Find a therapist who can employ psychodynamic or cognitive-behavioural techniques to explore underlying vulnerabilities, improve empathy, and address maladaptive patterns of grandiosity, entitlement, and interpersonal difficulties, and who can help you focus on building self-awareness and fostering healthier relationships.
Narcissism refers to a personality trait or disorder characterised by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Individuals with narcissistic tendencies often exhibit a sense of entitlement, exploit others for personal gain, and have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. While some level of narcissism is considered normal, narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a more severe and pervasive condition that significantly impacts an individual's functioning and relationships.
Treating narcissistic personality disorder requires a comprehensive and nuanced approach that addresses the underlying patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour. While individuals with NPD may be resistant to treatment initially due to their sense of superiority and lack of insight, therapy can still be beneficial in fostering self-awareness and promoting positive change. One effective therapeutic approach for NPD is psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and early life experiences that contribute to narcissistic traits. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can also be helpful in challenging distorted beliefs and developing more adaptive coping strategies. Additionally, family therapy may be beneficial in addressing interpersonal dynamics and improving communication within relationships affected by narcissistic traits.
It may take some exploration and open communication with potential therapists to discover the approach and therapist that aligns best with your needs and preferences. Trusting your instincts and being patient with yourself throughout this process can help alleviate some of the overwhelm and lead to a smoother therapeutic journey. If you are interested in therapy to assist you in improving your life quality, It's Complicated operates in nearly 100 languages, offering both online and in-person sessions. With a diverse network of over 1,500 mental health professionals spanning 80+ countries, you can easily connect with accredited psychologists who can support you.
Editorial Note: This article delves into the dynamics of couples therapy, exploring when it may be beneficial, what it entails, and how it can foster deeper understanding within a relationship. The piece employs the “Intimacy from the Inside Out” (IFIO) model, rooted in Internal Family Systems theory, to shed light on common challenges and transformative
Going to therapy for the first time or going to a new therapist is a bold step. Thus, it might elicit some strong feelings. For example, will I make progress? Is this person a good fit for me? What if I feel worse? These apprehensions are expected, and they accompany the process of entering therapy.
If we take a moment to look at the history of psychology and psychiatry, it becomes clear just how complicit these fields have been in upholding oppressive structures. Like many accepted and seemingly “objective” standards, therapeutic modalities and approaches are rife with patriarchal, capitalistic, white-supremacist, and cis/hetero/mono-normative underpinnings. Historically, these fields have often pathologized diverse