Why Narcissists Come Back After You Leave (Real Reasons Explained)

Why Narcissists Come Back After You Leave

Just when you finally start to move on… they come back.

A message out of nowhere. A missed call. A sudden apology. Sometimes they act as if nothing ever happened. Other times, they say everything you once wished they would.

It can feel confusing, emotional, and even hopeful.

But why now?

To understand why narcissists often return after you leave, it’s important to look beyond the surface and recognise the patterns behind their behaviour.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

It’s Not About Love — It’s About Control

One of the main reasons narcissists come back is because they’ve lost control.

During the relationship, control often exists in subtle ways—through emotional reactions, attention, or influence over your decisions. When you leave, that control disappears.

For a narcissist, this loss can feel threatening.

Coming back isn’t necessarily about reconnecting emotionally. It’s often about regaining access to you—your time, your attention, and your energy.

This is sometimes referred to as “hoovering”—an attempt to pull you back into the dynamic.

If you’re ready to stop overthinking, calm your nervous system, and finally break the trauma bond, my structured CBT-based recovery programme gives you the practical tools to rebuild confidence and regain control. 👉 Click here to start your healing journey:

The Need for Validation

Narcissists rely heavily on external validation to maintain their sense of self.

When you walk away, that source of validation is removed. Over time, they may begin to feel that loss—not necessarily as missing you, but missing how you made them feel.

Reaching out again becomes a way to test whether they can still get a response.

If you reply, engage, or show emotion, it reinforces their belief that they still have influence.

Even a small response can feed that need.

You Are Familiar Supply

Another reason narcissists come back is because you are familiar.

You already understand their personality, their moods, and their patterns—even if it was confusing or painful. From their perspective, this makes you easier to reconnect with than starting over with someone new.

New relationships require effort, time, and uncertainty. With you, they already know what works.

They know what triggers a reaction. They know how to draw you back in.

That familiarity becomes convenient.

Timing Is Not a Coincidence

Many people notice that narcissists tend to return at specific moments—often when you are starting to heal, regain confidence, or move forward.

This isn’t always accidental.

When you begin to detach emotionally, you become less accessible. For a narcissist, that can trigger a renewed attempt to reconnect before they lose you completely.

It may feel like they suddenly care again, but often it’s driven by the fear of losing access—not a genuine shift in emotional awareness.

The Illusion of Change

When narcissists return, they often come back with words you’ve been waiting to hear.

Apologies. Promises. Declarations of change.

They may acknowledge past behaviour, express regret, or say they’ve realised what they lost.

This can be powerful—especially if you’ve been hoping for closure or understanding.

However, real change is not just words. It requires consistent, long-term action, accountability, and self-awareness.

Without that, the pattern usually repeats.

The initial return may feel different, but over time, the same dynamics often re-emerge.

Why It Feels So Hard to Ignore

Even when you logically understand these patterns, it can still feel incredibly difficult to ignore their return.

That’s because narcissistic relationships often create strong emotional bonds—sometimes referred to as trauma bonds.

These bonds are built through cycles of connection, withdrawal, and emotional intensity. Over time, they can make you feel attached in ways that don’t always make sense.

So when they come back, it doesn’t just feel like a message—it feels like a pull.

Understanding this can help you respond with awareness rather than reaction.

Their Return Doesn’t Mean What You Think

It’s easy to interpret their return as:

“They’ve changed”
“They finally understand”
“They still care”

But often, it means something different.

It may mean:

They’ve lost control and want it back
They need validation
They see you moving on
They want access to something familiar

Recognising this shift in meaning is powerful.

It helps you see the behaviour for what it is, rather than what it feels like.

Protecting Your Peace

When a narcissist comes back, the most important question isn’t why they returned—it’s how you choose to respond.

Understanding their motives allows you to step out of the cycle.

That might look like:

Maintaining no contact
Setting firm boundaries
Not engaging emotionally
Reminding yourself why you left

You don’t owe them access to you.

You don’t have to reopen a chapter you worked hard to close.

Taking Your Power Back

Their return can feel like a test—but it’s also an opportunity.

An opportunity to choose yourself.

To trust what you’ve learned.
To honour your progress.
To protect your peace.

Because the truth is, their behaviour follows patterns.

But your response doesn’t have to.

The moment you stop reacting to their return is the moment you begin to break the cycle.

And that’s where real freedom starts.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

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Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

🧠 How To Heal From Narcissistic Abuse: A CBT Recovery Program A structured, step-by-step healing program designed to help you rebuild your confidence, regulate triggers, and break trauma bonds using practical CBT-based tools. Learn how to reframe toxic thought patterns, strengthen emotional boundaries, and regain control of your life.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program

For the full course.

Click here to sign up for the full, Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse, with a link in the course to a free, hidden online support group with fellow survivors.

For the free course.

Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.

To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.

Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.

All about the narcissist Online course.

Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.

The narcissists counter-parenting.

Click here for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse, and information on co-parenting with a narcissist.

Elizabeth Shaw is not a Doctor or a therapist. She is a mother of five, a blogger, a survivor of narcissistic abuse, and a life coach, She always recommends you get the support you feel comfortable and happy with. Finding the right support for you. Elizabeth has partnered with BetterHelp (Sponsored.) where you will be matched with a licensed councillor, who specialises in recovery from this kind of abuse.

Click here for Elizabeth Shaw’s Recommended reading list for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse.

7 Ways Narcissists Avoid Answering a Question

Have you ever asked someone a simple, direct question—only to find yourself pulled into a completely different conversation?

Instead of getting clarity, you end up confused, defending yourself, or even apologising.

When dealing with narcissistic personalities, this often isn’t accidental. Avoiding direct answers can be a deliberate way to maintain control, deflect responsibility, and shift the focus away from their behaviour.

Over time, this pattern can leave you feeling frustrated, unheard, and emotionally drained.

Here are seven common ways narcissists avoid answering a question—and why it can feel so disorienting.

1. They Change the Subject

One of the most common tactics is simple redirection.

You ask a clear question, but instead of answering, they steer the conversation elsewhere—often so smoothly that you don’t notice it immediately.

Before you know it, you’re discussing something completely unrelated, and your original question is forgotten.

Example:
“You’re always bringing up the past. Why can’t you focus on something positive?”

This tactic works because it disrupts your train of thought. You may even feel pressured to follow the new topic to avoid conflict, leaving your question unanswered.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

2. They Turn the Question Back on You

Another effective way to avoid accountability is to shift the spotlight.

Instead of responding, they respond with a question—usually one that puts you on the defensive.

Examples:
“Why are you questioning me?”
“Why are you so suspicious?”

This tactic flips the dynamic. Suddenly, instead of receiving an answer, you’re explaining or justifying yourself. The original issue is lost, and the focus is now on your behaviour.

3. They Attack Your Tone

Rather than addressing what you said, they focus on how you said it.

Your tone, timing, or delivery becomes the problem—not the question itself.

Example:
“If you’re going to speak to me like that, I’m not answering anything.”

This creates a subtle shift in power. You may start questioning yourself:

Was I too harsh?
Did I say it the wrong way?

In trying to “fix” your tone, the original question gets pushed aside.

4. They Claim You’re Overreacting

Dismissal is another powerful tactic.

By framing your question as unnecessary, dramatic, or exaggerated, they make you doubt whether you should have asked it at all.

Example:
“You’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

This response minimises your concern and can lead to self-doubt. You may begin to wonder if you’re being unreasonable—even when your question was completely valid.

5. They Give a Vague Answer

Sometimes, it may seem like they are answering—but the response lacks clarity.

The answer might sound reasonable on the surface, but it avoids providing any real information.

Examples:
“Things just happened that way.”
“You’re overthinking it.”

These vague responses can be particularly confusing. You may feel like you received an answer, but you’re still left without understanding.

6. They Bring Up Your Past Mistakes

When accountability becomes unavoidable, they may shift the focus by introducing something you’ve done in the past.

Suddenly, the conversation is no longer about your question—it’s about your behaviour.

Example:
“Funny you should ask that, considering what you did last year.”

This tactic can trigger guilt and defensiveness. You may find yourself explaining or apologising, even though your original question remains unanswered.

7. They Walk Away or End the Conversation

If all else fails, they may simply disengage.

This can look like:

Leaving the room
Ending the call
Refusing to continue the discussion

The conversation stops abruptly, without any resolution.

While this may appear passive, it’s still a form of control. By ending the interaction, they avoid answering altogether.

Why This Feels So Confusing

Individually, these behaviours might seem minor. But when they happen repeatedly, they create a pattern that can be deeply disorienting.

You may start a conversation seeking clarity—but end it:

Feeling at fault
Questioning your perception
Apologising for asking in the first place

This cycle can make it difficult to trust your own thoughts and feelings.

Recognising the Pattern

The key to breaking this cycle is awareness.

When you recognise these tactics, you can begin to separate the question you asked from the direction the conversation has been pushed.

Ask yourself:

Did my question actually get answered?
Has the topic been shifted?
Am I now defending myself instead?

These reflections can help you stay grounded in what you originally wanted to address.

Moving Forward

You don’t need to win the argument to gain clarity.

Sometimes, simply recognising that your question has been avoided is enough to step out of the cycle.

Over time, this awareness can help you:

Set clearer boundaries
Stay focused during conversations
Reduce self-doubt

And most importantly, it can help you trust your own experience again.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever asked a simple question and somehow ended up apologising instead—you’re not alone.

These patterns are common in narcissistic dynamics, and they can leave you feeling confused and emotionally drained.

But once you learn to recognise them, something shifts.

You begin to see the difference between a conversation and a deflection.

And that awareness is the first step toward reclaiming your clarity, confidence, and sense of control.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

Advertisements

Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program

For the full course.

Click here to sign up for the full, Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse, with a link in the course to a free, hidden online support group with fellow survivors.

For the free course.

Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.

To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.

Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.

All about the narcissist Online course.

Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.

The narcissists counter-parenting.

Click here for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse, and information on co-parenting with a narcissist.

Click here for Elizabeth Shaw’s Recommended reading list for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse.

How Narcissistic Abuse Can Affect Your Health

When people talk about narcissistic abuse, the focus is often on emotional pain—confusion, self-doubt, and the lingering effects of manipulation. While these psychological impacts are very real, what often goes unrecognised is how deeply this type of stress can affect your physical health as well.

Living in a relationship marked by criticism, unpredictability, and emotional tension can keep your body in a constant state of alert. Over time, this ongoing stress response can begin to wear down both your mental and physical wellbeing in ways that may not be immediately obvious.

Understanding these effects is an important step toward recognising what you’ve been through and beginning the process of recovery.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

1. Chronic Stress and the Body’s Alarm System

Narcissistic abuse often involves emotional volatility—periods of calm followed by sudden criticism, blame, or manipulation. This unpredictability can keep your nervous system in a prolonged “fight or flight” state.

Your body is not designed to stay in this heightened state for long periods. When stress hormones like cortisol remain elevated, it can lead to fatigue, irritability, and even long-term health issues. You may find it difficult to relax, even in moments when nothing stressful is happening.

Over time, your baseline becomes stress.

2. Sleep Disturbances and Restlessness

Sleep is often one of the first things affected. When your mind is constantly trying to process confusing interactions or anticipate potential conflict, it becomes harder to switch off at night.

You might notice:

Replaying conversations repeatedly
Feeling anxious about the next day
Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Lack of quality sleep doesn’t just make you tired—it impacts mood, concentration, immune function, and emotional resilience. Without proper rest, everything feels harder to manage.

3. Anxiety That Lingers

In a healthy environment, your mind and body can relax. In a toxic one, you may feel constantly on edge.

Narcissistic abuse can create a sense of unpredictability where you never quite know what version of the other person you’ll encounter. This can lead to persistent anxiety, where your body remains alert even in safe situations.

You may begin to:

Overanalyse small interactions
Expect criticism or conflict
Feel uneasy without knowing why

Even after the relationship ends, this anxiety can linger, as your nervous system takes time to reset.

4. Mental and Emotional Exhaustion

Trying to make sense of inconsistent behaviour, mixed signals, or repeated arguments can be mentally draining. Many people describe narcissistic abuse as “confusing” because reality often feels distorted.

This constant mental effort can lead to:

Emotional burnout
Difficulty making decisions
A sense of being overwhelmed

You may feel tired not just physically, but deeply and persistently drained. Tasks that once felt simple can suddenly feel exhausting.

5. Loss of Confidence and Self-Trust

Repeated criticism, blame, or gaslighting can gradually erode your sense of self. Over time, you may begin to question your own perceptions and decisions.

This loss of confidence can show up as:

Second-guessing yourself constantly
Feeling “not good enough”
Doubting your memory or judgment

When self-trust is weakened, even small choices can feel overwhelming. This can impact work, relationships, and your overall sense of stability.

6. Difficulty Concentrating and Mental Fog

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect how you feel—it affects how you think. When your brain is focused on managing emotional stress, it has less capacity for concentration and memory.

You might experience:

Forgetfulness
Trouble focusing on tasks
Reduced productivity

This “mental fog” can be frustrating, especially if you were previously focused and organised. It’s not a reflection of your ability—it’s a response to prolonged stress.

7. Physical Symptoms of Emotional Stress

One of the most overlooked aspects of narcissistic abuse is how it manifests physically. The mind and body are closely connected, and emotional strain often shows up in physical ways.

Common symptoms include:

Headaches
Muscle tension or body aches
Digestive issues
Frequent illness or lowered immunity

These symptoms can feel confusing, especially if there’s no obvious medical cause. However, they are often the body’s way of signalling that something isn’t right.

The encouraging part is that many of these symptoms begin to improve once the source of stress is reduced or removed.

Moving Forward: Rebuilding Your Health and Wellbeing

Recovery from narcissistic abuse is not just about emotional healing—it’s also about allowing your body to come out of survival mode.

The first step is awareness. Recognising that your symptoms may be linked to prolonged stress can help you approach healing with more compassion toward yourself.

Creating emotional distance from the source of stress is often essential. This might involve setting boundaries, limiting contact, or in some cases, ending the relationship entirely.

Rebuilding supportive connections is also key. Safe, understanding relationships can help regulate your nervous system and restore a sense of trust and stability.

Self-care becomes less about indulgence and more about recovery. This can include:

Prioritising sleep
Spending time in calming environments
Engaging in gentle physical activity
Practising mindfulness or relaxation techniques

Over time, as your body begins to feel safe again, your energy can return. Concentration improves, anxiety reduces, and physical symptoms often ease.

A Final Thought

If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, it’s important to recognise that what you’re feeling—both emotionally and physically—is valid. Your body has been responding to prolonged stress in the only way it knows how.

Healing is not instant, but it is possible.

With time, awareness, and the right support, many people find that their sense of self, confidence, and wellbeing gradually return—often stronger than before.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

Advertisements

Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program

For the full course.

Click here to sign up for the full, Break Free From Narcissistic Abuse, with a link in the course to a free, hidden online support group with fellow survivors.

For the free course.

Click here to sign up for the free online starter course.

To help with overcoming the trauma bond and anxiety course.

Click here for the online course to help you break the trauma bond, and those anxiety triggers.

All about the narcissist Online course.

Click here to learn more about the narcissist personality disorder.

The narcissists counter-parenting.

Click here for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse, and information on co-parenting with a narcissist.

Click here for Elizabeth Shaw’s Recommended reading list for more information on recovery from narcissistic abuse.

What Happens When a Narcissist Loses Control Over You: 13 Tactics Explained

What Happens When a Narcissist Loses Control Over You

Breaking free from a narcissist is not just a personal victory — it’s a turning point that often triggers a dramatic shift in their behaviour. When a narcissist realises they can no longer control you, they don’t simply walk away quietly. Instead, they often escalate their tactics in an attempt to regain power, protect their image, and re-establish emotional dominance.

Understanding these behaviours is crucial. It not only helps you make sense of what you’re experiencing, but also strengthens your ability to maintain boundaries and protect your wellbeing.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

They Act Like Nothing Happened

One of the first things you may notice is their sudden ability to behave as though nothing ever went wrong. After conflict, manipulation, or even outright abuse, they may reappear with a casual message or conversation, completely ignoring past events.

This tactic is designed to reset the dynamic without accountability. By pretending everything is normal, they hope you’ll fall back into old patterns and question whether things were really that bad.

Love Bombing Returns

When control slips, narcissists often revert to intense affection — known as love bombing. This can include excessive compliments, grand gestures, or sudden declarations of love and commitment.

It may feel confusing, especially if you’ve been treated poorly before. But this isn’t genuine change; it’s a strategy to pull you back in emotionally and re-establish influence.

Future Faking

Another common tactic is making promises about a better future. They may talk about plans, commitments, or changes they claim they’re ready to make.

However, these promises are rarely fulfilled. Future faking is about keeping you emotionally invested, giving you just enough hope to stay connected while they regain control.

False Apologies

Narcissists may apologise — but not in a meaningful way. These apologies often lack accountability and are designed to end conflict quickly rather than repair harm.

You might hear phrases like “I’m sorry you feel that way” or “I didn’t mean it like that,” which subtly shift responsibility away from their actions.

Blame Shifting

Rather than taking responsibility, they may begin to blame you for everything that has gone wrong. This can include rewriting events, accusing you of causing problems, or portraying themselves as the victim.

Blame shifting is a powerful manipulation tactic that can leave you doubting your own perception of reality.

Threats and Intimidation

When softer tactics fail, some narcissists escalate to threats. These may be emotional, financial, or even legal in nature.

The goal is simple: to create fear and pressure you into re-engaging or backing down. Even subtle intimidation can be effective if it makes you feel unsafe or uncertain.

Fake Illness or Crisis

In an attempt to regain sympathy, a narcissist may suddenly claim to be ill or going through a crisis. This can be particularly effective if you are empathetic and caring by nature.

While genuine hardship should never be dismissed, it’s important to recognise patterns. If crises only appear when you pull away, it may be a form of manipulation.

Smear Campaigns

When they can’t control you directly, they may try to control how others see you. Smear campaigns involve spreading false or exaggerated information about you to friends, family, or mutual contacts.

This tactic is about protecting their image and isolating you. It can be incredibly distressing, especially if people you trust begin to question your character.

Contacting Your Friends and Family

In some cases, a narcissist may reach out to people in your life. They might present themselves as concerned, confused, or even victimised.

This is another way of maintaining influence and gathering information. It can also create tension in your relationships, making it harder for you to feel supported.

Turning Up Out of the Blue

Unexpected appearances — whether in person or online — are another common behaviour. They may show up at places you frequent or message you out of nowhere.

These encounters are rarely accidental. They’re designed to catch you off guard and reinsert themselves into your life.

Provoking Jealousy

To regain your attention, they may attempt to make you jealous. This could involve talking about new relationships, posting strategically on social media, or hinting at being desired by others.

The intention is to trigger an emotional reaction and draw you back into engagement.

Guilt Trips and Pity Plays

Narcissists are skilled at using guilt as a tool. They may remind you of everything they’ve done for you, or portray themselves as deeply hurt and abandoned.

Pity plays can be particularly effective because they appeal to your compassion. However, they are often used to override your boundaries and pull you back into the dynamic.

Taking You to Court

In more extreme situations, a narcissist may escalate matters legally. This can include disputes over finances, children, or other shared responsibilities.

While not every legal action is manipulative, in some cases it becomes another avenue for control — prolonging conflict and forcing continued interaction.

Why Do They React This Way?

At the core of narcissistic behaviour is a deep need for control and validation. When you step away, you disrupt that supply. This loss can feel threatening to them, leading to intensified efforts to regain stability.

It’s not about love or connection in a healthy sense. It’s about power, image, and maintaining a sense of superiority.

How to Protect Yourself

Recognising these patterns is the first step. The next is maintaining firm boundaries:

Limit or cut off contact where possible
Avoid engaging with manipulation tactics
Document interactions if necessary
Seek support from trusted people or professionals
Prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing

Most importantly, trust your experience. If something feels manipulative or unhealthy, it likely is.

Final Thoughts

When a narcissist loses control over you, their behaviour often becomes more obvious — and sometimes more extreme. While this can be unsettling, it also reveals the patterns that may have been hidden before.

Staying grounded, informed, and supported will help you navigate this phase with clarity and strength. Walking away from control is not just an ending — it’s the beginning of reclaiming your independence and peace.

Check these out!

Behind The Mask: The Rise Of A Narcissist

15 Rules To Deal With Narcissistic People.: How To Stay Sane And Break The Chain.

A Narcissists Handbook: The ultimate guide to understanding and overcoming narcissistic and emotional abuse.

Boundaries with Narcissists: Safeguarding Emotional, Psychological, and Physical Independence.

Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: A Guided Journal for Recovery and Empowerment: Reclaim Your Identity, Build Self-Esteem, and Embrace a Brighter Future

(Sponsored.). https://betterhelp.com/elizabethshaw

Advertisements

Click on the links below to join Elizabeth Shaw – Life Coach, on social media for more information on Overcoming Narcissistic Abuse.

The online courses are available by Elizabeth Shaw.

👉 Start your recovery journey here: https://overcoming-narcissist-abuse.teachable.com/l/pdp/how-to-heal-from-narcissistic-abuse-a-cbt-recovery-program