NARM Training Institute

This session is the first in a five-part NARM demonstration series. Dr. Heller begins the session by orienting viewers to the structure of a NARM session before inviting the client, Megan, to share what’s present for her. Megan describes feeling like her life is “unraveling,” marked by confusion around her identity, career choices, and a possible move back to her home country. She speaks of her recent diagnosis of Complex PTSD and feeling stuck in a “freeze” state, overwhelmed by “toxic shame.” Central to her current struggle is her relationship with her boyfriend, which brings up feelings of emotional abandonment and pressure to people-please. Megan expresses a longing for inner clarity and a secure connection to herself.

As the session unfolds, Dr. Heller gently guides Megan to explore her emotional reactions, especially during a recent phone call with her boyfriend where she felt consumed by his emotional needs. Megan recounts retreating into self-criticism and detachment, a familiar response rooted in her adaptations to childhood trauma. Dr. Heller supports her in recognizing this as a survival strategy rather than a personal flaw. Through the session, Megan begins to separate from the old narrative that she “doesn’t matter,” and begins acknowledging her own needs and boundaries. This growing awareness of her needs leads her to experience more self-compassion and agency in how she navigates her relationship moving forward.