Narcissism & Narcissistic Abuse
There's no denying the damage that narcissism and narcissistic abuse do to individuals, relationships, and society. But as clinicians expand their understanding of antagonistic character traits and behaviors--and the harm they cause to survivors--treatment has become more nuanced and effective. These articles unpack the dynamics of narcissistic abuse and coercive control, treating narcissists in therapy, and identifying covert narcissism. Learn from Ramani Durvasula, Terry Real, Craig Malkin, Wendy Behary, and others.
When Burnout Threatens Therapy with Survivors
Cultivating Your Stamina as a TherapistNarcissism & Covert Narcissism
These articles examine the various forms narcissism can take and the repercussions it creates in people's lives. Going beyond the better-known grandiose form of narcissism, they explore in detail the hallmarks of covert narcissism, including victimhood, shame, and entitlement. In these pieces, contributing experts like Wendy Behary and Criag Malkin offer practical guidance for engaging narcissistic clients despite their high-conflict tendencies and emphasize how healthy narcissism and self-enhancement can benefit everyone. They address common challenges and blind spots for therapists, as well as how therapists can avoid the "narcissism trap" and navigate the complexities of treatment with clients on the narcissism spectrum.
Narcissistic Abuse & Coercive Control
These articles examine relationships in which narcissistic or controlling individuals mistreat others, often through emotional invalidation or other manipulative tactics. These pieces can help both therapists and clients recognize the traumatic effects of narcissistic abuse and coercive control in families, intimate partnerships, and parenting arrangements. You'll find guidance on building rapport with survivors, standing your ground with narcissistic clients, and managing the burnout that can often arise in this work. Learn more about realistic healing journeys for survivors, even if they choose to stay in the emotionally abusive relationship, and trauma-informed interventions that prioritize survivor safety, agency, and meaning-making. Learn from experts like Ramani Durvasula, a pioneer in bringing narcissistic abuse to light for therapists and survivors worldwide.
Just because a relationship isn't physically violent doesn't mean emotional abuse won't turn violent. Read more
Entitlement, the characteristic that best indicates when coercive control is narcissistically driven, makes treating perpetrators challenging—but not... Read more
The arrival of children in a coercively controlling relationship adds a complicated abuse accelerant. Read more
Watch this clip of Dr. Ramani explaining the signs of narcissistic abuse in a relationship and what it looks like in your therapy office. Read more
Watch this clip of Dr. Ramani explaining how to help your clients who are survivors of narcissistic and build trust. Read more
Watch this clip of Dr. Ramani explaining what betrayal blindness looks like in relationships impacted by narcissistic abuse. Read more
Author and clinician Craig Malkin, PhD, sits down with Psychotherapy Networker’s editor in chief Livia Kent to talk about how to spot covert narcissism and... Read more
A covert narcissist’s eagerness to share their suffering can make them feel like ideal clients. And that’s what’s so vexing for clinicians. Read more
People in relationships with narcissists are rarely going to catalyze meaningful change in their partners. How can therapists support them, whether they leave... Read more
Whether it's vanity, a failure to take constructive criticism, mistreating family and friends, or lacking empathy for others, clients with narcissistic traits... Read more
The jokes many couples share reinforce their identity as an “us.” But there can be a dark side to humor in couples, too. Read more
An expert on narcissism discusses how to help clients get clear about gaslighting and other abuses in their relationships. Read more
Underneath it all, the narcissist is skeptical and frightened. That’s the first thing to remember, according to Wendy Behary, a recognized expert in treating... Read more
Watch this clip to hear Bruce talk about a client unwilling to leave an abusive situation and the approach he uses to uncover the underlying reasons why. Read more
Given their arrogance, condescension, and lack of empathy, narcissists are notoriously difficult clients. The key to working with them is being direct and... Read more
Some practical guidelines for handling confrontive and critical clients. Read more
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