Why This Project Exists

The Narcissism Recovery Project began as a response to one quiet but powerful truth: we are all recovering humans. Whether from narcissistic abuse, emotional disconnection, or cycles of defensiveness and shame—we each carry wounds that impact how we relate to others.

This project exists to name those patterns, break them with compassion, and help people grow into something more connected, more mature, and more whole.

The Bigger Why

Founded by registered psychotherapist Darren Elliott, this movement began not as a personal brand—but as a mission. A mission to help people understand narcissism not just as a label, but as a relational injury rooted in trauma, disconnection, and fear.

From therapy sessions to group workshops, from drag stages to publishing houses, Darren saw one common thread: people were hurting—but ready to heal.

At the core of The Narcissism Recovery Project is a belief that healing doesn't happen in isolation.

It happens in relationship—with others, with our communities, and with ourselves.

Healing Takes Time. That’s Why This Work Comes in Layers.

Recovery doesn’t happen all at once. It unfolds — through reflection, through reckoning, through relationship. That’s why The Narcissism Recovery Project is a growing series of books and resources: each one offering a step forward, a deeper truth, a new way of healing.

Whether you're healing from harm or learning how not to cause it, this series meets you in your humanity — with compassion, accountability, and tools for real emotional growth.

Because this isn’t about perfection. It’s about choosing connection over protection, again and again.

Our Guiding Vision

  • Emotional maturity is possible.

    Growth doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from awareness, repair, and choice. Emotional maturity means showing up with curiosity instead of defensiveness, and choosing connection over control.

  • Cultural repair starts with empathy

    We don’t heal as a society by shaming each other into silence. Empathy makes space for truth, accountability, and belonging — even when the wounds are generational.

  • Love is stronger than fear

    Fear disconnects. Love restores. When we practice compassion over control, vulnerability over violence, we break cycles and build safer, more honest relationships.

  • You’re not broken. You’re waking up.

    If you feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or emotionally shut down — it doesn’t mean you’re beyond help. It means your body and spirit are asking for change. And that awakening is your first step toward healing.