Kenza Haddock’s journey from a background in Islam to discovering freedom in Jesus is a powerful testimony of resilience, faith and divine transformation. In her conversation on the Directed Life podcast with Kap Chatfield, Haddock shares her personal experiences with narcissistic abuse, trauma and how God guided her into a ministry of healing and counseling.
Haddock explains that narcissistic abuse often manifests as repeated patterns of manipulation, control and emotional harm, typically rooted in pride and a hardened heart. She notes, “The true narcissist does not care about being the best in a godly sense. They want power, wealth and control, regardless of the cost to others.” She identifies two types of narcissists: the overt, power-driven type, like Pharaoh in the Bible, and the covert, manipulative type, who subtly uses guilt and self-pity to influence others.
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Her work in counseling began after she experienced the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. “It was the power of God that got me from there to now,” Haddock recalls. Initially reluctant to enter the counseling field due to financial and personal constraints, she eventually felt an undeniable calling to help trauma victims. This calling led her back to school and, ultimately, to meeting her husband during a prayer session with her pastor.
To pre-order Kenza Haddock’s new book, Unmasking Narcissism, visit Amazon.com.
Haddock emphasizes the role of trauma in the development of narcissistic traits. Individuals who experience unprocessed trauma often internalize the hurt, leading to insecurity, bitterness and a compensatory drive to assert control or superiority. She also highlights how overindulgence or excessive praise of children can contribute to narcissistic tendencies. “If a child grows up thinking they run the show because they are elevated at home, they can struggle with empathy and submission to authority later in life,” Haddock explains.
Beyond psychology, Haddock stresses the importance of Scripture in understanding and healing from narcissistic abuse. She compares cognitive-behavioral therapy with biblical principles, noting that both guide individuals to align their thoughts with truth. She says, “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. It divides soul and spirit, revealing the intents of the heart.” For victims of narcissistic abuse, repeated meditation on Scripture, coupled with prayer and accountability, can reprogram their thought patterns and renew their minds.
To pre-order Kap Chatfield’s new book, The Power to Prosper, visit Amazon.com.
Haddock also discusses the biological and chemical aspects of abuse, such as the roles of dopamine and oxytocin in creating emotional dependency. Victims of narcissistic abuse often experience a chemical “addiction” to the validation they receive from the narcissist, which reinforces harmful patterns. Healing, she explains, requires patience, spiritual engagement and consistent reinforcement of God’s truth.
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Her work reaches both Christians and non-Christians, though she tailors her approach depending on their spiritual background. For Haddock, the goal is not just recovery, but transformation—helping individuals break free from cycles of abuse, rediscover their identity in God, and experience genuine freedom and purpose.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
