Hello,
I’m Dr. Nicole Mantegna. I specialize in helping caring, strong people heal after emotional abuse—sometimes involving narcissistic abuse.
If you’re wondering why your body feels different—why your stress is through the roof, your thoughts race, and you feel on edge even around people you love—you’re not alone. Emotional abuse can create an intense, persistent fear response. Because it doesn’t always involve physical harm, its impact is often minimized compared with “big-T” traumas. But its effect on mind and body can be profound.
Emotional abuse doesn’t always come from someone with a personality disorder—but sometimes it does. Many abusive dynamics follow recognizable patterns that leave people feeling confused, unsafe, and depleted. I focus on treating the symptoms that follow emotional abuse and helping clients navigate one of the hardest seasons of their lives.
I’m extensively trained in personality disorders and PTSD—and I also know this experience personally. Emotional abuse can be hard to explain and even harder to make sense of while you’re still in it. I’m here to help you move through it—because the way out is through.
I’ll never forget the day I realized something wasn’t right. I felt so confused that I went to a bookstore on a Saturday morning and headed straight for the psychology/self-help section (yes—I’m aware I’m a psychologist). It felt so intense that I needed answers immediately.
I found a book titled Healing the Scars of Emotional Abuse by Gregory L. Jantz, Ph.D. I pulled it from the shelf, opened to a random page, and felt my stomach drop: it described exactly what I was living.
I hadn’t expected trauma to feel the way it did in my body. I was constantly on guard and couldn’t fully relax—even in sleep. My mind raced, obsessing over what could go wrong and over the relationship itself. I struggled to be present with close friends and often wanted to escape to anywhere that felt calm.
I began avoiding places, topics of conversation, and experiences. My life had changed into something I barely recognized, and I didn’t know how to turn it off.
There are many ways to aid in healing Complex PTSD and the effects of emotional abuse, but therapy is key.
Reach out by email or phone to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
