Benefits of Therapy for Narcissists

Have you come across a person who believes that everything revolves around them, and they consistently crave validation and attention? If yes, chances are,...

Have you come across a person who believes that everything revolves around them, and they consistently crave validation and attention? If yes, chances are, you are dealing with a narcissist. Narcissism is a disorder that can be detected by a person having an exaggerated sense of their importance, a desire for others to admire them, and a lack of regard for the feelings of others. People with narcissistic tendencies may find it difficult to establish positive connections with others and may experience unhealthy emotions such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. There is a common question about whether individuals with narcissistic tendencies can experience change or improvement through therapy. People with narcissistic personality disorder tend to attribute the cause of their issues to external factors resulting from their self-perception. However, there is support for narcissism, and one of the effective forms of treatment is therapy. Although it may be hard to convince them to participate in therapy because of how they perceive themselves, once they start, there are numerous benefits of therapy for narcissists. One of the benefits of therapy for narcissists is how it can help them learn to manage their thoughts and feelings.

By learning how to navigate their feelings and thoughts, a narcissist can better navigate social interactions. Also, therapy can help improve their relationship with others. Most narcissistic people find it hard to keep relationships because of how they behave or react to others; nonetheless, therapy can help them work towards restoring relationships. Generally, therapy for narcissism helps those affected by the disorder reduce their symptoms. Below, you will find more in-depth information on some of the benefits of therapy for narcissists.

Learn to Manage Thoughts and Feelings Better

For narcissistic people, therapy can effectively help them manage their thoughts and emotions, which is a vital part of the road to recovery. People who exhibit narcissistic tendencies often find it hard to manage their emotions, which can result in impulsive and reactive actions when they feel their self-worth is being challenged. Therapy provides a means for them to acquire techniques and methods to handle their emotions in a more effective and positive manner. For instance, narcissists can learn mindfulness practices through therapy. Practicing mindfulness can help them adopt a mindset that focuses more on the present and is less critical of their thoughts and emotions. Therefore, as they gradually learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without making judgments, they can cultivate a more in-depth understanding of their emotional patterns and triggers. By being aware of their emotions, it can help them effectively handle and prevent any hasty or harmful actions.

A therapist speaking to a person.

Identify and Understand Unhelpful Patterns

One of the most profound benefits of therapy for narcissists is the potential for increased self-awareness. For people with narcissistic tendencies, they often have difficulty comprehending their actions and reasons. These factors can directly affect different areas of their lives and have unfavorable outcomes on both their personal and work relationships. However, through therapy, they can learn to identify and understand unhelpful patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This can progress to a better understanding of how these factors are interconnected. People with narcissistic behaviors can benefit from therapy as it offers a safe and encouraging environment for them to examine their emotions and thoughts without the fear of being criticized. When they take time to analyze their behavioral patterns, they can develop a more profound comprehension of their limitations and vulnerabilities and how they influence their conduct. Thus, when they become more self-aware, they tend to feel more responsible for their behaviors and accountable for their decisions. As a result, this increased sense of responsibility can lead to better decision-making and more fulfilling relationships with others.

Helps to Reduce Symptoms of NPD

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can present itself in different forms. Some of these include excessive self-importance, an absence of compassion, and a recurring desire for recognition and praise. There is no doubt that these symptoms will, in one way or the other, negatively impact a person's personal and professional life. As a result, it can develop problems such as strained relationships, decreased level of job satisfaction, and maybe even legal issues. Nonetheless, therapy is a useful tool to address the symptoms. Therapy can help people with NPD to challenge their negative beliefs and attitudes. This expands to changing their perspective to a more balanced and realistic one. All of which can help reduce their narcissistic symptoms.

Helps to Change Behavior Toward Others

People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder often struggle to maintain healthy relationships, which is one of their most significant challenges. This is because they believe they are very important and also their inability to relate to and share the feelings of others. Thus, they may not care about the emotions and needs of others around them. These types of behaviors will most likely push people away or may cause tension in relationships, which will likely result in feelings of seclusion and loneliness. Therapy as a form of treatment can help people with NPD to identify and deal with their behaviors, which can result in more satisfying and lasting relationships with others. Therapy can help narcissistic people recognize and comprehend the impact of their behavior on their relationships. By learning to recognize the impact of their words and actions on others, they can develop greater empathy and sensitivity. When they are able to recognize the significance of mutual respect, they can cultivate more favorable and fulfilling connections with those they care about.

Learn and Practice New Coping Strategies

Living with NPD can be difficult due to the constant feeling of emptiness or dissatisfaction. People diagnosed with NPD, in some cases, face difficulty in discovering direction beyond their own sense of superiority, which can result in feelings of isolation and loneliness. Therapy can help narcissistic people to develop a healthy sense of self-worth and purpose, which can lead to a more fulfilling life. They benefit from therapy as it can help them examine the underlying reasons for their emotions of emptiness and discontentment. Those that have NPD often have emotional wounds that they haven't resolved or don't have healthy ways to deal with, which can cause them to rely too much on getting validation and attention from others. Nonetheless, they can work with a therapist to identify underlying issues and learn better ways to manage their emotions and seek fulfillment. Therapy can help people with NPD to achieve a more realistic and balanced sense of self.

Conclusion

Therapy for narcissism offers several benefits for individuals with narcissism. Through therapy, they can also develop a greater sense of self-awareness, explore the root causes of their behavior, and find a sense of fulfillment and purpose in their lives. Some benefits of therapy for narcissists include learning to manage thoughts and feelings better, identifying and understanding unhelpful patterns, helping to reduce symptoms of NPD, helping to change behavior toward others, and learning and practicing new coping strategies.

Resources

https://www.healthline.com/health/therapy-for-narcissism

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20366690

https://narcissisthunters.com/therapy-for-narcissistic-personality-disorder/

https://medium.com/narcissism-and-abusive-relationships/can-narcissists-benefit-from-therapy-d90f0da59079

https://m1psychology.com/can-a-narcissist-be-cured-with-therapy/

https://psychcentral.com/disorders/narcissistic-personality-disorder/treatment#therapy-options

Author
Jennifer Luttman, LPC, ACS

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.

Common Questions about Narcissistic Personality

How can one resolve conflict with a narcissist who is ignoring them?

Resolving conflict with a narcissist can be challenging due to their manipulation tactics. However, establishing healthy boundaries and not feeding into their need for control can help. It's important to prioritize your own needs and not let the narcissist emotionally abuse you.

How do I deal with a narcissistic sibling?

Dealing with a narcissistic sibling can be challenging. Setting healthy boundaries is essential to protect your self-esteem and mental health. Don't feed into their need for attention and avoid engaging in their manipulation tactics. It's also beneficial to seek professional help to navigate these complex family relationships.

What does narcissistic supply refer to and why does it matter if a narcissist ignores you?

Narcissistic supply refers to the attention and admiration that narcissists crave. If a narcissist is ignoring you, it could mean they're not getting their desired narcissistic supply from you, so they resort to emotional abuse like completely ignoring to manipulate you into giving them more attention.

How can I deal with a cheating narcissist?

Dealing with a cheating narcissist can be challenging due to their manipulation tactics and lack of remorse. It's recommended to seek support from a mental health professional who can provide strategies and tools for managing the relationship and your emotions. They can also help you decide whether it's in your best interest to stay in the relationship or leave.

How prevalent is narcissism in women?

Can I maintain a healthy romantic relationship with a narcissistic woman?

Narcissists often engage in manipulative behaviors to maintain control and may show little consideration for their partner's feelings. If you're in a romantic relationship with a narcissistic woman, consider seeking professional advice. A mental health professional can provide guidance on how to navigate such a relationship and help determine whether it's possible to establish a healthier dynamic.