Dr. Karyl McBride’s 5‑step recovery model is a central framework in my work with adult children of narcissistic parents, offering a clear, compassionate roadmap for understanding the narcissistic wound, grieving what was missing, and rebuilding a healthy sense of self and boundaries. I’ve found it especially helpful because it combines education, cognitive restructuring, and structured emotional work in a way that feels both validating and practical for clients who have often felt confused, minimized, or unseen for much of their lives.
This training is deeply useful to me as a clinician because it provides a specialized, trauma‑informed lens for a population that is frequently misdiagnosed or misunderstood. I am genuinely enthusiastic about working with these clients and being part of the WIEBGE therapist registry. This registry also reflects my commitment to providing ethical, informed, and compassionate care to adult children of narcissistic parents.
I’m an integrative somatic trauma therapist helping high‑functioning adult children of narcissists with chronic and complex stress for over thirty years. I treat couples and individuals and have decades of experience treating all manner of trauma. This includes adults with trauma from childhood, as well as sexual abuse, medical, neurodiverse, racial, immigrant, and the many collective aspects of PTSD. I use a blend of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), which are specialized trauma treatments, and guided imagery, breathing practices, and more, in addition to talk therapy. I’m also certified by the Relational Life Institute in couples’ therapy. I help resolve how childhood narcissistic abuse harms adult partnerships and use the WIEBGE five-step recovery program with high conflict couples. Virtual only. I do not accept insurance but provide superbills.
License & Credentials:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Contact me:
25 Crescent Drive A-412, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, virtual only
Phone: 1-510-913-4683
Email: valerie@valeriejkeimtherapy.com
Website: valeriejkeimtherapy.com
Website: coupleswhofighttoomuch.com
ACNP Certified
