Catherine Eager (she/her)

Antagonistic relationships systematically erode self-esteem over time, often so gradually that clients don't recognize the damage until they are deep in self-doubt and second-guessing. My work in this area focuses on helping clients identify the origins of their diminished self-worth, separate their internalized narrative from the one that was imposed on them, and rebuild a stable, authentic sense of self that isn't dependent on external validation.

Anxiety is frequently the presenting issue for survivors of antagonistic relationships, manifesting as hypervigilance, rumination, somatic symptoms, and a persistent sense that something is about to go wrong. My work with anxiety goes beyond symptom management. I help clients trace their anxiety to its relational roots, understand its function as a protective response, and develop practical, personalized strategies for regulation that work in real life situations.

My expertise in antagonistic and narcissistic abuse spans its many forms: romantic relationships, family systems, and workplace dynamics. I am trained to recognize the patterns survivors carry into treatment, including chronic anxiety, identity disruption, complicated grief, and disrupted self-trust. Using trauma-informed, psychoeducation-forward approaches, I help clients make sense of their experiences, rebuild their instincts, and develop boundaries that reflect their values.

My psychodynamic expertise is built on extensive clinical experience tracing the relational origins of antagonistic relationship patterns. I am skilled at helping clients excavate early family dynamics, particularly those involving narcissistic parents, and connecting those experiences to present-day struggles. This depth of insight accelerates healing by giving clients a coherent framework for understanding themselves rather than simply managing symptoms.

I have developed significant expertise applying CBT specifically to the distorted thinking patterns that antagonistic relationships produce. Survivors arrive in treatment with cognitions that were systematically shaped by manipulation and gaslighting. I am skilled at distinguishing organically developed thought patterns from imposed ones, and at helping clients dismantle the latter with precision, restoring accurate self-perception and confidence in their own judgment.

My expertise in Trauma-Focused CBT is grounded in years of specialized work with survivors of antagonistic and narcissistic abuse. I am trained to identify trauma responses that present as anxiety, identity disruption, and relational dysfunction, and to apply targeted cognitive and trauma processing interventions that address their root causes rather than managing symptoms in isolation. This specialized focus produces more precise, effective, and lasting treatment outcomes.

My expertise in antagonistic and narcissistic abuse spans its many forms: romantic relationships, family systems, and workplace dynamics. I am trained to recognize the patterns survivors carry into treatment, including chronic anxiety, identity disruption, complicated grief, and disrupted self-trust. Using trauma-informed, psychoeducation-forward approaches, I help clients make sense of their experiences, rebuild their instincts, and develop boundaries that reflect their values.

Antagonistic relationships systematically erode self-esteem over time, often so gradually that clients don't recognize the damage until they are deep in self-doubt and second-guessing. My work in this area focuses on helping clients identify the origins of their diminished self-worth, separate their internalized narrative from the one that was imposed on them, and rebuild a stable, authentic sense of self that isn't dependent on external validation.

Anxiety is frequently the presenting issue for survivors of antagonistic relationships, manifesting as hypervigilance, rumination, somatic symptoms, and a persistent sense that something is about to go wrong. My work with anxiety goes beyond symptom management. I help clients trace their anxiety to its relational roots, understand its function as a protective response, and develop practical, personalized strategies for regulation that work in real life situations.