Can a Narcissist Change? Top Therapy For Narcissism
Whether a narcissist can change is a complex and nuanced answer. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) cannot be ‘treated’.
However, with self-awareness, a supportive environment, and professional therapy it is possible to navigate and manage the symptoms of NPD.
This article will help you understand the different facets of NPD and effective therapy for narcissism.
Who is a Narcissist?
A narcissist is an individual with an inflated sense of ego. They believe that they are entitled to all the good things in this world and that every person should treat them that way as well.
Narcissists lack empathy and compassion for others. They form and maintain relationships only for personal gains. Whether it is money, praise, acts of service, or something else, a narcissist is merely interested in what they are receiving and seldom reciprocate.
When someone does not meet their demands or expectations, they often resort to manipulative tactics and pathological lies to fulfill their gains.
Why Do You Attract Narcissists?
NPD is often understood in the context of romantic and marital relationships. However, it is interesting to note that individuals who have narcissistic parents or caregivers are more likely to attract a narcissistic partner.
Take the example of Urmila. Her husband was emotionally abusive. He manipulated Urmila into leaving her job and distanced her from her friends and family.
Urmila suffered from bouts of sadness, anxiety, and low self-esteem. She suspected that her husband was a narcissist and needed help.
In therapy at Holistic Living Wellness Studio, Urmila explored her childhood where she realized that her mother shared many similar traits with her husband. The covert criticism, playing the victim card, and isolating her from her father were many such shocking similarities.
Urmila was repeating the narrative of her traumatic childhood in her marital relationship. The patterns were strongly embedded in her subconscious, and she unknowingly repeated them.
Therefore, therapy for narcissism often involves healing from traumatic pasts and toxic parental relationships.
Are Narcissists Born That Way?
Whether a narcissist can change is highly influenced by the fact that NPD is often a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and psychological traits.
Children who grow up with narcissistic parents may develop similar traits either due to genetic predispositions or as defense mechanisms.
For instance, Joan and Diya came for marriage counseling at Holistic Living Wellness Studio. Joan exhibited traits of narcissism which were creating conflicts in their relationship. On further exploration, Joan confessed that his father is a narcissist and as a child, he never received any love or affection from him.
He observed his father’s narcissism and inherited similar behaviors. Joan was slowly becoming his father. Fortunately, the early therapeutic intervention helped Joan to be more aware and mindful of his actions.
Marriage counseling empowered Diya to build a supportive environment as well as strong boundaries. As a couple, they learned to strengthen their communication and create a solid marriage.
Joan’s case demonstrates that it is possible to break free from traits of narcissism and develop emotional maturity. However, it is only possible if there is self-awareness, willingness to change, and the right therapeutic approach.
Therapy for Narcissism
Therapy for narcissism is an intensive and at times a collective approach. Here is how therapy for narcissism can help:
- Increased self-awareness: Therapy can help become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, including how these impact themselves and others. This self-awareness is crucial for recognizing problematic patterns and beginning to make changes.
- Exploration of underlying issues: Narcissistic behaviors often stem from deeper emotional wounds or insecurities. Therapy provides a safe space for individuals to explore these underlying issues, such as past trauma or feelings of inadequacy, which may be driving their narcissistic tendencies.
- Challenging distorted beliefs: They often hold distorted beliefs about themselves, others, and the world around them. Through therapy, they can learn to identify and challenge these beliefs, replacing them with more realistic and adaptive perspectives.
- Developing empathy and compassion: They often struggle with empathy and understanding the perspectives of others. Therapy can help them develop empathy by exploring the impact of their behavior on others and learning to consider alternative viewpoints.
- Learning healthy coping strategies: Therapy can teach them healthier ways of coping with difficult emotions and situations, reducing their reliance on maladaptive behaviors such as manipulation or aggression.
- Improving interpersonal skills: Narcissists may struggle in their relationships due to their self-centeredness and lack of empathy. Therapy can help them develop better communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, and boundaries, improving their relationships with others.
- Building self-esteem and self-worth: Underneath their grandiosity, many narcissists struggle with low self-esteem and a fragile sense of self-worth. Therapy can help them build a more stable and authentic sense of self, reducing their need for external validation.
- Encouraging accountability and responsibility: In therapy, they can learn to take responsibility for their actions and the consequences thereof, rather than blaming others or external circumstances
In the context of romantic or marital relationships, it is suggested to include couple therapy as well. Relationship counseling can help set healthier boundaries and improve the overall well-being of both partners.
Conclusion
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a complex condition that has no guaranteed treatment. Genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and psychological factors can make it challenging for a narcissist to truly change.
Therapy at Holistic Living combines varied therapeutic techniques to help the individual develop greater self-awareness and break free from the toxic patterns. The process may also involve couple counselling to equip the partners with the right skills needed to facilitate positive change.
Learn More About Therapy for Narcissism…
If you have more questions or doubts regarding NPD or therapy for narcissism then take a 10-minute Free consultation with our expert counselors.
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