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Jessica Williams, PhD, is a 2026 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Wynn Purvis, PhD, Committee Member

Najla Hrustanovic, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

narcissistic abuse, narcissism, abuse, intimate partner violence, parental abuse, domestic violence, narcissistic traits, survivor, narcissistic abuse survivor, pathological narcissism, vulnerable narcissism, grandiose narcissism, manipulation, coercion, controlling relationships, emotional abuse, grounded theory, relational-cultural theory

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of narcissistic abuse survivors through a grounded theory approach to generate a model that can assist people in recognizing patterns and traits of narcissistically abusive relationships. Guided by relational-cultural theory, this study further seeks to examine the ways narcissistic abuse damages relational connections and to highlight elements of healthy, growth-fostering relationships. The population of focus included self-selected narcissistic abuse survivors who are adults over the age of 18 (N = 8). The results indicated three themes, each with additional subthemes, which include: (a) early behavior – performative displays and conditional love, (b) long-term behavior – control, dominance, and systemically eroding victim identity, and (c) post relationship impact on survivors – learning, growing, and reinventing. A theory was devised, entitled Narcissistic Abuse Identity Erosion and Reconstruction Theory (NAIERT). This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Photo of the dissertation author.

Jessica Williams, PhD, 2026
ORC iD 0009-0005-3766-3216

Dr. Jessica Williams (she/her) PhD, LMHC, MA, MHP is a licensed mental health
counselor, WAC approved supervisor, National Certified Counselor, and Counselor
Educator in Seattle, WA. Upon completing her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health
Counseling from Antioch University Seattle, she began working at a low-income mental
health agency in King County named Valley Cities Behavioral Health. In the first few
years as a clinician, she gained additional training on trauma-focused interventions,
advocacy in diverse communities, and crisis intervention. Over time, she gained
licensure, became a WAC-approved supervisor, and was tasked with opening a new
clinic for Valley Cities in the heart of Seattle at Pike Place Market. In this endeavor she
was able to start a clinic from the ground up and am very proud to report it continues to
thrive and serve the community today. Because this clinic served a population with a
higher frequency and severity of crises, she became a subject matter expert on crisis
intervention and the resources in King County. Upon completing her PhD in Counselor
Education and Supervision, this continued growth has reinforced her personal
commitment to social justice, advocacy, and actively participating in community change
by helping those in need. The last few years, she has acted as adjunct faculty teaching
the next generation of clinicians and her previous work experience has greatly
influenced the knowledge and training she has been able to integrate into the education
of future mental health professionals.

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