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About Eleanor

Eleanor D. PaysonEleanor Payson is a licensed marital and family therapist, receiving her Masters in Social Work – Clinical degree from University of Michigan in 1983. For over thirty years she has practiced psychotherapy with individuals, couples, and families. She has continued her education on issues ranging from: chemical dependency and codependency, narcissism and borderline personality disorders, relationship therapy, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

In 1993, Eleanor trained personally with Harville Hendrix, Ph.D, author of Getting the Love You Want, to become a certified imago therapist. She has conducted numerous workshops teaching couples conflict resolution skills and the beginning concepts of imago therapy. Eleanor is no longer accepting new couples in her practice.

Eleanor has also specialized in the unique and challenging difficulties that adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder face. She has co-presented with Arthur Robin, Ph.D. on the subject of couples and AD/HD at both local and national ADDA conferences.

Eleanor’s commitment to treating issues related to codependency and narcissistic wounding led her to help people in codependent relationships with narcissistic individuals. Her book, THE WIZARD OF OZ AND OTHER NARCISSISTS: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family published in 2002, is considered by therapists and readers alike to be one of the authoritative guidebooks for recognizing the narcissist in one’s life. In her most recent book, DISCOVERING THE HEALTHY SELF and Meaningful Resistance to Toxic Narcissism, Eleanor delves into insights, strategies, and crucial support to help individuals heal from damaging NPD relationships.

Areas of Expertise
  • Narcissism
  • Codependence
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Grief and loss
  • Separation/Individuation
  • Adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Services Offered
  • Individual psychotherapy
  • Consultations
  • Coaching – phone and in person
Professional Affiliations
  • Certified Social Worker – State of Michigan
  • Licensed Marital & Family Therapist – State of Michigan
  • National Association of Social Workers
  • Certified Imago Therapist – Institute for Relationship Therapy