Narcissism can significantly impact one’s relationships and overall quality of life, as symptoms can lead to feelings of isolation, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. For individuals struggling with narcissistic traits, finding effective treatment options is crucial to manage these symptoms and promote healthier self-esteem.

In-person therapy has proven to be a beneficial and effective approach for addressing traits of narcissistic personality disorders. By identifying problematic behaviors, exploring underlying experiences, developing interpersonal skills and empathy, and developing healthy coping strategies, individuals can manage narcissistic behaviors in a supportive environment.

What is Narcissism?

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterized by long-term patterns of exaggerated self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy. Modern understanding of NPD is that it exists on a spectrum from normal, healthy levels of self-esteem to pathological narcissism, which can be diagnosed as narcissistic personality disorder.

Traits of narcissistic personality disorder include:

• Grandiosity, or a hyper-inflated sense of self-importance.
• Having fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or idealized perfection.
• Believing that one is uniquely special and can only be understood by other special or high-status people.
• Need for excessive admiration.
• Sense of entitlement.
• Exploitive behavior in relationships.
• Persistent envy of others or belief that others are envious of them.
• Arrogant or aggressive behaviors and attitudes
• Lack of empathy.

Additionally, recent research has recognized two types of narcissism: grandiose and vulnerable. Grandiose narcissism is more overt and characterized by high self-esteem, a need for dominance, a need to be the center of attention, and frequently creating positive illusions about one’s self-image.

Vulnerable narcissism, on the other hand, is much more covert and difficult to notice. It is characterized by low self-esteem, defensive behaviors, hypersensitivity to criticism, and a need for others to endorse one’s self-image. These two types of narcissism reflect the same core traits but manifest as outward and inward expressions of narcissism, and the vulnerable type may be more challenging to spot in oneself or others.

While NPD can manifest in many ways and different severities based on the individual, it can still present common challenges within relationships and for individuals who struggle with it. In-person therapy stands out as an effective way to address the symptoms of narcissism and develop healthy management strategies for interpersonal relationships.

One of the challenges in treating individuals with NPD is that they frequently do not come into therapy with insight into the narcissistic quality of their relationships. Experienced psychotherapists understand that, and work with the narcissistic person to slowly understand and cope with problems relating to others.

Benefits of In-Person Therapy for Narcissism

In-person therapy, where individuals discuss their conditions with a licensed psychotherapist or counselor, is a scientifically backed and effective method for treating NPD. It offers a constructive and empathetic environment where individuals can work on managing their emotions, increasing self-awareness, and developing empathy. Through regular sessions, individuals can work on achieving a more realistic self-perception and improving their interactions with others.

Benefits of therapy for narcissism include:

• Enhanced Self-Awareness: Individuals learn to recognize and understand their behaviors, thought patterns, and how they come off to others within personal relationships.
• Improved Emotional Management: Individuals learn strategies to regulate their emotions and respond constructively to various situations rather than impulsively or aggressively.
• Increased Empathy: Therapy encourages the development of empathy, allowing individuals to better understand and relate to others.
• Realistic Self-Perception: Therapy works on addressing grandiose self-images or low self-esteem that’s dependent on external validation, depending on the individual and their needs.
• Better Relationships: Individuals can improve their relationships with family, friends, and colleagues while learning healthy interpersonal strategies for interacting with others.
• Addressing Co-Occurring Issues: Therapy helps individuals manage related mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.

What Individuals Work on In Therapy for Narcissism

Therapy for narcissism involves a structured approach that first identifies behaviors that negatively impact their lives and relationships, then explores underlying experiences, works on strategies to address symptoms, and practices real-world applications to improve one’s quality of life and interpersonal success.

In practice, individuals work on several key areas to cultivate personal growth and improve their interactions with others. This approach often includes developing self-awareness, emotional management, enhancing relationship skills, and building empathy.

Practical strategies individuals work on in therapy for narcissism include

• Challenging distorted beliefs and creating a more realistic self-view
• Developing coping mechanisms to manage stress and criticism
• Practicing authenticity to build genuine relationships
• Accepting criticism constructively to improve personal and professional interactions.

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions and Duration of Treatment

Therapy sessions for narcissism typically last about an hour, although the initial consultation may be longer to collect background information and establish treatment goals. The frequency of sessions is determined by both the therapist and client, often starting with weekly meetings and adjusting as progress is made.

Treatment for narcissism is generally a long-term commitment.. The duration of treatment depends on the individual’s unique needs, the severity of traits, and their willingness to engage in the therapeutic process. Consistent effort and commitment to progress are crucial for maintaining meaningful progress.

Common In-Person Therapies for Narcissism

Various types of therapy address narcissism, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, and talk therapy, which provides a space for individuals to explore their emotions and experiences. Each approach is tailored to address specific aspects of narcissism, helping individuals develop healthier relationships and improve their overall well-being.

Psychotherapy/Talk Therapy

Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a treatment approach where individuals engage in regular conversations with a trained therapist to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The therapist helps the individual gain insight into their emotional state and factors contributing to personal issues or symptoms.

For individuals with narcissism, talk therapy helps by uncovering the underlying causes or motivations for narcissistic behaviors, such as childhood trauma or dysfunctional relationship dynamics. Additionally, individuals learn to understand how their actions impact others and themselves. Strategies may include:

• Exploring past experiences.
• Identifying and challenging distorted self-beliefs.
• Developing healthier ways of relating to others.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, short-term form of psychotherapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging dysfunctional beliefs and replacing them with more realistic and constructive ones.

In treating narcissism, CBT helps individuals recognize and modify potentially maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to narcissistic traits. Therapy sessions focus on understanding the beliefs that lead to a sense of entitlement or lack of empathy. Strategies may include:

• Replacing grandiose beliefs with adaptive self-image beliefs.
• Adjusting maladaptive behaviors or thought processes.
• Developing skills for accepting criticism and building empathy.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes balancing acceptance and change. Originally developed for treating borderline personality disorder, DBT has been adapted for other conditions, including narcissistic personality disorder. DBT combines individual therapy sessions with skills training, focusing on four main areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

For individuals with narcissism, DBT helps by teaching skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.

• Mindfulness practices increase self-awareness and help individuals observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Distress tolerance skills provide techniques for coping with difficult situations without reacting or striking out.
• Emotional regulation strategies help individuals understand and control their impulsive or aggressive behaviors.
• Interpersonal effectiveness training focuses on improving empathy and communication skills for better relationships.

Take the Next Step Towards In-Person Therapy With Start My Wellness

Narcissism can significantly impact one’s relationships and quality of life but can be effectively managed with in-person therapy. In-person therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals can work on emotional regulation, self-awareness, and developing empathy, all of which lead to healthier relationships and an improved quality of life.

At Start My Wellness, we understand the unique challenges of narcissism. Our experienced team of psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, and nurse practitioners are equipped to provide the specialized care needed to address these issues effectively. We offer a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring a personalized path to growth and healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with narcissism, don’t hesitate to reach out to Start My Wellness today at (248)-514-4955 and meet our therapists. Take the first step towards in-person therapy and get the essential support you need.

Sources

1. Start My Wellness: The Overlap Between Codependency and Narcissism in Relationships
2. Frontiers of Psychology: Vulnerable and Grandiose Narcissism
3. Medium: Can Narcissists Benefit from Therapy?
4. Choosing Therapy: Therapy for Narcissism
5. Start My Wellness: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy