A Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Guide And Dictionary
A Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Guide And Dictionary
Elijah Page - Author, Advocate, Survivor
New Book Release
Introduction to the Book
What just happened?
It’s the question every survivor asks when a narcissistic relationship abruptly ends. At the beginning, everything feels intense, attentive, and purposeful — like you’ve finally met someone who sees you. And then, without warning, you’re discarded as if none of it ever meant anything. You’re left emotionally, financially, spiritually, and mentally depleted, by someone who covertly consumed your peace, your sanity, your joy, your dreams, your confidence, your generosity, your hope.
And in the aftermath, survivors often stand alone, unsure how to explain what they endured. They’re not just abandoned or betrayed — they’re accused, smeared, silenced, and left carrying a story most people can’t even begin to wrap their minds around. Narcissistic abuse is invisible to the untrained eye, and the deeper the manipulation goes, the harder it becomes for outsiders to recognize — let alone believe.
What Just Happened is the book every survivor should have when their world collapses.
It offers clarity when nothing makes sense, validation when no one understands, and practical steps to help you rebuild your identity, your confidence, and your future.
Blending memoir, dictionary-style definitions, and a survivor-centered healing guide, this book breaks down the cycle of abuse, exposes the tactics, and explains the psychological manipulation behind the chaos. Most importantly, it shows you how to rise again — stronger, clearer, and grounded in who you really are.
If you’re trying to piece together the truth after the unthinkable, this book will help you understand what happened — and why breaking free was so difficult.
Section Summaries
Each major part of the book contains short, focused sections that break these ideas down clearly — with definitions, stories, explanations, and practical guidance.
Front Matter & Orientation
This section explains why I wrote the book and introduces “Rachel” (a pseudonym) while preparing readers for the journey ahead. It bridges my personal story with the broader framework of narcissistic abuse, giving survivors context, grounding, and emotional clarity before we move into the full Narcissistic Abuse Cycle. These early pages help readers understand what they’ve lived through, recognize the patterns in my story and their own, and build the foundation needed for the definitions, tactics, and teaching that follow.
The Narcissistic Abuse Cycle
A clear overview of Idealization, Devaluation, Discard, and Hoovering.
Contains short, focused sections that define each phase in detail, show how they unfold, and describe what survivors experience inside each stage.
Tactics, Tools & Psychological Control
An introduction to the major manipulation tactics used by narcissists.
Includes multiple short sections on gaslighting, triangulation, projection, blame-shifting, intermittent reinforcement, silent treatments, and more.
Archetypes & Diagnostic Frameworks
An overview of narcissistic personality types and patterns.
Contains short, focused sections on covert, overt, communal, somatic, cerebral, malignant narcissists — plus parent roles, emotional wounds, and related traits.
Healing & Recovery
A compassionate roadmap for rebuilding emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Includes short sections on grief, rumination, forgiveness, sexual intimacy, and the practical path toward healing.
Obstacles to Healing
Why healing is hard — and why that struggle is normal.
Includes short, focused sections on trauma bonds, cognitive dissonance, shame, guilt, spiritual tension, intrusive memories, and other recovery barriers.
Mindset Shifts
The internal changes required for long-term freedom.
Contains short sections that redefine love, rewrite identity, reset boundaries, and help survivors reclaim their sense of self.
Breaking the Ties
Guidance for emotionally and psychologically detaching from the narcissist.
Includes short, focused sections on no-contact, low-contact, grey rock, detox and withdrawal, emotional ties, spiritual ties, financial ties, and more.
Rebuilding & Connection
Support for rediscovering your identity and building a healthy future.
Contains short sections on reconnecting with safe people, rebuilding values, rediscovering joy, and creating a meaningful life after abuse.
Tools & Therapies
A high-level overview of trauma-informed healing methods.
Includes short sections on EMDR, somatic work, journaling, trauma-informed counseling, inner child work, grounding, and self-regulation.
FAQs
Clear answers to the most common and painful questions survivors ask in the aftermath.
Includes short, focused sections addressing “Why did they do this?”, “Was I ever enough?”, “Will the pain go away?”, “Am I the narcissist?”, and more.
The Dictionary
The Dictionary is a focused reference guide of over 130 short, stand-alone explanations of the key terms in narcissistic abuse. Each entry gives a clear, accessible breakdown of one concept—like projection, triangulation, or trauma responses—so survivors can quickly understand what they experienced. It works both as a quick lookup tool and a companion to the deeper entries in the main chapters, helping readers build the language, clarity, and validation they never had.
Author Bio
Elijah Page is an educator, survivor, and author who turned his lived experience into a mission: to give others the clarity, understanding, and language he never had. With 30 years as a career professional, a deep commitment to emotional healing, and a genuine desire to see others overcome, heal, and thrive, Elijah brings grounded insight and raw honesty to the trauma-recovery space. His writing blends research, lived experience, teaching, and compassion to help survivors feel seen, validated, and supported at every stage of their recovery.
Testimonials
More testimonials are being collected as we get closer to the book launch. Readers and professionals will share how this resource helped bring understanding, validation, and direction to their healing journey.
Buy the Book
What Just Happened will be available through multiple platforms so you can choose the format that works best for you.
Check back soon for purchase links on:
- Amazon (Paperback, Kindle eBook)
- Barnes & Noble
- Apple Books / iBooks
- Google Play Books
- IngramSpark retail partners
- Independent bookstore distribution