Round and round the cycle goes, never ending. 

There is the cycle from the perspective of what the abuser is doing, and the cycle from the perspective of what the target is experiencing.

The narcissistic abuser goes through 4 stages or phases of the cycle. The phases always go in order. So if the abuser is in phase 2 he will proceed  on to  phase 3. The abuser will not be in phase 1 and then skip to phase 4. They always progress in order through the stages, over and over. 

The target proceeds through the phases in order as well. The target learns to expect the next phase and brace themselves for it. 

For a more in depth understanding of the narcissistic cycle of abuse inquire about Yvette The Coach courses or schedule a session here.