{"id":33768,"date":"2017-01-12T06:00:44","date_gmt":"2017-01-12T14:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=33768"},"modified":"2017-08-21T08:54:07","modified_gmt":"2017-08-21T15:54:07","slug":"the-arduous-work-of-treating-narcissism-a-therapists-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/arduous-work-of-treating-narcissism-therapists-guide-0112174","title":{"rendered":"The Arduous Work of Treating Narcissism: A Therapist\u2019s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SmilingNarcissism<\/a> is difficult to diagnose and treat. As with all personality<\/a> issues, the narcissistic traits a person possesses exist on a continuum. Not all people with narcissism are the same, and treatment approaches vary from individual to individual. This article is written as a basic guide for treating a person who either self-identifies as narcissistic, or one you identify as having narcissism.<\/p>\n

Please note the steps below may need to be repeated over and over again, and not necessarily in order.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Understand Narcissism<\/h2>\n

The therapist must be well versed on what it means to be in a narcissistic relationship. It is one thing to read about narcissism, another altogether to be in a close relationship with someone with narcissistic qualities. Many therapists have no idea how intoxicating, exciting, and heart-wrenching life with a narcissistic person can be.<\/p>\n

Understand that the three main traits of narcissism are sense of entitlement<\/em>, lack of insight<\/em>, and lack of empathy.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Find a Therapist<\/a><\/h2>\n\t
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Step 2: Build the Therapeutic Alliance<\/h2>\n

The therapist must require two things from the therapeutic relationship<\/a> with a person who has narcissistic tendencies: respect and collaboration. Respect for and collaboration with others is challenging\u2014some might say\u00a0impossible\u2014for people with narcissism. They will be learning how to practice these interpersonal skills in real time, in vivo,<\/em> in their relationship with the therapist.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Identify the Defenses<\/h2>\n

The narcissistic person\u2019s defenses come in the form of personality modes<\/em> or personas<\/em> (think multiple personalities, but different). The therapist must endeavor to help the person identify some of the protective personality modes they use throughout life. Here are some common examples:<\/p>\n