If you’re reading this, you may be wondering if therapy can help with narcissism. You’re not alone. Narcissism has become a buzzword in recent years, and there is a lot of confusion around what it means and how to deal with it.
What is Narcissism?
First, it’s important to understand the difference between narcissistic tendencies and an actual disorder. Many people have some narcissistic qualities, but that doesn’t mean they have a disorder. It's actually pretty common to have a few narcissistic tendencies, and it doesn’t automatically mean you need therapy.
What are Narcissistic Tendencies?
To start off, let’s clarify the difference between narcissistic tendencies and an actual disorder. A person with narcissistic tendencies might exhibit some of the following behaviors:
They have an inflated sense of self-importance
They need constant admiration from others
They are very sensitive to criticism
They take advantage of others
They have a sense of entitlement
They are often envious of others
They lack empathy for others
While some of these behaviors may not be a big deal at times, they can become a problem when they start to interfere with a person’s life. If you find that your narcissistic tendencies are causing problems in your relationships or at work, it might be time to seek help from a therapist.
What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), however, is a different story. NPD is a mental health condition that can cause problems in all areas of life, from work and school to relationships. If you have NPD, you may not even be aware of it because narcissism can be hard to spot in yourself.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), to diagnose narcissistic personality disorder, the following criteria must be met:
An exaggerated sense of self-importance
A need for constant admiration from others
A lack of empathy for others
A sense of entitlement
If you think you or someone you know might have NPD, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your condition and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
What Causes Narcissism?
There is no one “cause” of narcissism, but there are some risk factors that may contribute to its development. These include things like childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, or a parent with narcissistic tendencies. If you have NPD, it’s important to understand that it’s not your fault and that you can get help.
Can Therapy Help With Narcissism?
Honestly, not enough narcissists come to therapy. However, sometimes narcissists start to realize what they have to lose if they don't change and do come to therapy ready to do the work and change. As a therapist I want to partner with people in those moments and help them start to make meaningful change, learn compassion, find a healthy sense of self, and start to really have meaning in their relationships.
If you’re struggling with narcissistic tendencies or NPD, therapy can be a helpful tool.
How Does Therapy Help with Narcissism?
A therapist can help you understand the root of your narcissism and work on changing the negative patterns of behavior. Furthermore, you'll also learn how to cope with the negative thoughts and emotions that are common in NPD.
In therapy, you will learn how to empathize with others and develop a more positive sense of self. This can lead to healthier relationships.
Wendy Behary, author of Disarming the Narcissist, recommends “empathic self-confrontation” as a way to deal with narcissistic tendencies. Empathic self-confrontation is a process of facing your own narcissism head-on and recognizing the impact it has on your life and relationships. It’s not an easy process, but it can be incredibly effective and help you develop a more healthy sense of self.
Begin Therapy for Narcissism in Tennessee
Narcissism can have a negative impact on all areas of life. If you think that you might have NPD, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand your condition and develop healthy coping mechanisms. However, if you have questions about how therapy can help before getting started, please feel welcome to reach out to me. I would be happy to give you more information on how therapy can uniquely benefit those with NPD.
If you are ready to start your counseling journey, you can follow these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (901)-257-9031
Schedule a free consultation call and learn more about my services
Begin counseling in Brentwood, TN or online anywhere in Tennessee
ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT VITUS COUNSELING
At Vitus Counseling I offer a range of mental health services to support my clients through the various challenges that they may be experiencing. If you are struggling with substance abuse, depression, or anxiety, I can help. Additionally, I provide counseling for trauma and PTSD. If you are Catholic, I offer Catholic counseling as well.
While my counseling office is located in Brentwood, I can provide online counseling to anyone living within the state of Tennessee. If you’re considering counseling, or if you have questions about how counseling can help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
