Narcissism

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Being in a relationship with a narcissist can become a very frustrating and stressful one. In their craving for control and admiration, narcissistic people can manipulate and exploit others, damaging their self-esteem and even changing the way the victims perceive the world. Arguing with a narcissist about their way of treating others is a useless task because they will not be aware of the damage they cause.

Therefore, one of the best solutions is to set limits and emotionally distance yourself from this type of person. We must recognize that we cannot always control our feelings about a person, but we can control how we respond to their behaviour. Many people choose to cut the ties that bind them to a narcissistic partner, a narcissistic family member, or a narcissistic boss. However, in the long term, it is best to do everything possible to get these people to go to therapy.

This psychopathology causes the person with the disorder to have conflicts in their interpersonal relationships, especially because of the markedly narcissistic person’s lack of empathy. It also manifests itself in the form of antagonism, motivated by the need to be the centre of attention. If someone says one thing, the narcissistic person has a great need to say just the opposite and emphasize that whoever said that thing is wrong, even if it is almost common sense that it is the narcissist who is wrong.

As pathological narcissism is part of personality disorders, its symptoms are present in practically all areas of a person’s life, being “fused” with their way of being in all kinds of situations. That is why the psychological treatment of this disorder is complicated, especially considering that those who develop pathological narcissism do not usually welcome the idea of going to mental health professionals.

The truth is that both perspectives are partly right: narcissism can be an element of personality, or it can be a type of personality disorder. The important thing is to be clear that there is a clear difference between both meanings and that it is convenient not to mix both meanings.

That is why today we are going to talk about what narcissism is in psychology, addressing both the trait at normal levels and when healthy limits are exceeded and a narcissistic personality disorder, or pathological narcissism, is fully involved.

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Narcissism is a concept widely used by both society and psychology. It is used interchangeably for people; in this article, we clarify that and also provide the best therapy or treatment for narcissism.

Narcissism can be understood from different perspectives.

On the one hand, it is usually defined as a personality disorder that encompasses certain pathological traits, such as feelings of excessive greatness and the excessive need for admiration.

However, on the other hand, narcissism is also understood as a phase of the psychological development of the person, in which he acquires self-confidence to face the world.

The term narcissism has also advanced in society and is used colloquially to designate people who have higher self-esteem than normal and is similar to concepts such as self-centeredness and pride.

Characteristics of a Narcissistic Person

Beyond the fact that it is important to have solid self-esteem to face the challenges of life, that security may become destructive for himself and those around him, developing characteristics such as the following:

• Inability to create intimacy with the other.
• Need to be admired.
• They do not have contact with their feelings, nor can they empathize.
• They can’t ask for help.
• They can be arrogant and aggressive.
• They do not usually thank or consider the other.
• Apparently, they can’t be hurt by others.
• They do not accept the help or advice of the other.
• They are not aware of their narcissism

The most effective, though sometimes long-lasting, treatment for narcissism is psychological therapy. This treatment can be of a psychoanalytic, cognitive or existential nature, among other recommended psychological currents. The therapy deals with a meeting, generally weekly, of 45 to 50 minutes, working on the total personality of the individual. The modality of these meetings can be both face-to-face and online, both equally effective.

Due to the particular characteristics that people with this disorder have, it is difficult for them to seek help on their own. Many times they go because of pressure or recommendation from a family member or friend. Unless the narcissist has entered a deep depression, and there he does go because of the extreme situation of his health.

For the treatment to have an effect, like any process, the person needs to attend treatment regularly, that is, adhere to it, in order to really see progress and improvements.

Being able to see how our relationships are and how we contact others is a good indication of knowing if there is a narcissistic trait in us. Generating a certain intimacy with others, taking them into account and consideration, will help us move away from narcissism and connect with love.

Can a narcissist change?

Yes, you can change, but you need, first, to recognize your pathology so that, with a lot of personal work, you can contact your deep wound. The narcissist can improve if he embarks, committed, on a journey of self-knowledge. It is very important that this person begins to generate awareness of himself and the other.

Can a narcissist have a partner?

Yes. The problem is what that relationship is like. It can be very asymmetric, or take advantage of the meeting to grow, get to know each other and see your own vulnerability. In this way, leaving behind narcissism and a superficial bond to enter the depth of love.

Reflection

If you know a person or doubt if you are a narcissist yourself, it is always advisable to go to a professional psychologist to rule out doubts or to guide you in the process of recommending the best treatment. Remember that on our platform, we have hundreds of professional psychologists qualified to make psychological diagnoses and treatments for narcissism.…

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