A survivor of narcissistic abuse, Emma Davey devotes her career to helping others as a trauma counselor and creator of MyNARA (My Narcissistic Abuse Recovery App). MyNARA is an empowering app designed to help millions across America who need support. The app empowers its users, and Founder Emma is here for an interview today.
Disclosure: This sponsored interview with Emma Davey provides information about the MyNARA app and its mission, aimed at supporting survivors of narcissistic abuse.
Interview with Emma Davey
Emma Davey is an award-winning specialist trauma counselor who developed MyNARA after surviving narcissistic abuse. She helps others survive the journey, heal, and reclaim their lives with this app. Let’s discuss her journey and the app’s potential to assist survivors.
How would you define narcissistic abuse?
Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological abuse (that can include physical abuse) inflicted by individuals with narcissistic personality disorder. It involves a pattern of manipulative behaviors aimed at gaining power and control over a victim.
The characteristics of narcissistic abuse may include gaslighting, belittling, guilt-tripping, and other emotionally manipulative tactics; a lack of empathy for the victim; taking advantage of their vulnerabilities; isolating them from friends, family, and support systems; causing confusion through emotional rollercoaster-like cycles of idealization, devaluation and discard; and blame-shifting.
Victims may suffer from diminished self-esteem as the abuser constantly criticizes, devalues, or minimizes their achievements and worth. Victims may also experience financial control by the abuser, limiting their access to resources and independence.
Narcissistic abuse can be a devastating experience for victims. The effects of narcissistic abuse can include anxiety, depression, and even symptoms of trauma.
It’s important to note that narcissistic abuse can occur in various types of relationships, including romantic partnerships, familial relationships, friendships, and professional settings. Recognizing the signs of narcissistic abuse is crucial for victims to seek help, support, and, if they can, exit the abusive situation.
Why are you passionate about helping those suffering from narcissistic abuse?
I am a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and I know firsthand the crippling effect this abuse can have. I was a victim for 6 years of my life, and I can relate to the trauma victims suffer.
Narcissistic abuse victims don’t have to have black eyes or broken bones to be a victim; most of the time, they walk around with a smile on their face, insisting they’re fine. It is hard to come to terms with being abused, but it can be done, and I am proof of that. I regained my life and my freedom, and I am committed to helping others do the same.
More about narcissistic abuse recovery with Emma Davey
Why is MyNARA a practical app to provide support and guidance for these victims?
Seeking help for narcissistic abuse can be difficult because many counselors do not fully understand narcissism. Most therapists do not know how toxic and destructive life with a narcissist can be.
MyNARA was developed by an experienced mental health professional and a victim of narcissistic abuse. This is the defining difference.
It offers practical guidance for recovering from narcissistic abuse, as well as information to help you avoid future narcissists. The MyNARA app is a safe, private space where you can start your recovery process. It provides tools, tips, and expert support to help victims along their journey.
Furthermore, the MyNARA app is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year. You don’t need an appointment with a therapist; you have the tools at your fingertips.
How do you move forward from your experience with narcissistic abuse?
The process of moving forward from an experience with narcissistic abuse can be challenging. Remember, healing is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself.
You may return to your abuser many times due to the trauma bond you will have with them, which is a type of addiction. It is difficult to accept that the abuser will never change and the person you are in love with doesn’t exist.
There are some things you can do to help yourself through a difficult time. You can take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health by getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and getting support from others who understand what you are going through.
Practice self-care by taking time for yourself each day; for example, go for a walk or read a book. Rebuild your self-esteem by reminding yourself of all the things you have accomplished in life so far, no matter how big or small, and reconnecting with past skills or abilities that you might have forgotten about or taken for granted at one point in time.
Surround yourself with supportive people who will listen to your concerns without judgment. Practice mindfulness by focusing on the present moment and not worrying about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow, as this will only lead to more anxiety and stress as well as procrastination in taking action towards resolving your problems today.
And get professional help, whether through the app or (if you can afford to) from a specialist counselor. You are likely to experience PTSD from the abuse, and this will show in unexpected ways.
How might your recovery have differed if you had access to something like MyNARA?
I designed MyNARA to give other victims the tools I needed when I was abused. Collecting evidence secretly, for example, ensures the law can protect you from the abuse (I had to wait years). The evidence would also have helped me to face the scale of the abuse and break the trauma bond.
It’s more difficult to convince yourself that you’re exaggerating the abuse (which I and other victims do) when you can see it for yourself. The red flag monitor would have helped me feel safe in future relationships.
However, the most important part of the app is the recovery programme, NarcArmour. I badly needed that, as it would have taken me through the practicalities and emotions of leaving an abuser and the recovery.
To those who say in-person therapy is better than the app for narcissistic abuse recovery, what would you say?
If a specialist therapist is available and affordable, then a therapist is preferable, I agree, although I and other therapists recommend that therapy is delivered alongside the app. However, there is a scarcity of therapists with specialized expertise in narcissistic abuse, and they’re expensive.
This leaves countless survivors struggling to find the support they desperately need, and none specialist therapists can do more harm than good. I was told by my therapist to be more patient with the man who threatened my life!
The MyNARA App is available 24/7, at your fingertips, when you need it most. It provides tools that therapists don’t, like the ability to secretly collect evidence and log red flags.
It was designed and created by a narcissistic abuse survivor and therapist. That is what makes it a powerful tool.
What are the key features of the MyNARA app?
Privacy, safety, and anonymity are our top priorities. We have a number of special measures in place to keep users secure while using this app.
- Secure Evidence Storage: MyNARA provides victims with a confidential platform to securely store evidence. This evidence can be sent to law enforcement when the victim feels ready, ensuring it remains accessible only to them.
- 12-Step Recovery Program: The app guides users through a structured recovery program, addressing the addictive nature of the trauma bond and tracking progress away from the abuser.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: MyNARA employs advanced security measures, including cloaking, password protection, and cloud storage. All data is encrypted, complying with GDPR and HIPAA standards.
- Red Flag Monitor: The app helps users recognize behavioral patterns indicative of narcissistic traits, aiding in future avoidance of potential abusers.
- Data Insights for Improvement: MyNARA will provide valuable insights to government agencies, charities, and support organizations to enhance services for victims.
Let’s pivot a bit. As a woman founder, please share how you have overcome a specific challenge.
I’m dyslexic, lacked confidence because of the trauma of the abuse, and have no background in IT or in running companies. Delivering this app and getting such positive reviews has been a huge challenge.
It has taken a lot of partnership-building and goodwill.
To a woman who has an app idea but isn’t sure what to do next, what would you say?
First, clarify your idea. Outline the concept for your app and define its purpose.
Who is your target audience? What problems will it solve?
Understanding the core idea will guide your next steps. Do some market research to see if there is a need for your product or service, as well as to learn more about what competitors are doing.
Don’t let uncertainty prevent you from moving forward; take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to seek advice or assistance from others who have experience in app development or entrepreneurship. Good luck with your app!
Great tips! I’m curious, who inspires you?
Each and every person who has been a victim of abuse and has come through the other side to live a happy life. It is a fantastic achievement. I want to hug each and every one.
Is there anything else you want to add?
You may be in a happy relationship. If so, please look around you. One in three women and one in six men will experience abuse in their lifetime. The chances are that people you care about are being abused now and will probably be trying to cover it up. Tell everyone you know about the app so that you can help them.
Thank you, Emma Davey, for creating this app for narcissistic abuse recovery
“MyNARA currently has over a thousand active users, who have all rated it 5-star. It is being described as a ‘life-saver’ by many.” – Emma Davey
The MyNARA app is available in both the App Stores. Also, follow Emma on Instagram, join the Facebook MyNARA support group, and get updates from Emma on TikTok.
Emma Davey’s journey from survivor to advocate, along with the MyNARA app, illustrates the power of resilience and technology in narcissistic abuse recovery, offering survivors a path to healing and empowerment. Emma’s dedication serves as a beacon of hope and awareness for those affected.
Your topics are always pertinent and helpful. I want to come back and read more. It’s always like this when I visit.
I’ll take that as a compliment, Ka!
Amazing idea for the many who are victims and can’t afford therapy. Thanks to Emma for this app, and thanks Christy for introducing to Emma and her app. I grew up with a narcissistic mother, so I know these lessons well. <3
Many hugs, Debby. Many hugs.
:) xx
Oh the narcissist; they are never, ever wrong about anything.
True. And they’re very good about making sure we think we are the wrong ones.