Narcissism Therapy
Understanding, Healing, and Rebuilding Relationships
In-Person in Jupiter & Daytona Beach, FL | Telehealth Across Florida
What Is Narcissism—and Who Is Affected?
Narcissism isn’t just a buzzword—it refers to a pattern of behavior characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Narcissistic traits exist on a spectrum, from occasional self-focus to diagnosable Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
People with narcissistic tendencies often struggle with relationships, boundaries, accountability, and emotional regulation. But therapy isn’t just for the person with narcissism—it’s often needed by the people around them: partners, children, coworkers, or family members impacted by the behavior.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 6.2% of U.S. adults may have NPD, with many more showing strong narcissistic traits that disrupt their personal and professional lives.
Who Benefits from Narcissism Therapy?
Those Diagnosed or Self-Identifying with Narcissistic Traits
Individuals may seek therapy to improve relationships, develop empathy, or address underlying insecurity, shame, or trauma that fuels narcissistic defenses.
Survivors of Narcissistic Relationships
People recovering from emotionally abusive dynamics often seek help to rebuild self-esteem, regain clarity, and learn how to set boundaries.
Couples or Families in Conflict
When narcissism is present in a relationship dynamic, therapy can help partners, co-parents, and families navigate communication, patterns of manipulation, and healing strategies.
Common Signs That Therapy May Help
Chronic conflict in close relationships
Need for control, validation, or admiration
Difficulty accepting feedback or blame
Manipulative, gaslighting, or emotionally abusive behavior
Constant emotional exhaustion in the presence of a narcissistic person
Feeling confused, diminished, or isolated after interactions
If any of these sound familiar, narcissism therapy may help restore emotional balance—for both individuals and those around them.
How Therapy Works for Narcissism
For the Person with Narcissistic Traits
Therapy is not about labeling—it’s about accountability, insight, and change. Our clinicians create a non-shaming space for clients to:
Understand the origins of narcissistic behaviors
Develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Learn relational repair and empathy skills
Manage anger, control, or insecurity in healthier ways
For Survivors or Partners
We help clients recognize manipulation, heal trauma bonds, and reclaim self-worth. Therapy includes:
Boundary setting and self-trust rebuilding
Processing trauma from gaslighting or emotional neglect
Learning to stop enabling harmful patterns
Exploring next steps in the relationship—whether to stay or separate
Our Expert Team
Dr. Susan Chern, LMFT
Specializes in high-conflict relationships, emotional manipulation recovery, and family therapy with a trauma-informed lens.
Julia Bonnewitz, Esq., Mediator & Counselor
Offers a legal-meets-emotional framework for clients navigating custody, separation, or narcissistic co-parenting challenges.
Treatment Approaches We Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps clients recognize and shift harmful thinking patterns that fuel conflict and emotional dysregulation.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Explores the root causes of narcissistic defenses, often related to early attachment wounds and unmet emotional needs.
Trauma-Informed Counseling
Especially for survivors of narcissistic abuse, this approach helps clients rebuild nervous system safety and resilience.
Narcissism in Co-Parenting or Family Dynamics
Narcissistic behaviors often create instability in parenting relationships. Our team offers counseling and mediation to reduce harm, support children, and protect emotional well-being.
Narcissism and Workplace Stress
Narcissistic leaders or coworkers can create toxic, high-conflict environments. Therapy helps employees process work-related trauma and build strategies for professional self-protection.
Narcissism Isn’t Always Obvious
Covert narcissism—quiet superiority, passive-aggression, or chronic victimhood—can be just as harmful as grandiose displays. We help clients spot the signs, even when they’re subtle.
You Deserve Peace and Clarity
Whether you’re managing narcissistic traits yourself or healing from their effects, help is available—and it starts with one conversation.
Resources
National Institutes of Health (NIH). Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181992/American Psychological Association. Understanding Narcissism.
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/narcissismNational Domestic Violence Hotline. Emotional Abuse and Narcissistic Behavior.
https://www.thehotline.org/