits. It can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendship" lang: en-GB json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much does couples counselling cost in Kent?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Couples counselling is £80 for a 60-minute session. Individual relationship counselling is £68 for a 60-minute session. Online and face-to-face sessions cost the same." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long is each session?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Every session is a full 60 minutes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do we need to commit to a set number of sessions?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No. The number and frequency of sessions vary. Some couples attend for a small number of focused sessions, while others choose longer-term support. Sessions are booked individually with no obligation to continue." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is online couples counselling as effective as face to face?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Research suggests that online psychological and relationship therapy can be effective for many people. Suitability and outcomes depend on the couple, their circumstances, the therapeutic approach and the nature of the difficulties being addressed. Some situations, including active domestic abuse, acute risk or severe untreated mental illness, may require specialist or in-person support." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if only one partner can attend?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "That is fine. One-to-one relationship counselling is available at £68 per session. Where a therapist offers an individual session alongside couples work, the arrangements — including confidentiality between partners and the applicable fee — are agreed with the therapist before the session." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can we cancel or reschedule?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, free of charge with at least 24 hours' notice. Inside 24 hours the fee is charged in full because the slot has been reserved for you." } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LocalBusiness", "@id": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/#organization", "name": "Relationship Counselling Kent", "url": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk", "description": "Accredited relationship and couples counselling across Kent — online UK-wide and face to face at rooms across the county.", "areaServed": [ { "@type": "AdministrativeArea", "name": "Kent, United Kingdom" }, { "@type": "Country", "name": "United Kingdom" } ], "priceRange": "££" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships", "description": "abuse in relationships refers to a pattern of manipulative and emotionally harmful behaviors perpetrated by someone with narcissistic traits. It can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendship", "image": "https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/imported/narcissistic-abuse-in-relationships.jpg?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80", "datePublished": "2023-10-30T16:37:03+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-05-04T16:57:14.406372+00:00", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Relationship Counselling Kent" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Relationship Counselling Kent", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/narcissistic-abuse-in-relationships" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/narcissistic-abuse-in-relationships" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships" } ] } ] --- [![Relationship Counselling Kent](/assets/logo-CYGB2Hyi.webp)](/) - [Home](/) - [What To Expect](/what-to-expect) - We Can Help With - [Our Therapists](/therapists) [Locations](/locations)- [Blog](/blog) - [Fees](/fees) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Reviews](/reviews) - [Contact](/contact) [Login](/auth)[Book Your Session](/find-your-therapist) 5.0 Rated Highly Qualified & Experienced Therapists Sessions Available Mon–Sun 8am–9pm [hello@relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk ](mailto:hello@relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk)[Call us: 01233 438 212 ](tel:+441233438212)[Book Now](/find-your-therapist) 1. [Home](/) - [Blog](/blog) - Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships [Back to Blog](/blog) # Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships October 30, 2023 ![Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships](https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/imported/narcissistic-abuse-in-relationships.jpg?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80) ## Narcissistic Abuse in Relationships Narcissistic abuse in relationships refers to a pattern of manipulative and emotionally harmful behaviors perpetrated by someone with narcissistic traits. It can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family relationships, or even professional connections. Narcissistic abuse typically involves the following elements: Manipulation: Narcissists often manipulate others to maintain control over them. This manipulation can be subtle or overt and may involve [gaslighting](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/marriage-guidance-counselling), guilt-tripping, or other tactics to distort the victim’s perception of reality. **Emotional Abuse:** Narcissists frequently engage in emotional abuse, such as belittling, demeaning, criticising, or insulting their partners. They may also use silent treatment or withdrawal of affection as a means of control. **Lack of Empathy:** Narcissists often lack empathy and have difficulty understanding or caring about the feelings and needs of others. They may dismiss or invalidate their partner’s emotions and experiences. **Exploitation:** Narcissists may exploit others for their own gain, whether it’s financial, emotional, or social. They often take advantage of their partner’s kindness, generosity, or resources without giving much in return. **Idealisation and Devaluation:** In the early stages of the relationship, a narcissist may idealise their partner,. Showering them with love, attention, and compliments. However, as the relationship progresses, they may devalue and demean their partner, leading to a cycle of emotional highs and lows. **Isolation:** Narcissists may isolate their partners from friends and family, making it harder for the victim to seek support or validation from others. [Find a qualified therapist and book your first session](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/find-your-therapist) whenever you feel ready. #### Narcissism continued… **Control:** Narcissists seek to maintain control over their partners. This control can be exerted through various means, including financial control, monitoring activities, or dictating what the victim can or cannot do. **Gaslighting:** Narcissists often use gaslighting techniques to make their partners doubt their own perceptions, memories, and sanity. This [manipulation tactic](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/mind-reading-in-relationships) can be particularly damaging to the victim’s self-esteem and mental well-being. It’s important to note that narcissistic abuse can have severe and long-lasting effects on the victim, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you or someone you know is experiencing narcissistic abuse, it’s crucial to seek help from a mental health professional or a support network to break free from the cycle of abuse and begin the [healing process](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/blog/relationship-break-up-relationship-counselling-kent). The following link is extremely powerful. [Her Mind Speaks](https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGJE1PqXG/) If you feel you might be a vicim of narcissistic abuse in your relationship and would like some professional help. Contact us here **[Book Now](https://relationshipcounsellingkent.co.uk/contact)** #### Important If you are in physical danger or need help more urgently. Contact the ‘National Refuge Aid Helpline’ on telephone number – 0808 2000 247 or on the link below. [National Aid Helpline](https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/) Ready to talk about narcissistic abuse in relationships? Browse qualified, vetted therapists, see real-time availability, and book your first session in minutes — online or in-person. 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[Read Article](/blog/support-for-ending-a-relationship) ![Rustic wooden signpost with icons beside a winding road through green, hilly countryside.](https://rxvhnvwmfwrneowddnji.supabase.co/storage/v1/render/image/public/blog-images/finding-the-right-relationship-help-oej1i6.png?width=1200&resize=contain&quality=80) August 24, 2026 [ ### How Do You Choose? A Guide to Finding the Right Relationship Help in Kent ](/blog/finding-the-right-relationship-help) That late-night search for 'relationship help' can feel bewildering. With so many terms and types of support, how do you know what’s right for you? This guide helps you cut through the confusion and find effective support for your relationship in Kent. [Read Article](/blog/finding-the-right-relationship-help) [![Relationship Counselling Kent](/assets/logo-CYGB2Hyi.webp)](/) Professional relationship counselling services in Kent. 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