Dealing with Difficult Relationships

And How Energetic Healing Can Help You Heal Emotionally

Difficult relationships are some of the most emotionally taxing experiences we face, especially when dealing with individuals who exhibit traits of Narcissism, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), or a handful of other personality disorders... and not only. Whether these dynamics arise in family systems, workplaces, intimate relationships, or even business partnerships, they often leave behind emotional wounds that feel impossible to heal.

At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, we’ve noticed an increasing number of clients seeking support after being entangled in these relationships. Energetic healing can provide a safe, compassionate, and effective way to process the hurt, release lingering trauma, and reclaim your emotional well-being. If you’re enmeshed in, or recovering from, such a relationship, this post is for YOU.

Understanding Difficult Relationship Dynamics

Difficult relationships often involve individuals who exhibit challenging behaviors, creating cycles of conflict, manipulation, or emotional harm. Here’s a brief overview of some common traits associated with these dynamics:

1. Narcissism
   Narcissistic individuals often lack empathy and prioritize their own needs above others. They can sometimes appear to be empathic and caring, but this is from their ability to "mirror" empathic, caring people. They often are seen as charismatic, smart, and fun to be around. But relationships with them can feel one-sided, emotionally draining, and invalidating. They may use manipulation, gaslighting, or criticism to maintain control. There are several types of narcissistic archetypes out there, but that will have to be another blog post (Coming soon...!)

2. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
   While individuals with BPD may struggle with intense emotions, fear of abandonment, and unstable relationships, they aren’t inherently abusive. However, their behaviors can create emotional highs and lows, making relationships with them exhausting and confusing. This kind of personality trait is the person who says "I love you" one minute, and then "I hate you" the next, called "idealization and devaluation." Their intense fear of abandonment means that if they even perceive that someone is abandoning them, they will turn to manipulative and outright emotionally abusive tactics to try to avoid that from happening. If you have been in a relationship with this kind of person, you know what I mean. 

3. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
   Commonly associated with defiance and hostility toward authority, individuals with ODD can bring conflict into work environments, partnerships, or family systems, often leading to unresolved tension. 

These dynamics aren’t limited to romantic relationships. They can show up in your interactions with a parent, sibling, coworker, boss, or friend. Whatever the case, such relationships leave emotional imprints that can manifest as self-doubt, anxiety, depression, or even physical symptoms.

(There are many more within the DSM-5 Manual for Psychiatric Disorders but we are just focusing on the ones that appear to be flung around a lot recently, like "Narcissist" and "Toxic Person" etc. and the ones I've heard more about recently through some of the clients seeking help for dealing with someone who appears to have these traits but may not be diagnosed)

The Emotional Toll of Toxic Relationships

The aftermath of a difficult relationship can feel like an emotional battlefield. Like being at War, and nothing less. Here are some of the most common challenges people face:

• Loss of Self-Identity: Constant invalidation can make you question your own worth, values, and sense of self.
• Emotional Fatigue: Hyper-vigilance, overthinking, and the constant push-pull of such relationships leave many people emotionally and physically drained.
• Lingering Trauma: Emotional manipulation and gaslighting can create feelings of confusion and unresolved pain.
• Guilt and Shame: Victims of toxic dynamics often feel responsible for the relationship’s failure, even when they’ve done their best to maintain it.

***These wounds are heavy, and while therapy or counseling is essential, energetic healing can complement these efforts by addressing the emotional and energetic layers of trauma that conventional approaches might not fully reach.***

How Energetic Healing Can Help You Heal

Energetic healing, including Healing Touch, Reiki, Pranic Healing, or other modalities, works on an energetic level to help restore balance, release emotional blockages, and encourage deep emotional healing. These practices focus on the body's subtle energy fields, clearing stuck energy and fostering a sense of calm and renewal.

Here’s how energetic healing can specifically support those recovering from difficult relationships:

1. Releasing Stagnant Emotional Energy

Toxic relationships often create energetic blockages tied to unresolved emotions like anger, grief, or guilt. Energetic healing helps release this trapped energy, allowing you to feel lighter and more grounded.

• Example:  After leaving a relationship with a narcissist, many clients experience heaviness in their heart or solar plexus chakras. Energy healing clears these areas, making space for self-love and empowerment.

2. Restoring Self-Worth

Difficult relationships can erode your sense of Self-Worth, leaving you questioning your value. During an energy session, we focus on nurturing your emotional body, supporting the heart chakra to foster self-love and acceptance.

• Example: A Healing Touch session can energetically affirm your worth, helping you rebuild confidence and trust in yourself.

3. Supporting Nervous System Regulation

Being in a "toxic" relationship can leave your nervous system stuck in "fight-or-flight" mode, even after the relationship has ended. Energetic healing calms the nervous system, helping you move into a state of relaxation and balance.

• Example: Many clients describe feeling deeply relaxed during sessions, with reduced anxiety and a greater sense of peace afterward, which lasts longer and longer after each and every session. (this is a process, and therefore many folks working through these difficult relationships will need ongoing treatment sessions for a while)

4. Healing Energetic Cords

Energetic cords represent the connections between you and others, especially in close relationships. In toxic dynamics, these cords can become heavy or draining. Through energetic healing, these cords can be released or transformed to prevent ongoing energetic entanglement.

• Example: Clients often report feeling a sense of freedom and detachment after cord-cutting techniques are used in a session.

5. Encouraging Emotional Clarity

One of the most challenging aspects of difficult relationships is the emotional confusion they create. Energetic healing clears mental and emotional clutter, helping you gain clarity about what happened and how to move forward.

• Example: After a session, clients often report feeling more centered and able to approach decisions with greater confidence. They start to find their own voice and begin to feel more confident speaking their truth. 

Combining Energetic Healing with Therapy

It’s important to note that energetic healing works best alongside therapy or counseling. While therapy addresses thought patterns, emotional responses, and coping skills, energetic healing works on the subtle levels of energy and emotion, providing a comprehensive approach to healing. Together, they offer a powerful combination to help you reclaim your emotional freedom.

Practical Steps to Begin Your Healing Journey

If you’re ready to start the process of healing from a difficult relationship, here are some steps to consider:

1. Seek Professional Help: Find a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma or difficult relationships.
2. Book an Energetic Healing Session: At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, we create a safe, supportive space for you to release energetic and emotional burdens. (***It is likely you will want at least three (3) sessions to begin with***)
3. Create a Self-Care Routine: Include practices like journaling, mindfulness, and movement to process emotions.
4. Set Boundaries: Learn to say "NO" and protect your energy from further harm.
5. Connect with Supportive People: Surround yourself with relationships that uplift and nurture you.

Your Healing Journey Starts Here!

At Brahmaloka Healing Arts, we believe that healing is possible for everyone, no matter how deep the wounds may feel. If you’ve been struggling with the emotional fallout of a difficult relationship, know that you’re not alone. Through Healing Touch, Reiki, and other energetic healing practices, we’re here to help you reclaim your power, release the pain, and rediscover the vibrant, authentic self that has always been within you.

Visit www.brahmalokahealingarts.com to learn more or schedule a session. You deserve to feel whole, loved, and free again.

With so much LOVE and Gratitude,

Lauren @ Brahmaloka Healing Arts

XOXO