Frequently Asked Questions

Narcissistic Abuse Recovery 30-Day Trauma Bond Detox

• This program is designed to release the fears and emotional triggers that keep you stuck in a Trauma Bond with your abuser, so you have the freedom to live a normal life again.
  • A combination of 1-on-1 and group coaching.
  • Our approach is the identification and processing of the mistakes your brain has made about love and safety in your life. We cover the following topics:
    • Identifying Narcissistic Behavior: Recognizing the traits and tactics of narcissism.
    • Boundary Setting: Learning how to establish and maintain personal boundaries.
    • Self-Care Practices: Developing routines for physical, emotional, and mental health.
    • Rebuilding Trust: Strategies to restore trust in oneself and in future relationships.
    • Emotional Literacy: Understanding and managing complex emotions post-abuse.
    • Coping with Triggers: Techniques to handle reminders of the abuse experienced.
    • Effective Communication: Enhancing assertiveness and clarity in interactions.
    • Empowerment through Autonomy: Cultivating independence and decision-making skills.
    • The Role of Forgiveness: Exploring forgiveness, both self-forgiveness and towards the abuser.
    • Planning for the Future: Setting goals to build a healthy, abuse-free life ahead.
• The program is guided by the evidence-based protocol of Pain Reprocessing Therapy, a Mind-Body approach for treating stress-related, brain-generated trauma responses.

Sometimes, people who are really good at feeling what others feel and are super nice can get tricked by someone who likes to be the center of attention and wants everyone to tell them they’re great. This can be a problem because the super nice person might keep trying to make the attention-loving person happy, even though it makes them feel sad or tired. They keep trying to get the other person to like them and forget to take care of how they feel. This can make them feel really worried or very sad after a while, because they’re working so hard to be liked, and it’s not fair.

Sometimes, when a person is not treated nicely by someone they love, they might still feel very attached to them. It’s like they’re stuck to the good times, even if there are bad times too. This stickiness is because the good moments can feel really good, but then the bad times make them feel really sad or scared. It’s confusing like a rollercoaster of feelings. It’s super hard to step away from this because it can feel scary to be alone and they might think that love is supposed to hurt sometimes. But this isn’t healthy, and it can make it really tricky to leave and find happiness somewhere else.

When someone is in a situation where another person is mean to them a lot, it can make their body feel bad even if they’re not sick in the usual way. They might get headaches or feel super tired all the time because of the stress. It’s like their body is saying that something is wrong, but it’s really the worry and fear from the bad relationship that’s causing the problems. If they don’t get help or find a way to feel better, they might keep feeling this way for a long time, and it can make everything a lot harder for them.

Sometimes, it’s like someone’s mind and heart are really hurt because another person didn’t treat them nicely over and over again. They might feel really sad or lonely because that person was not kind the way friends should be. It can make it hard for them to trust new friends because they’re scared of being treated badly again. Even little things might make them remember the bad stuff and feel those bad feelings all over. They might not feel very good about themselves, like they’re not as important as everyone else. All of these heavy feelings are like a big, tangled knot that they have to work hard to untie so they can start to feel happy and safe again.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) in the context of narcissistic abuse refers to a condition that may arise from enduring a prolonged period of interpersonal trauma, such as emotional manipulation and psychological domination.

This form of PTSD underscores the deep, long-term impact of chronic abuse on an individual’s mental health, magnifying the importance of specialized support and recovery methods. Narcissistic abuse, in the context of C-PTSD, often manifests through a pattern of symptoms that deeply impact a survivor’s psychological and emotional state.

These symptoms may include chronic feelings of betrayal and abandonment, resulting from the inconsistency and conditional attention offered by the abuser. Survivors might also battle intense isolation, believing that no one else can truly understand their situation or offer valid support.

Bad things that happen when we’re little kids can really stick with us, even when we get older. These tough experiences are called “childhood trauma” and they can lead to health problems, feeling really sad or worried, or even using harmful substances when we grow up. For some kids, if they’re hurt by someone who cares more about themselves than others, it can set up a pattern. This means that later in life, they might end up around people who treat them badly, kind of like what they went through when they were young. Growing up with all this stress can make it hard for them to understand who they are and to stand up for themselves. They may even develop a deeper kind of stress called “complex PTSD” from these bad relationships. That’s why it’s super important to get help and heal from these childhood traumas, so we don’t end up in similar hurtful situations when we’re older.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood and have been linked to chronic health issues, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood.

In the context of narcissistic abuse, ACEs can lay a predisposing foundation for future relational patterns, wherein individuals may unknowingly gravitate towards relationships that echo the dynamics of their early trauma.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy, or PRT for short, is kind of like a special class that teaches people who have been hurt by someone who only thought about themselves, how to understand their own feelings of being scared or in pain in a new way. Think of it like your brain ringing an alarm when it doesn’t need to. PRT shows people that even though they might feel afraid or hurt because of bad things that happened before, it doesn’t always mean something bad is happening right now. In PRT, people learn to be like detectives with their own feelings. They look at their bad memories or things that make them feel upset and instead of running away or getting scared, they get curious about them. Doing this can actually make the scared or hurt feelings get quieter over time. It’s like teaching the brain that it’s okay to calm down because those danger signals it’s been sending out might not be real dangers after all. When people keep practicing these steps, they can start to feel better from the inside out.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) stands out as an innovative approach that aids survivors of narcissistic abuse in reinterpreting their physical and emotional pains and fears as something that is not necessarily threatening or harmful.

This cognitive-behavioral treatment focuses on helping individuals reassess their pain-related fear and anxiety by understanding it as a false alarm—a byproduct of their prior trauma rather than a sign of present danger.

Somatic tracking is a helpful tool for adults who’ve been hurt by people who only cared about themselves, like in really tough relationships. It’s a way to pay attention to how your body feels and what those feelings mean, without freaking out or feeling scared. Imagine you’re a detective, noticing all the clues your body is giving you about stress or weird symptoms, but you’re super chill about it. This helps stop the same old stress and fear from playing on repeat in your body. It can make you feel safe again, right in your own skin. And that’s super important because it helps you start to trust yourself again and get the hang of managing your feelings. After dealing with someone who tried to control or mess with your mind, learning to trust yourself and handle your emotions is a really big deal in getting better.

Energy psychology is kind of like a toolbox that coaches can use to help people who have had some really hard times in their lives. It’s especially helpful for folks who’ve been through rough relationships where they weren’t treated right. Instead of just talking things out like in regular therapy, energy psychology uses a combo of tapping on your body and thinking in a certain way to fix the energy flow inside you. Imagine if your feelings were like cars stuck in traffic inside of you; energy psychology helps get that traffic moving. It’s a gentle way to face the tough memories without having to dive into the details, and it can make you feel less anxious and more in control. This can be a big help if you’re dealing with ongoing stress from the past, getting too many worrisome thoughts, or feeling like your emotions are all over the place.

Energy psychology, emerging as a complementary approach to traditional coaching, involves techniques such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) which can be particularly effective in treating trauma in survivors of narcissistic abuse.

By combining gentle tapping on specific meridian points with cognitive interventions, energy psychology aims to realign the body’s energy system. This can help in reducing the emotional impact of memories and incidents tied to the abuse.

Conversational hypnosis is an effective tool for helping individuals who have endured the challenging dynamic of narcissistic abuse. This particular form of hypnosis takes place in a relaxed conversation, easing the person into a calm state where the mind is open to suggestion. By harnessing this technique, survivors of abuse can tap into their subconscious—a part of the mind that’s usually beyond reach when we’re alert and analyzing the world around us. In this suggestible state, it’s possible to introduce positive thoughts and coping strategies that counteract the negative beliefs and trauma responses instilled by their abuser. Essentially, conversational hypnosis enables individuals to overcome the deep-seated effects of their experiences, empowering them to reshape their outlook toward a healthier mindset. It provides a path to emotional autonomy, restoring self-trust and an overall sense of safety within oneself.

Think of your memories like a movie playing inside your head—some are super clear and loud, while others might be faint and quiet. Well, when you’ve had some really tough times, sometimes the bad movie parts can seem really loud or bright, and they just keep playing over and over. That’s where something called “Submodality Shifting” comes in—it’s like having a remote control for your brain’s movie player. You can turn down the volume on the mean words you remember, or make a scary memory look blurrier, so it’s not so strong anymore. By practicing this, like hitting the ‘mute’ button or using a ‘dimmer’ switch on those parts, you can start to feel better. It’s like you’re the boss of your brain’s TV, and you get to change how you watch those tough memories, making them less and less powerful each time.

Submodality Shifting, a technique derived from Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), can be a powerful tool for survivors of narcissistic abuse to alleviate trauma symptoms. This practice involves altering how one internally represents experiences, especially those that are distressing.

Here are 10 Boundary Strategies for a Highly Sensitive Person:

1. Know your own emotional limits: Recognize what triggers you, what upsets you and what makes you feel overwhelmed. This self-awareness will help you in setting boundaries.
2. Say “no”: It is important to set limits and not always say yes to every request, especially if it puts a strain on your emotional well-being.
3. Communicate your boundaries clearly: Make sure to clearly communicate what your emotional boundaries are to those close to you.
4. Take time for self-care: Dedicate time each day to focus on your own well-being and to recharge your batteries.
5. Set physical boundaries: Being physically close to people can often make it harder to maintain emotional boundaries. Establishing physical boundaries can help to create emotional ones.
6. Be aware of your body language: Your body language often communicates your emotional boundaries before you have a chance to verbally express them.
7. Avoid toxic people: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people and avoid those who consistently bring you down.
8. Practice mindfulness: Being present and aware in the moment can help you identify when your boundaries are being violated.
9. Take responsibility for your own feelings: Your feelings are your own responsibility and it is important to avoid blaming others for how you feel.
10. Seek professional help: If setting emotional boundaries is a struggle for you, seeking the help of a coach or therapist can be a great resource

Terms and Conditions 

This Coaching service is offered by Marv Curtis, dba Marv Curtis Coaching, who will be referred to as “Coach”, and the person participating in the coaching service, who will be referred to as “Client”. They may be referred to together as “Parties”. This document outlines the terms for individual and group coaching programs for Narcissistic Abuse Recovery. Invoice payment constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

1. 1. Services: The Coach will deliver regular coaching sessions outlining goals, tools and strategies, utilizing a mix of phone, online, and social media platforms for communication. These sessions will incorporate mind-body techniques like guided meditation, acupressure, and mindfulness to address and alleviate the effects of narcissistic abuse, including cognitive and emotional triggers.
   2. Duration: These Terms and Conditions start upon payment and continue indefinitely for group coaching and by individual session packages for one-on-one coaching.
   3. Payment: Payment may be made electronically or by credit card, according to our predefined schedule and amounts as detailed on your invoice and receipt. Be aware that our third-party payment processors manage transaction details, and your financial information will be collected and handled by them, with us not being responsible for their policies. Late or missing payments could interrupt or end your coaching services.

• Packages and Payment Terms as described by Invoice: 

1. 1. Weekly Group Coaching Zoom Call
   2. One-on-One Private Coaching Zoom Call

1.  Refund Policy: Our refund policy is simple: like a custom-tailored suit, our coaching services are personalized for you and are non-refundable. Once provided, whether live or recorded, these sessions are considered final due to their custom nature and the lasting value they offer.
2. Coach’s Duties: The Coach agrees to provide the services outlined and to adhere to the confidentiality and refund policies.
3. Client’s Duties: As a Client, you’re expected to respect these Terms and Conditions and make timely payments.
4. Communication: Communication will primarily be via Zoom, email and Facebook Group messaging, and the Coach agrees to respond in a timely fashion.
5. Community Standards: Participation in the program’s online Facebook and Zoom groups grants you opportunities for coaching, support, and networking. Maintain a respectful and lawful demeanor at all times. Avoid engaging in behavior that is intimidating, slanderous, offensive, or that could be seen as promoting illegal activities. False identities and impersonation are strictly prohibited to ensure authentic and honest interactions. Any content shared should be truthful and not misrepresent your identity or affiliations.
6. Confidentiality & IP: Everyone involved agrees not to share any confidential information from the group and private sessions. Coaching materials provided are for your personal use and can’t be shared or used for commercial purposes.
7. Audio/Video Recording Consent: By signing up, you agree to allow audio and video recording of your coaching sessions, which might be included in a resource library for group participants to review. Recordings are for personal review and catching up on missed sessions, not for reproduction or commercial use without written permission from us. We commit to maintaining your privacy throughout.
8. Confidentiality Agreement: Everything discussed within our coaching sessions is strictly confidential, binding all participating parties—coaches and clients—to discretion. Participants must refrain from sharing any personal or business information outside the group. This privilege of confidentiality is waived only if the information is publicly available, independently acquired, or disclosure is mandated by law. Breaches of this trust may result in legal action.
9. Use of Materials: Materials provided during our coaching sessions, such as documents, videos, and recordings, are the intellectual property of the coach and are protected by copyright laws. These materials are available for your personal, non-commercial use only, meaning you can view, download, and print them for your individual learning. Any distribution, reproduction, or public display is prohibited and may result in legal proceedings for infringement.
10. Testimonial Usage: By participating, you grant us permission to use your testimonials in our promotional materials. Rest assured, your comments will be used respectfully and tastefully. Should you wish to withdraw this consent, simply notify us in writing. We value your contributions and will always provide proper credit with your name, unless you request anonymity. Together, we celebrate our shared successes with integrity and recognition.
11. Legal and Medical Disclaimer: The coaching provided is strictly for educational and motivational purposes and is not a substitute for professional legal or medical advice. Clients are advised to seek proper medical or legal consultation for any health issues or legal concerns. Coaching is not intended to diagnose or treat health or psychological conditions, nor should any guidance received during sessions be used in place of professional counsel. Your participation in coaching is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. Remember to always consult with your healthcare provider before embarking on new health or exercise programs.
12. Termination: Either you or your coach can end this relationship whenever you want. Just give a 48-hour heads-up in writing before saying goodbye. And keep in mind, if there are any fees you haven’t paid for coach’s services when things wrap up, you’ll need to settle up right away.
13. Whole Agreement: Everything that we have decided on is in these Terms and Conditions, replacing anything we talked about or agreed on before. If it’s not written in here, it doesn’t count.
14. Indemnification: If you encounter an issue as a result of using our coaching services, including content intake from our websites, videos, or programs, you agree to protect the coach from any legal claims or costs unless it’s proven the coach was grossly negligent or intentionally at fault. Our coaching is offered as-is, without any guarantees of specific results. Should coaching-related issues arise, the coach’s liability is limited to the amount you paid for said services. The coach is not responsible for any further losses or damages. Additionally, in the event of legal action involving your use of the coaching, you’re expected to support the coach’s defense at no charge.

Keeping It Local: If we ever have a disagreement about these services, we’ll use Utah laws to sort it out, plain and simple. Doesn’t matter where you’re from, Utah rules will apply, and we’ll ignore any conflicting laws from other places. If we do end up in court, we agree to show up in Salt Lake County. We’re both okay with this, so by making payments, we’re giving a thumbs-up to stick to these courts and not argue about having the case somewhere else. We both agree to interpret these Terms and Conditions in a fair and reasonable way.