-- Cleveland Family Counseling: Supporting Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse and Trauma
Cleveland Family Counseling, under the expert guidance of Carrie Ann Cleveland, offers specialized support for those recovering from narcissistic abuse, high-conflict divorces, and trauma. With a profound understanding rooted in personal experience, Carrie Ann blends her lived experiences with professional expertise to empower clients to reclaim their sense of self and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
A Journey Grounded in Personal Experience
Carrie Ann Cleveland’s path into therapy was shaped by her own personal journey through trauma. As she reflects, “I came to this profession the hard way, by experiencing my own traumas and working through them.” Her lived experiences gave her unique insights into human behavior and trauma, which she later refined through rigorous academic training.
Carrie Ann holds an undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco, where she graduated magna cum laude in just two years while working full-time. She also earned two master’s degrees from Pepperdine University, graduating summa cum laude each time. Additionally, she is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in California, Georgia, and Washington, a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), and a certified high-conflict divorce coach.
Specializing in Narcissistic Abuse and High-Conflict Divorce
Carrie Ann specializes in therapy for those affected by narcissistic abuse, high-conflict divorce, and all forms of trauma. Narcissistic abuse, she explains, is particularly damaging, often leaving victims confused, isolated, and questioning their reality. "When you're in a relationship with a narcissist, you spend all your time trying to be invisible, tiptoeing around landmines," she notes. The emotional damage is far-reaching, often leaving survivors feeling lost and disconnected from their true selves. Her therapeutic approach focuses on helping these individuals process their trauma and reclaim their sense of identity.
Carrie Ann’s unique expertise is particularly valuable for those navigating high-conflict divorces and custody disputes. “Escaping narcissistic abuse isn’t like a regular breakup,” she explains. “It doesn’t end when you separate. The abuse often continues through the family court system and in custody battles.” For these survivors, Carrie Ann’s approach is essential in helping them rebuild their lives and identities amid ongoing challenges.
Trauma-Informed, Client-Centered Therapy
Carrie Ann utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), narrative therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Her trauma-informed, strengths-based framework helps clients regain control over their lives and reclaim their personal narrative. She explains, “Narcissists are masters of wordsmithing. They can twist the truth so effectively that survivors learn to doubt their own reality.”
Her therapeutic methods not only help clients process their trauma but also empower them to trust their instincts again, something that is often compromised after enduring narcissistic abuse. “You have to learn to trust your judgment again,” she emphasizes, “even when you haven’t listened to it in a very long time.”
Recognized Expertise: Award-Winning Therapy for Narcissistic Abuse
In recognition of her dedication and expertise, Cleveland Family Counseling has been awarded Best Narcissistic Abuse Therapy in California for 2025. This prestigious honor highlights the impact of Carrie Ann’s work, offering a beacon of hope to survivors. The award, presented by Best of Best Reviews, acknowledges the depth of her commitment to those healing from the psychological and emotional scars of narcissistic abuse.
Carrie Ann’s work has been featured in reputable publications such as Time Magazine and Scary Mommy, and she has shared her expertise on popular podcasts like IAmEkho and Unfiltered. This award is a testament to her tireless dedication to raising awareness about narcissistic abuse and her ability to provide effective, compassionate support to those who need it most.
Moving Forward: Reclaiming Your Life
Carrie Ann’s ultimate message to clients is one of empowerment. Through her guidance, individuals learn to rebuild their lives, rediscover their true selves, and establish healthy relationships. She often says, “You know you’re ready to leave when the pain of staying is worse than the fear of leaving.” For many survivors, this is a profound realization, one that marks the beginning of their journey toward healing.
Her work focuses on rebuilding self-esteem, offering tools for healthy relationships, and helping clients move forward. “Therapy can feel daunting at first,” she notes, “but as Glennon Doyle says, ‘We can do hard things,’ and I find that no matter the topic, there is always laughter through the tears in all my sessions.”
Why Cleveland Family Counseling Stands Out
Carrie Ann’s unique approach lies in her deep understanding that narcissistic abuse isn’t simply a difficult relationship, it's a long-lasting, psychologically and emotionally destructive experience. "Narcissists are like vampires; they will suck you dry. They take your time, your energy, your resources, and even your children, with the help of the family court system. Then when all your tangible resources are gone, they take your sleep, your peace, your identity, your sanity, your self-esteem and your safety." This is why traditional counseling methods are often inadequate for those affected by narcissistic abuse, and why Cleveland Family Counseling is dedicated to providing specialized care. Carrie Ann’s approach is tailored specifically to meet the needs of those who have suffered from this insidious form of trauma.
Next Steps for Healing
If you or someone you know is struggling with narcissistic abuse, high-conflict divorce, or trauma, Cleveland Family Counseling offers professional support that can help you move forward. As Carrie Ann reminds us, “It’s not easy, but with the right support, healing is possible. And you don’t have to do it alone.”
About Cleveland Family Counseling
Cleveland Family Counseling is a mental health practice focused on supporting individuals recovering from narcissistic abuse, trauma, and high-conflict family dynamics. Founded by Carrie Ann Cleveland, the practice offers a range of services, such as individual therapy, co-parenting coaching, and expert witness services. With over a decade of experience, Cleveland is dedicated to delivering trauma-informed care to those impacted by interpersonal abuse, guiding them toward healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Visit ClevelandFamilyCounseling.com to learn more about the services available and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
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Carrie Ann Cleveland
Cleveland Family Counseling
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