Online Therapy After Emotional or Narcissistic Abuse

Compassionate care in California and Oregon · English and Spanish

You may find yourself replaying conversations, questioning what happened, or feeling unsure of decisions that used to come more easily. Perhaps a relationship has ended and the feelings are still there. Perhaps you are still figuring out how to describe what you are living with.

At Mended Heart Counseling, I offer online psychotherapy for the emotional effects of harmful relationships. Our work begins with what is affecting you now: the doubts, distress, or relationship patterns you want help understanding.

Request a free 15-minute consultation →

🌿 Room for your experience, without pressure to label someone

People often use “narcissistic abuse” when looking for help after manipulation, humiliation, invalidation, or control. That phrase is not a diagnosis of the person who hurt you. Harmful behavior deserves attention whether or not a personality disorder has been diagnosed.

The Office on Women’s Health describes emotional and verbal abuse and its possible effects. In therapy, our attention is on your experience, your circumstances, and the support you need.

What you can bring into the conversation

There is room to discuss experiences such as:

• Repeatedly questioning your memory, judgment, or worth.

• Feeling anxious before messages, visits, or difficult conversations.

• Grief, anger, numbness, or confusion after a relationship changes.

• Guilt around your needs or difficulty deciding on boundaries.

• Distressing memories and concerns about trauma or dissociation.

These experiences can have different explanations. We will talk about what is happening now and the history you want to share. A symptom or a difficult interaction does not tell us the whole story.

🌱 How I approach the work

We begin by understanding your concerns, current supports, and goals. The work may include making sense of difficult experiences, exploring self-critical beliefs, considering choices and boundaries, and developing ways to manage distress.

When clinically appropriate, EMDR therapy or other approaches described on the Treatment Approach page may become part of care. Preparation and your response help guide pacing. Optional spiritual integration is available for clients who want it. Your beliefs and preferences are respected.

If your experiences involve repeated trauma or dissociation, you can also read about complex trauma support. Treatment is individualized, with room to revisit what is helping and what needs to change.

If you are concerned about your safety

When threats, stalking, coercion, or violence are present, a qualified advocate can help with an individual safety plan. Therapy can support emotional needs alongside that specialized help. Advice about confrontation or cutting contact may not fit every situation.

If someone may monitor your device or online activity, consider a safer way to access support. You do not need to take a particular action in a relationship before asking for care.

Meet Jennifer

I’m Jennifer Starlight Rojas, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (#129992) and Oregon (T2588), an EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Approved Consultant-in-Training. My practice focuses on trauma, complex trauma, and dissociation-informed care.

Read more about my background and approach, including the experiences and values that brought me to this work.

Practical details

• Care is provided through telehealth. You must be physically located in California or Oregon during therapy appointments.

• English and Spanish are available.

• Individual sessions are currently $185 for 50 minutes. Extended trauma/EMDR sessions are $225 for 75 minutes.

• The practice is private pay. Possible out-of-network reimbursement depends on your plan. Superbills and Thrizer may be options.

• Limited sliding-scale options can be discussed privately, subject to availability.

Review Fees and Insurance & Payment for details. The Laguna Beach address is for administrative mail. Therapy appointments take place online.

Common questions

Do I need to know whether the other person is a narcissist?

No. You can seek support for the behavior you have experienced and its impact on you. Therapy here does not require diagnosing someone who is not being assessed.

Can I talk about a relationship I am still in?

Yes. You can discuss your concerns and circumstances without arriving with a decision about the relationship. Safety needs and appropriate outside support can be considered together.

Will I have to begin EMDR immediately?

No. We begin with assessment and preparation, and discuss whether EMDR or another approach fits your needs. You can ask questions and raise concerns before agreeing to a treatment plan.

🌸 A place to begin

If a relationship is leaving you distressed or unsure of yourself, a consultation can help you understand the support available here. You decide what you feel ready to share.

Request a free 15-minute consultation →