Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Navigating life with narcissistic traits—or being diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder—can affect how you relate to others and how you feel about yourself. Working with a skilled therapist for narcissism can help you understand these patterns and begin meaningful change.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)
3720 Benson Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
Heidi Soto Holgate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in Raleigh, North Carolina. They treat Narcissism, Anxiety, Avoidant Personality.
As a social worker, my practice is deeply rooted in a commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and cultural humility.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
7633 Ganser Way, Madison, Wisconsin 53719
Margaret Bester is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Madison, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 21 years. They treat Narcissism, Self-Esteem, Sexual Assault.
Current availability, all identities welcome, experienced and passionate professionals working with a variety of diagnosis' and symptoms.
Sport Psychologist
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Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Narcissism, Trauma, Women's Issues.
Licensed clinical sports psychologist, specializing in mental health treatment and performance enhancement in elite athletes
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
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Vilija Paulius is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in undefined, undefined. They treat Narcissism, Loneliness/Isolation, Career.
Empowering Change Through Compassionate Therapy
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
4182 North Viking Way, Long Beach, California 90808
Patrick Cleveland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Long Beach, California and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Narcissism, Trauma, Life Transitions.
Greetings! I am the founder & clinical director of Daybreak Counseling Center. We provide psychotherapy in Long Beach, Cerritos, & Online in all of CA.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Kateryna Chorna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Narcissism, Body Image, Self-Esteem.
Supporting in healing from anxiety, depression, and trauma with EMDR, DBT, and trauma-informed care for calm, balance, and resilience.
Perfectionism and "all-or-nothing" thinking can crowd out joy and growth. Therapy helps artists find balance.
A personality disorder is a long-term pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differs significantly from what is culturally expected and causes problems in relationships, work, or self-image. These patterns tend to be stable over time and can feel deeply ingrained.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is one type of personality disorder. It involves a pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy—but the experience is often more complex than the stereotype suggests.
A narcissistic therapist can help identify whether your behaviors or traits align with this diagnosis and what steps you can take toward growth and healthier relationships.
You might wonder about narcissism if you’ve been told you’re self-centered, manipulative, or emotionally distant—or if you often feel misunderstood, rejected, or overly sensitive to criticism.
Common experiences include:
At the same time, people with narcissistic traits often experience insecurity, shame, or deep sensitivity to perceived rejection.
Working with a therapist specializing in narcissism can help you explore these patterns without judgment and identify whether narcissism is part of your experience.
Narcissism exists on a spectrum. While many people have some narcissistic traits, they only become problematic when they lead to ongoing distress, interpersonal conflict, or dysfunction.
Key symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder include:
If these patterns persist and cause distress or disruption, talk therapy for narcissistic personality disorder can provide tools for self-awareness and change.
The DSM-5 defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.
To receive a diagnosis, a person must meet at least five of the nine criteria listed in the DSM. However, diagnosis isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about understanding how these traits affect your life.
A licensed narcissistic personality disorder therapist can assess your symptoms in context and help determine whether they meet clinical criteria or fall somewhere else on the spectrum.
Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical interview conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist. You may be asked about:
In some cases, standardized assessment tools may be used. Many people seek help not because they identify as narcissistic, but because they’re struggling with relationships, depression, anxiety, or anger.
A therapist for narcissism can help you understand how these struggles may be linked to narcissistic patterns—and how to move forward.
Narcissistic traits typically develop from a mix of early experiences, temperament, and environment. Common contributing factors include:
Childhood experiences:
Psychological and social factors:
Understanding the roots of narcissism helps move the conversation away from blame and toward healing. Counseling for narcissism often involves exploring early relational dynamics and developing new ways to meet emotional needs.
Yes—many people with narcissistic traits are capable of empathy and love, but they may struggle to express it consistently or recognize others’ needs in the moment.
They might:
Therapy helps strengthen emotional awareness and interpersonal skills. A skilled therapist for narcissism can support this growth without reinforcing shame or defensiveness.
Not necessarily. Some traits associated with narcissism—like confidence, ambition, and leadership—can be strengths when expressed in healthy, balanced ways.
It’s when these traits become extreme, rigid, or harmful to yourself or others that problems arise.
Therapy can help:
Working with a narcissistic therapist can help you keep the parts of narcissism that serve you while addressing those that cause harm.
Yes—narcissism is treatable, especially when someone is willing to reflect and engage in therapy consistently. While personality traits are deeply rooted, they are not fixed.
Therapy can:
Many people benefit from long-term work with a therapist specializing in narcissism, especially when sessions are approached with openness and curiosity.
Treatment usually involves talk therapy for narcissistic personality disorder, with a focus on increasing self-awareness, emotional depth, and healthier ways of relating to others.
Psychodynamic therapy
Explores unconscious patterns, early attachments, and internal conflicts. Helps build a more stable, integrated sense of self.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps identify and challenge distorted beliefs about self and others, and promotes more flexible thinking.
Schema therapy
Combines CBT, attachment theory, and emotion-focused approaches to reshape core beliefs formed in childhood.
Psychoeducation
Helps you understand the psychology of narcissism and how emotional regulation, empathy, and boundaries can be developed.
Behavioral strategies
Medication
While no medication treats narcissism directly, psychiatric medications may help manage co-occurring symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mood instability.
A narcissistic personality disorder therapist will tailor treatment based on your unique goals, needs, and emotional style.
Treatment is best provided by licensed professionals with specific experience in personality disorders and relational dynamics. This may include:
When looking to find a narcissistic therapist, ask about their experience working with narcissism and how they approach therapy without reinforcing shame or defensiveness.
Untreated narcissism can lead to:
Treatment isn’t about tearing yourself down—it’s about learning new ways to build a stronger, more resilient self. Therapy offers the chance to deepen your emotional life, improve relationships, and create more meaningful success.
Working with a therapist for narcissism gives you the opportunity to grow into a version of yourself that feels both powerful and connected.
While both are personality disorders, they differ in core emotional dynamics and relational patterns.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):
Both conditions may involve difficulties with boundaries, self-image, and emotional regulation—but treatment approaches and emotional needs differ. A therapist specializing in narcissism can help clarify your diagnosis and personalize care.
No. Not all people with narcissistic traits are abusive. While some individuals with high narcissism may engage in manipulative or harmful behavior, many want to change, improve their relationships, and reduce the negative effects of their traits.
The term "narcissist" is often misused to describe anyone who is selfish or difficult. It’s important to distinguish between clinical narcissism and toxic behavior.
People with narcissistic traits:
With the right support, meaningful change is possible—and working with a therapist for narcissism can help begin that process.
Whether you’re seeking to better understand your patterns or ready to commit to personal growth, working with a narcissistic therapist, starting counseling for narcissism, or exploring talk therapy for narcissistic personality disorder is a powerful step forward. With the right support, change is possible—and connection is within reach.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
