If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, you may have heard the term “flying monkeys,” and if you haven’t, you’ve almost certainly felt the impact of them. So what exactly are they?

One of the most devastating effects of narcissistic abuse is not just what happened but how it made you doubt yourself afterward. Many survivors leave these relationships unsure of what was real, what was exaggerated, and whether they can trust their own thoughts, memories, or emotions at all. Here are some specific ways therapy can help you heal from narcissistic abuse.