An experienced, clinically trained psychotherapist can be deceived by a highly accomplished narcissistic personality. Usually, Narcissists don’t seek therapy since they believe that they are perfect. Everyone else is flawed and burdened by psychological problems. Narcissists are at times dragged into therapy by a spouse or partner who is threatening to breakup or divorce them. If there is money involved, many narcissists don’t want to go through a divorce and possibly lose their material assets.
The narcissist goes along for the ride. Even seasoned therapists can be dazzled by the narcissist’s magnetism, compliments and general aura of power and command. In the early sessions, the narcissist is capable of disarming some therapists who are susceptible to his or her charming ways. The narcissist in the beginning idealizes the therapist and experiences him or her as all good. Some therapists are psychologically vulnerable to these powerful doses of adulation. There can be an overwhelming gravitational pull on the part of the therapist to believe what the narcissist is saying. If this is the case, the narcissist has prevailed and any possibility for therapeutic work is preempted.
Formal study of and clinical experience with the narcissistic personality and those who are involved with them are an essential part of training for psychotherapists. Professional licenses should require an increased number of private therapy hours for those who are planning to become professional therapists. Ongoing personal therapy and skilled clinical supervision from experts in the narcissistic personality will assist therapists in avoiding the snares and pitfalls that await professionals who treat narcissistic personality disorders and provide high quality therapy to clients who are living and dealing with narcissists .
Source by
Linda Martinez-Lewi Ph.D.
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