Narcissistic Personality Disorder can make you feel isolated, and it is often misunderstood. Wherever you are on your journey navigating narcissism, our narcissistic personality therapists are here to help. Non-judgmental, thoughtful care is available for individuals who identify with a more narcissistic personality style or the narcissistic personality disorder diagnosis.
THERAPY FOR NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER IN CHICAGO, IL
What is the best therapy for narcissism?
In addition to supporting survivors of abuse, Two Lights Therapy Center also offers treatment for those with narcissistic tendencies or narcissistic personality disorder. The best kind of therapy for someone with narcissistic traits is the kind of therapy that they will feel comfortable continuing. There’s a common belief that individuals with narcissistic tendencies cannot benefit from therapy or create lasting change in their lives. This is not always the case. With the right support, meaningful self-reflection, and a commitment to growth, people with narcissistic traits can develop healthier relationships and more fulfilling daily lives. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients who have learned new skills, deepened their self-awareness, and made significant changes that positively impacted their lives and the lives of those around them. Therapy can provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore these patterns and work toward transformation—something we believe is absolutely possible with the right approach.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Avoidant Attachment Style?
At Two Lights Therapy Center, we work with both narcissistic personality styles and avoidant attachment styles. While the labels may differ, both patterns often stem from early relational trauma or inconsistent caregiving. Without specialized care, it can be difficult to distinguish between narcissistic tendencies and behaviors shaped by less extreme attachment learnings. Rather than focusing too heavily on labeling, we explore the underlying pains, traumas, protective strategies, and attachment wounds that may have shaped certain behaviors or attitudes. We rarely use pathologizing terms like “maladaptive coping,” as we believe all behaviors have served a function at some point. Our goal is to examine patterns with curiosity and compassion instead of judgment.
Narcissism Therapy:
What Do Sessions Look Like?
My work is relational, meaning that I want to get to know you, and I take the time to do so. Mutual respect is key. In our work together, we will take a deep and compassionate look at the factors that have shaped your patterns and behaviors, including childhood experiences, past traumas, and attachment styles. By understanding how these early influences have impacted your sense of self and relationships, we can begin the healing process at its core. Using an integrative approach that combines Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & more, we’ll focus on building practical skills for improved social interactions, communication, and emotional regulation. At the same time, we will prioritize addressing and healing the wounds of your past, creating a path toward greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
Understanding Narcissism As A Spectrum
Narcissism exists on a spectrum, ranging from less severe, unhealthy patterns to more malignant and harmful expressions. On the milder end, individuals may struggle with shame, insecurity, defensiveness, or difficulty accessing or maintaining emotional empathy (vs. cognitive empathy), while on the more extreme end, behaviors will become exploitative, manipulative, and abusive. Viewing narcissism as a spectrum allows us to recognize the varying degrees of intensity and impact, providing a framework for understanding and addressing these traits in a nuanced and compassionate way in sessions.
Hi, it's Erika
TWO LIGHTS THERAPY | CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
If you are seeking therapy to address narcissistic traits, please know you are welcome here. It would be reasonable to assume that a therapist who works with survivors of narcissistic abuse might hold negative views about those who exhibit narcissistic behaviors. I believe that once you get to know me, you'll find that that's far from my truth. I am here to help you as well.
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My focus is not on labels-- it's on patterns, behaviors, and the underlying needs & traumas that shaped them. The narcissistic behaviors likely served an important purpose at some point in your past, protecting you from pain, shame, or even the impacts of abuse.
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What once helped you survive may now be creating distance in your relationships, leaving you feeling disconnected & unfulfilled. This doesn't mean the narcissistic traits weren't at one point adaptive, but it does mean some changes might be necessary for you to live a life that doesn't ultimately feel empty.
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Therapy with me is a space to explore these patterns with curiosity, not criticism. You'll find new ways of relating to yourself & others that align with the life & relationships you truly want.
I hope to see you soon. ​