Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) can make life hard—not just for the person struggling, but also for their family members and loved ones. The good news is there are proven ways to help.
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we offer therapy for narcissistic personality disorder using evidence-based methods in a safe, supportive space.
Let’s explore what NPD is, how therapy for narcissistic personality disorder works, and what support looks like.
Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition that falls under Cluster B in the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. It’s marked by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. These traits can lead to major issues in interpersonal relationships.
While people with NPD may show strong, confident personalities on the outside, many actually struggle with low self-esteem, emotional distress, and distress tolerance.
The diagnosis of NPD often overlaps with related conditions like borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and histrionic personality disorder. People may also deal with eating disorders, substance use disorders, or other psychiatric-disorders.
The Narcissistic Personality Inventory and clinical interviews help licensed therapists identify narcissistic behaviors and behavior patterns that meet the diagnostic criteria.
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we understand how early life experiences and childhood trauma can contribute to narcissistic personality disorder causes. That’s why our treatment plans include talk therapy and trauma-informed approaches designed to uncover and treat those root issues.
Psychotherapy for NPD
Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, is the main treatment of narcissistic personality disorder. At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we provide a wide range of evidence-based therapy options tailored to each client’s needs.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals understand and change distorted thoughts and behavior patterns. It’s especially useful for those with narcissistic traits who struggle with negative emotional experiences and defense mechanisms.
We also offer dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which teaches distress tolerance, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. These skills can help narcissists improve interpersonal skills and reduce exploitative behavior that often harms personal relationships.
Other therapy options include:
- Schema therapy, which addresses deeply rooted beliefs and early experiences.
- Mentalization-based therapy and mentalization-based treatment, which build awareness of one’s own and others’ mental states.
- Transference-focused psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapy, which explore past experiences and emotional distress.
- Gestalt therapy, which emphasizes the here-and-now of emotional experiences.
- Metacognitive interpersonal therapy, which improves how someone views themselves and others.
Whether in individual, group therapy, or family therapy settings, we focus on building a strong therapeutic alliance, which is key to progress.
Techniques and Strategies in Therapy
Our approach to therapy for narcissistic personality disorder combines practical tools with emotional insight. Licensed therapists at Southern Live Oak Wellness use techniques that support healthier relationships and personal growth.
We start each case report with a detailed evaluation. From there, we create a treatment plan that fits the client’s unique needs and mental health problems. This plan often includes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Common strategies include:
- Helping clients recognize and manage narcissistic tendencies and behaviors.
- Teaching new coping mechanisms for emotional distress.
- Addressing maladaptive personality traits, including the drive to take advantage of others.
- Replacing rigid high standards with realistic, healthy goals.
These strategies are delivered in therapy sessions designed to be short term at first, with the option to extend based on progress. Clients can also join a support group or participate in family programming, allowing close relatives to better understand the challenges tied to NPD.
The goal isn’t just to reduce symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder. We want clients to improve their interpersonal relationships, build empathy, and develop emotional insight—all in a safe and structured setting.
Medication and NPD
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder. However, medication can help manage related conditions or symptoms.
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, our healthcare providers may prescribe medications as part of a well-rounded treatment plan. Some individuals with NPD also struggle with mood swings, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, or co-occurring mental illness such as bipolar disorder or borderline personality disorder.
In such cases, the following may be recommended:
- Mood stabilizers to reduce emotional highs and lows.
- Antipsychotic medications for severe thought disturbances or aggressive behavior.
- Medications to manage anxiety, depression, or symptoms of other psychiatric-disorders.
Medication stabilization is available through our licensed professionals and is only introduced after a full assessment of the individual’s mental health care needs and medical conditions.
We monitor progress throughout therapy sessions to ensure medication supports—not replaces—psychotherapy. Treatment plans are adjusted regularly to improve mental health therapy outcomes and reduce emotional distress.
Our goal is always long-term wellness, not just symptom relief.
Challenges in Treating NPD
Treating narcissistic personality disorder comes with challenges, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we recognize that hard work, patience, and the right therapy options can lead to real change.
People with NPD often use defense mechanisms to avoid feelings of vulnerability. They might resist feedback, reject help, or blame others for their problems. These behavior patterns can make forming a therapeutic alliance difficult.
Another hurdle is co-occurring mental health disorders. Someone may have narcissistic personality disorder along with substance use disorders, eating disorders, or major mood disorders.
We address these complexities through integrated care. Our clinicians are trained to recognize and treat the full spectrum of mental disorders, not just the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.
Many clients also face emotional distress rooted in early life experiences or traumatic events. These issues must be approached with care and expertise, which is why our licensed therapists focus on building trust and understanding from day one.
Every client is met with respect and a treatment plan that honors their individuality.
Support Systems and NPD
A strong support system is crucial when dealing with narcissistic personality disorder. At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we involve family members and loved ones in the healing process through structured family therapy for narcissistic personality disorder and family programming.
Narcissistic behaviors often cause strain in personal relationships. Rebuilding those connections requires education, open communication, and support.
Our support group options and alumni program also help clients stay connected. Weekly check-ins, social events, and peer interaction make sure nobody feels isolated in their recovery journey.
We also teach interpersonal skills and distress tolerance, helping clients move away from exploitative behavior and toward healthier relationships. This support extends to therapeutic living environments, where clients continue mental health treatment in a stable, structured setting.
Support systems do more than boost mental health therapy outcomes—they help rebuild trust, reinforce positive behavior patterns, and provide emotional safety during tough moments.
Clients don’t have to face narcissistic personality disorder alone. We’re here for the long haul.
Self-Help Strategies for Individuals with NPD
Therapy for narcissistic personality disorder is just one part of the puzzle. Some people don’t even know they have NPD, take this test to find out if you have it, and how to get treatment. Clients also benefit from developing self-help habits they can use in everyday life.
Here are some helpful tools we encourage at Southern Live Oak Wellness:
- Journaling to explore mental states and emotional experiences.
- Mindfulness practices to reduce stress and boost awareness.
- Setting realistic goals instead of chasing perfection or high standards.
- Reflecting on past experiences to understand patterns and triggers.
- Being open-minded and willing to learn from feedback.
We also guide clients in identifying unhealthy coping mechanisms and replacing them with healthier routines. This includes practicing empathy, considering others’ needs, and learning to manage conflict without aggression.
These strategies are woven into therapy for narcissistic personality disorder, group therapy, and psychoeducation components of care. Over time, they support lasting change—inside and outside the therapy room.
Even when it feels tough, growth is possible. All it takes is an open mind and steady effort.
Where Healing Begins
Therapy for narcissistic personality disorder takes time, but with expert support and the right tools, change is possible.
At Southern Live Oak Wellness, we offer personalized treatment plans that support growth, healing, and healthier relationships—starting today. Reach out today to learn how we can help.
