Indigo North

05/11/2025

Traumatic cognitive dissonance is what happens when the same person who hurt you is also the one who showed you love, warmth, and tenderness.
The “good times” were part of the abuse cycle.
Dark triad traits fall on a spectrum, and people aren’t easily distilled into villain-shaped memories.
But clinging to Dr. Jekyll is often what keeps survivors stuck.
Psychoeducation helps you understand the full complexity—without minimizing the harm.

02/11/2025

Growing up as the family scapegoat means carrying blame that was never yours to hold. It’s being misunderstood, criticized, and isolated—not because of who you are, but because of the roles others needed you to play to avoid facing their own flaws. This chronic invalidation can lead to complex PTSD, shaping a life marked by self-doubt, emotional flashbacks, and a deep sense of unworthiness. Healing starts with recognizing the truth: you were never the problem. You were the mirror they refused to look into.

01/22/2025

Check out my profile for more info on booking with me, my approaches to therapy, and the populations I serve.

https://therapist.com/clinician/jessica-payne-70520/

01/21/2025

Check out my blog posts and videos on my website to learn more about complex trauma and healing from emotionally abusive relationships:

Blog Posts & Videos

01/16/2025

Narcissism doesn’t look the same in everyone—and gender can play a significant role in how these traits show up. While men often display overt behaviors like dominance or grandiosity, narcissism in women tends to be more covert, showing up as emotional manipulation, relational aggression, or even a hyper-focus on appearance. These differences can make female narcissism harder to spot, but no less impactful.

Understanding these dynamics is key—especially if you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse in a relationship, friendship, or family. Awareness is the first step toward healing and reclaiming your confidence.

01/13/2025

The fawn response, a trauma response characterized by people-pleasing and prioritizing others’ needs to avoid conflict or gain approval, may seem adaptive in the short term. However, it can have surprising and long-term negative effects on our mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Here are some ways the fawn response can hurt us…

01/13/2025

Not all therapists are trained to understand the complexities of narcissistic abuse and relationships involving dark triad traits. Finding a therapist with a niche focus in this area can make all the difference in your healing journey. This specialized support helps you process your experiences, gain closure, and rebuild your confidence to move forward with clarity and strength. You deserve to work with someone who truly gets it—and who can guide you toward a brighter, healthier future.

01/10/2025

Check out my profile on Google for announcements on groups, psychoeducational videos, blog posts, directions to the office, and other offerings.

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

01/10/2025

Stop wasting your precious energy trying to convince the wrong people to see your worth. It only depletes you and dims your light. If someone doesn’t appreciate your magic, it doesn’t mean it’s not there—it just means they’re not your person. There are people out there who will see you, love you, and cherish you for exactly who you are. Focus on them. Focus on you.

01/08/2025

Therapy with me is about deep self-awareness, intentional growth, and the courage to rewrite your story. Ready to take the first step? Let’s start this journey together.

jessica@indigonorthllc.com

(734) 386-0238

01/03/2025

Are you thinking about investing in yourself and your mental health this year but feel unsure if therapy is right for you—or if you’ll find a therapist who truly gets you? Let’s take the guesswork out of it. I’m offering free 30-minute consultations for new clients to help you decide if we’re the right fit.

Finding a therapist you click with is the first ingredient in the recipe for therapeutic success. It’s also essential to work with someone who specializes in the areas you want to explore and heal.

I specialize in helping individuals:
• Heal from psychologically abusive relationships and recognize the subtle, manipulative tactics used by people high in narcissism, sociopathy, and other dark triad and vulnerable dark triad traits.
• Overcome complex childhood trauma and understand how 4F trauma responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) may be influencing their current relationships and behaviors.

Whether you’re ready to take the leap into therapy or just exploring your options, this consultation is a safe space to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if my approach feels right for you.

Start your journey toward healing today by booking your free consultation. Your mental health deserves it.

Access my calendar and schedule on my website or email/call for more availability.

*I am not in network with any insurance plans at this time but can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Limited sliding scale spots are offered to those who may qualify.

12/05/2024

Caption:
Healing from narcissistic abuse is a journey, not a destination. Remember: your pain is valid, your boundaries matter, and your worth is not defined by someone else’s actions. Take this as a reminder to be patient and gentle with yourself—you deserve better.

Which reminder resonates with you the most? Is there anything you’d add to this list?