In my practice, when working with individuals in relationships marked by narcissistic abuse, I’ve often been asked this question: “Do I bring my spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, or even my grandmother (the narcissistic person) along? Maybe therapy will help them too?” Each time, I could feel the deep desire to help in their voices. Narcissistic relationships are profoundly challenging, and it’s natural to wonder if therapy could offer a solution.

Whether you’re directly in a relationship with a narcissist or watching a loved one struggle, the question of “Will therapy help a narcissist?” is crucial. To address this, we’ll dive deep into understanding narcissistic traits, the role of therapy, and whether it’s worth pursuing professional help.

Will Therapy Help a Narcissist?

The answer to this question isn’t straightforward. Therapy can potentially help a narcissist, but several factors come into play. Narcissism is often characterized by traits such as a lack of empathy, an inflated sense of self-importance, and an unwillingness to acknowledge personal faults. These traits can create significant barriers to engaging in therapy effectively.

However, with the right therapist and approach, some narcissists can benefit from therapy. For instance, therapy might help them:

Develop a greater awareness of how their behavior impacts others.
Address underlying issues such as trauma or insecurities.
Improve interpersonal relationships by learning healthier communication patterns.

Yet, this requires a willingness to participate genuinely in therapy, which is often a challenge for many individuals with narcissistic tendencies. Without intrinsic motivation or accountability, progress may be minimal.

This is why, in most cases, you cannot “fix” a narcissist. Therapy should not be tailored toward mending the relationship but instead focus on individual healing and boundary setting. Additionally, attending sessions together is generally discouraged, as it can unintentionally reinforce harmful dynamics rather than promoting meaningful change.

Can a Narcissist Heal With Therapy?

While therapy can be a powerful tool, it’s important to understand that narcissism exists on a spectrum. Healing in this context doesn’t necessarily mean eradicating all narcissistic traits but rather fostering self-awareness and promoting healthier behaviors.

For narcissists willing to engage, therapy can help them:

Recognize harmful patterns.
Develop empathy.
Build healthier coping mechanisms.

That said, lasting change often requires ongoing effort and a strong commitment. Many narcissists struggle to accept feedback or take accountability for their actions, which can limit the effectiveness of therapy.

For those who do see improvements, therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy have shown promise. These approaches focus on challenging negative thought patterns and addressing deeply rooted issues.

Is It Worth Going to Therapy With a Narcissist?

This is a deeply personal question, and the answer depends on your situation. Attending therapy with a narcissist can offer some benefits:

It provides a neutral space to address relationship issues.
It can help you set boundaries and communicate more effectively.
It may encourage the narcissistic person to reflect on their behavior.

However, as earlier mentioned, there are also risks. Narcissists may manipulate the therapy process, deflect responsibility, or use sessions as an opportunity to blame others. For this reason, it’s often recommended that individuals in narcissistic relationships seek therapy for themselves first.

Through individual therapy, you can:

Gain clarity about your relationship.
Learn strategies to protect your emotional well-being.
Explore whether continued engagement with the narcissist is healthy for you.

If you’re unsure whether joint therapy is the right step, contact us through our Contact Page and be guided by our experienced therapists. We’re here to walk that journey with you.

Can You Get Help for Being a Narcissist?

Yes, individuals with narcissistic tendencies can seek help for themselves. Therapy can be transformative if the narcissist is genuinely willing to change and work through their behaviors. Motivations for seeking help might include:

Experiencing significant relationship breakdowns.
Facing consequences at work or in social settings.
Realizing that their behavior stems from unresolved trauma or insecurity.

It’s important to approach therapy with realistic expectations. While some narcissists make meaningful progress, others may resist change. The success of therapy depends largely on their willingness to reflect honestly and take accountability.

It is also important to note that most narcissists resist acknowledging their harmful behaviors or taking responsibility for the impact they have on others. This resistance can hinder the therapeutic process and make meaningful progress challenging.

Without a genuine desire to change, therapy may focus more on managing behaviors rather than fostering deep, lasting transformation.

What Therapy Is Best for Narcissism?

Several therapeutic approaches have shown effectiveness in addressing narcissistic traits:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to harmful behaviors.
Schema Therapy: Helps individuals understand and heal from early-life experiences that shaped their narcissistic traits.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills such as emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness, which can benefit individuals with narcissistic tendencies.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious motivations and unresolved conflicts to promote self-awareness and healthier behaviors.

While these therapies can be effective, progress may be slow and requires a strong commitment from the individual.

Final Thoughts

This brings us back to the central question: Will therapy help a narcissist? The answer depends on their willingness to participate genuinely and the therapist’s skill in navigating the complexities of narcissism. For individuals in relationships with narcissists, seeking therapy for yourself is often a critical first step in understanding and addressing the challenges you face.

Remember, whether you’re in a relationship with a narcissist or observing from the sidelines, help is available. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

For more guidance or support, book a session through our Contact Page. We’re here to help you explore your options and make informed decisions. Our Facebook Page is also filled with resources that can be incredibly helpful.