Erin Bickley, LPC
Accepting new clients
Individual Counseling (ages 18+)
Erin Bickley, LPC, received her Bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. She integrates multiple counseling approaches in her trauma-informed work with clients, including Psychodynamic, Person-Centered, and Humanistic Counseling. Erin believes individuals hold their own answers within, and is honored to help guide her clients as they move toward clarity and self-discovery. Erin treats individuals 18 years old and up.
Availability:
In person:
Erin is in our office on Monday and Wednesday afternoons
Virtual:
Erin offers virtual sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Specialties:
- Adult Individual Counseling
- Depression
- Life Transitions
- Women’s Issues
- Bipolar Disorder
- Family Conflict
- Grief
- Trauma-informed
- Narcissistic Personality (NPD)
Erin works closely with Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families and also specializes in counseling those who have experienced narcissistic abuse.
What is NARCISSISTIC Abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a form of psychological and emotional exploitation used by individuals with narcissistic traits or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It is characterized by a lack of empathy and a deep need for control and admiration.
The Cycle of Narcissistic Abuse
This type of abuse often follows a repetitive, predictable pattern that keeps victims trapped:
- Idealization (Love Bombing): In the beginning, the abuser showers the victim with intense affection, gifts, and praise. This creates an intoxicating “fairy tale” feeling and builds quick emotional dependence.
- Devaluation: Once trust is established, the behavior shifts. The abuser begins to criticize, mock, and dismiss the victim’s feelings. They may use subtle insults, passive-aggressiveness, or stonewalling to erode the victim’s self-esteem.
- Discard: The abuser may suddenly withdraw or end the relationship entirely when they feel the victim is no longer useful, leaving the victim feeling shocked and unworthy.
- Hoovering: After the discard, the abuser often tries to “suck” the victim back in with false promises of change or feigned remorse.
Common Manipulation Tactics
- Gaslighting: Manipulating someone into doubting their own reality, memory, or sanity. Typical phrases include “You’re too sensitive” or “That never happened”.
- Triangulation: Bringing a third person into the dynamic to create jealousy or competition, further isolating the victim.
- Intermittent Reinforcement: Alternating between cruelty and affection. This unpredictable “push and pull” creates a powerful trauma bond.
- Isolation: Cutting the victim off from friends, family, or financial resources to ensure total dependency.
Long-Term Impact on Mental Health
Narcissistic abuse can lead to severe psychological consequences, including:
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Resulting from long-term, repeated trauma.
- Chronic Self-Doubt: Victims may internalize the abuser’s criticisms, leading to a lost sense of self and an inability to make simple decisions.
- Anxiety and Hypervigilance: A constant state of “walking on eggshells,” always anticipating the abuser’s next reaction.
- Cognitive Issues: Stress hormones can impact the brain, leading to memory loss, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.
