Blog | The Inner Life of the Highly Sensitive Person

The Covert Narcissist & the Sensitive High-Achiever: A Painful Pairing

The covert narcissist doesn’t rage—they guilt, withhold, and twist your empathy against you.
For Highly Sensitive High-Achievers, that dynamic is both intoxicating and devastating.
This post explores how to recognize the pattern—and how to walk away with self-trust intact.

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10 Tactics of a Covert (Vulnerable) Narcissist You Need to Know

When most people think of narcissism, they picture someone loud, arrogant, or demanding the spotlight. But covert (or vulnerable) narcissists often look very different. They may appear quiet, humble, or even insecure. On the surface, they don’t seem threatening.

But behind closed doors, they use subtle, manipulative tactics to control, confuse, and wear you down. If you’ve ever felt constantly guilty, drained, or unsure of yourself, you may have experienced covert narcissistic abuse.

Here are 10 common tactics to watch for:

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From Confusion to Clarity: What Healing From Gaslighting Really Looks Like

Wondering what life looks like after gaslighting? See the before-and-after of healing and how therapy helps you move from confusion to clarity.

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The Hidden Costs of Not Healing From Gaslighting

Gaslighting doesn’t just confuse you in the moment—it has ripple effects that reach every part of your life. Many women stay stuck, thinking it will fade on its own. The truth is: the longer it goes unhealed, the higher the cost.

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10 Signs You Might Be Experiencing Gaslighting

Gaslighting is one of the most confusing—and damaging—forms of emotional abuse. It’s designed to make you question your memory, your feelings, and even your sanity. The truth is: if you’ve been made to believe you’re “too sensitive,” “imagining things,” or “overreacting,” you may be experiencing gaslighting.

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Christina Sheehan, MS. LPC. LMHC

As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) myself (she/her pronouns), I know the struggle it can be to accept yourself and your unique abilities and needs. My dream is a world where all HSPs can feel their value and have the freedom to share their gifts in the world. Now, maybe more then ever, highly sensitive people and empaths are very needed to help care for this world. Through my private practice in Portland, Oregon I currently contribute by working with highly sensitive individuals on the issues that affect HSPs more deeply then others. This includes, covert narcissistic relationships, midlife transitions/crisis!, and learning about & accepting yourself.