Narcissistic Personality Disorder is one of the most misunderstood, yet pervasive disorders out there.
When you think of a stereotypical narcissist, you often think of someone who is overconfident, selfish, and arrogant.
And let’s be real: you’ve probably come across plenty of people like this in your life.
However, these are just surface level personality traits that don’t capture the entire picture of this disorder.
Behind the air of false confidence there are usually significant underlying issues and trauma that have been left untreated.
Like everything, narcissistic traits lie on a spectrum.
It’s not black and white.
Most people have some degree of narcissistic traits, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
One of the issues that is commonly hidden by narcissism is the feeling of inferiority, which is disguised by compensatory expressions of superiority and grandeur.
Constantly trying to overcompensate is a difficult and unhealthy way to live, and can eventually take a toll on your mental wellbeing, relationships, and career.
Some of the environmental factors contributing to narcissistic tendencies or Narcissistic Personality Disorder include childhood abuse or neglect, parental pampering or spoiling, unrealistic expectations, sexual promiscuity, or other cultural influences that can reinforce these tendencies.
It’s important to remember that narcissism falls on a spectrum and everyone has some narcissistic traits at times.
That means just because you show some signs, doesn’t mean you have Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Let’s take a look at some classic signs that people struggling with NPD display.
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If you’re experiencing any of these issues, they undoubtedly take a toll on many areas of your life.
Let’s dive into NPD’s far-reaching complications.
Our therapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and Family Therapy, which are all proven by research to be highly effective in treating NPD.
In other words, we’re here to help!
We understand how difficult it can be living with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and the impacts it can have on you and those around you.
We’re trained to see behind the surface into the deeper issues and help you heal them.
Part of our treatment involves repairing possibly damaged relationships with friends, family, and coworkers, along with forgiving yourself.
We will also help you avoid situations that trigger negative behaviors such as alcohol, drugs, or other substances, and we have therapists that specialize in addiction as well as other techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
At My LA Therapy, we will create individual plans based on your unique needs to assist you in becoming your best self.
We’ll help you realize your strengths, develop the awareness necessary to be receptive to criticisms or failures, understand yourself and your condition, and manage your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a way that doesn’t alienate others.
Additionally, we’ll help you better manage your self-esteem issues, and provide you with the tools you need to set realistic goals for yourself.
While these things are difficult to change—we’re not going to lie—they will surely make a difference long term and increase the overall quality of your life for you and those around you.
In other words, it’s worth it.
If you can admit you have a problem and are willing to look at yourself in the mirror, couples therapy can also help.
The unique dynamic in a couples therapy setting will allow you to replace narcissistic compensations with a deep sense of security within yourself and help you develop empathy for other people’s point of needs and feelings, thus healing your relationships.
But this will only work if you’re willing to take responsibility for your own stuff and not lay blame on your partner.
If you’re in a relationship with someone with NPD, we can help you too!
Typically, narcissistic relationships are characterized by major codependency issues, which we also specialize in.
Narcissism and codependency usually have their roots in deep trauma, attachment issues, and problems with self-worth and emotional expression.
All of which we are trained to help you heal and overcome to become more empowered and alive.
Therapy can successfully improve your life by helping you minimize the anxiety in your life, identify and change underlying thought and behavioral patterns that contribute to your struggles, and provide you with strategies to decrease discomfort while restoring an overall sense of peace.
To experience true and lasting joy in our life, we must face and conquer our pain by healing our underlying trauma and confronting our fears.
Our evidence-based, scientifically proven interventions are demonstrated by research to be effective in overcoming underlying trauma and mental health concerns that contribute to Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Clinical Director, Founder, Therapist
Therapist
I am blown away! I don’t write testimonials, unless I have been extremely moved by something. I was blessed to work with Brooke on a single session, and before this I was in therapy on and off with multiple therapists for the last 20 years of my life. Brooke was able to do more in one session than many years of work with my previous therapist. She has the true gift of great insight and compassion while also getting straight to the heart of your blind spots and unconscious issues in a way that has truly changed my life.
Skyler J.
There are people who are good at their work there are people like Brooke: who are born to do it. I cannot recommend Brooke more highly. I can only imagine where I would be today if I had started working with her years ago. From the beginning of our session, she knew exactly what tools and questions that would work for my particular psychology and my personal experience. No other therapist has been able to do that or anything close.
What I also really appreciate from our session is Brooke's ability to go directly to the source of the issue while also keeping a very gentle and kind energy with me. I felt very seen, understood, and supported. Everything and more that I could have ever asked for from a therapist. I have a severe trauma history and complex issues she was able to immediately identify and help. If she could help me, I know she can help you too.
Taylor E.
You did more in 45 minutes than my last therapist did in a year.
Jamie
With your help, I've finally started to understand that while my vivid imagination often wants to create terrifying monsters under the bed, in a lot of cases those monsters are nothing more than a heap of decidedly less-terrifying laundry I've avoided for too long that just needs to be aired out and put away. Which is definitely a lot easier than monster slaying. Thank you for shedding light in the dark places I was too afraid to face alone.
Morgan B.
I am extremely fortunate to work with Sydney, who is helping me create real internal change. The talent to listen well is Hall of Fame stuff, and she has that. She then follows with questions, strategies that are organic to the moment. I have come to believe that deep, radical, if occasionally deeply painful change ... and, then, healing can happen. I'm just at the lip of that last part - but would not have gotten there, AT ALL, without Sydney
Ric K.
The best therapist ever! Life-changing 🙂
Catherine H.
Right now, the work is changing my life, sometimes in inches, sometimes in miles.
Ric K.
