Narcissistic abuse & trauma therapy · online across Michigan
You didn’t imagine it.
Heal from narcissistic abuse and trust your own mind again.
I’m Denise Zabel, MA, LLPC. I help adults recover from narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships and trauma. Together we quiet the self-doubt, so you feel like yourself again.
Online anywhere in Michigan · Monday to Friday, Saturdays on request · Most insurance, including Medicaid
“Denise’s expertise in treating complex trauma, personality disorders, and narcissistic abuse is complemented by her skillful use of evidence-based practices like DBT and CBT. I highly recommend Denise for anyone seeking a dedicated therapist.”
Amber Leigh Mendoza, LLPC, Michigan counselor · endorsement on Psychology Today
- Licensed in Michigan (LLPC)
- Master of Professional Counseling, Liberty University
- Verified by Psychology Today, endorsed by 2 colleagues
- 30+ years on the client side of therapy herself
Does any of this sound familiar?
If you’re reading this late at night, confused about why something hit you so hard, that makes sense. Often what upset you today is touching something older. We can untangle it together, gently and at your pace.
- “Am I crazy? Did that really happen?”
- “I just can’t relax, no matter what I do.”
- “I’m always the one giving.”
- “I told them something private, and they used it against me.”
- “Maybe this is just what I deserve.”
It isn’t what you deserve. And you’re not crazy.
What life feels like on the other side
Therapy isn’t a quick fix, and every path looks different. These are the changes clients work toward with me.
Trust your memory
Stop replaying conversations, wondering if you got it wrong.
Feel calm in your own body
Less bracing for the next blow-up. More breathing, better sleep.
Quiet the inner critic
Treat yourself with the kindness you give everyone else.
Set boundaries without guilt
Say no, and still feel like a good person.
Spot red flags early
Recognize manipulation before it costs you years.
Break the family pattern
So what happened to you stops with you.
How I can help
My own therapist likes to say, “The problem is never the problem.” Whatever brings you in, we’ll look at what’s underneath it too.
Narcissistic abuse recovery
Trust your own perception again, name what happened, and quiet the critic the relationship left behind. Learn more
Trauma & childhood wounds
The ways your mind protected you once made sense. Together we find what helps you now. Learn more
Relationships, divorce & codependency
Support through divorce, custody stress, or always being the one who gives. Learn more
Substance use
The drinking or using is rarely the whole story. No judgment if you’ve slipped before. Learn more
Getting started takes three simple steps
1. A free 15-minute call
Call or email. We’ll talk about what’s going on and whether I’m a good fit. No pressure either way.
2. Your first session
I’ll tell you a little about me, walk you through confidentiality, and mostly listen. Trust comes first.
3. Going at your pace
If something feels like too much, too soon, we slow down. That isn’t resistance. It’s you telling me what you need.
Faith, your way
Many of my clients are Christians learning to see themselves the way God sees them. Others come with no faith at all. Both belong here.
If faith matters to you, I’ll weave it in as much as you want. If it doesn’t, we’ll leave it at the door. You decide, and you can change your mind anytime.
Meet Denise
An honest, warm counselor who has sat on your side of the room
I came to counseling after raising five children. What I bring isn’t decades behind a desk. It’s honesty, my own lived experience, and a willingness to sit with you in the hard things and not look away.
I’ve been in therapy myself for over 30 years, so I never forget how vulnerable it feels to tell someone the thing you’ve never said out loud. I’ll share from my own life when it helps, and I’ll treat you the way I’d treat a new friend: someone with something real to offer.
- Trauma-informed care
- Skills for big emotions (DBT)
- Untangling thought patterns (CBT)
- Living by your values (ACT)
- Healing the hurt parts of you (IFS)
Therapy that fits your life
WHERE
Secure video sessions anywhere in Michigan. No commute and no waiting room. Just you, somewhere you feel safe.
WHEN
Monday through Friday, with Saturdays available on request, so you can find a time that fits around work and family.
INSURANCE
Most plans, including Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health and HAP. We check your coverage first, so there are no surprises. See all plans
FIRST STEP
A free 15-minute call. Ask anything you like. No pressure and no commitment.
Questions people ask before the first call
Who is Denise Zabel?
Denise Zabel, MA, LLPC, is a Michigan counselor who helps adults recover from narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships and trauma through online therapy, with Christian faith included only if the client wants it. She accepts most insurance, including Medicaid.
Do I have to be Christian to work with you?
No. Faith is part of my practice only if you want it to be. Clients with no faith at all are just as welcome.
Do you take Medicaid?
Yes. I accept Michigan Medicaid along with most major plans. Our billing team will confirm your coverage before your first session.
Do you see clients in person?
All sessions are online by secure video, so you can meet from anywhere in Michigan that feels private and comfortable.
What happens on the free consultation?
It’s a 15-minute phone call. You share a little about what’s going on, ask anything you like, and we decide together whether to book a first session.
It’s okay to be scared. Take the first step with a free 15-minute call.
Call or email, Monday to Friday. I usually reply within one business day. No pressure and no commitment.