
When people describe someone as narcissistic, they often mean someone who talks excessively about themselves or craves admiration. But narcissism goes deeper than that — it involves a self-focus that often leads to a disregard for others' feelings and a fear of failure or rejection.
In this blog, we’ll break down the types of narcissism, how they can show up in relationships, and how therapy can help both those struggling with narcissistic traits and those impacted by them.

Narcissism vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
Most people exhibit some narcissistic traits from time to time, such as wanting recognition or feeling proud of achievements. However, when these traits persistently disrupt multiple areas of someone’s life, they may indicate Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), a formal mental health diagnosis.
Types of Narcissism
1. Overt Narcissism
Outgoing, arrogant, and entitled
Exploitative and competitive
Often lacks empathy
Key Characteristics: Overt narcissists seek constant praise and admiration and may overestimate their emotional intelligence.
2. Covert Narcissism (Vulnerable Narcissism)
Shy or insecure
Prone to anxiety, depression, and defensiveness
Key Characteristics: Despite appearing introverted, covert narcissists remain self-focused and often interpret benign criticism as severe attacks.
3. Antagonistic Narcissism
Focus on rivalry and competition
Argumentative, irritable, and manipulative
Key Characteristics: These individuals may exploit others to gain an advantage and prioritize winning over relationships.
4. Communal Narcissism
Appears generous and empathic
Seeks admiration for helping others
Easily morally outraged
Key Characteristics: The motivation behind communal narcissism is self-aggrandizement, not genuine altruism.
5. Malignant Narcissism
Vindictive, aggressive, and paranoid
Displays sadistic tendencies
Overlaps with overt narcissism but manifests in more destructive ways
Key Characteristics: Malignant narcissism can be highly harmful to those around the individual, often involving manipulative and hostile behaviours.
Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Narcissism
Adaptive narcissism involves traits that can be beneficial, such as self-reliance, healthy confidence, and the ability to celebrate personal achievements. These qualities may contribute to positive self-regard and personal success without harming others.
Maladaptive narcissism, on the other hand, refers to traits that negatively affect one’s interactions and relationships, such as arrogance, entitlement, or an inability to empathize. These patterns can create conflict and hinder meaningful connections.
It’s worth noting that research remains divided on whether narcissism is a natural extension of healthy self-confidence or a distinct psychological phenomenon. Nonetheless, understanding these variations can help foster self-awareness and encourage growth.
The Power of Therapy in Navigating Narcissism
Therapy offers invaluable tools for managing narcissistic traits and healing from narcissistic abuse. Below are some therapeutic approaches that can help:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals recognize and change harmful thought patterns and behaviors.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT): Focuses on shifting beliefs about thought processes.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Combines emotional regulation strategies with acceptance techniques.
Group Therapy: Provides communal support and a safe space to explore interpersonal patterns.
Couples or Family Therapy: Helps rebuild and restore healthy relational dynamics.
Therapy encourages individuals to accept criticism, set realistic goals, and develop empathy, fostering better relationships and personal growth.
For Survivors of Narcissistic Abuse:
If you’ve experienced narcissistic abuse, therapy can be a crucial step in healing. Here are some effective approaches:
Brainspotting (BSP): Targets trauma by helping clients identify and process unresolved emotional pain.
CBT for Trauma: Reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Helps survivors recognize patterns of abuse and their origins.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Teaches clients to manage rumination and anxiety through meditation.
DBT for Emotional Regulation: Provides practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions.
Expressive Therapies: Art, music, and movement therapy offer creative outlets for processing trauma.
Narrative Therapy: Empowers survivors to rewrite their personal stories and see themselves as resilient survivors rather than victims.
Support Groups: Provides a safe space for sharing experiences and learning coping strategies.
How Therapy Empowers Survivors
Psychoeducation: Helps clients understand the dynamics of narcissistic abuse, including manipulative tactics like gaslighting.
Boundary Setting: Equips clients with assertive communication strategies and techniques to maintain healthy boundaries.
Self-Compassion and Self-Care: Guides clients toward challenging negative self-talk and fostering a sense of self-worth.
Next Steps: Reclaiming Your Power
Therapy is a powerful tool for both individuals with narcissistic tendencies and those who have been affected by narcissistic relationships. It can help you build empathy, resilience, and self-compassion while fostering healthier relationships.
If you’re ready to explore therapy or have questions about your own experience with narcissism, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist. Therapy can help you break free from destructive patterns and live a more authentic, empowered life.

Linda Thai, MACP, is a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. She is trained in various therapeutic approaches, including Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialogic Therapy, and Gottman Couples Therapy.
Linda has extensive experience working with survivors of narcissistic relationships, helping them navigate the complexities of recovery and personal growth.
Her warm, empathic approach ensures clients feel heard and supported throughout their healing journey. Linda offers virtual therapy sessions, providing accessible support across Ontario. She is also experienced in working with BIPOC and LGBTQ populations. To learn more or schedule a free 15-minute consultation, visit her profile at Your Story Counselling.
Your Story Counselling Services is a multicultural, inclusive, BIPOC clinic that offers online services as well as in-person sessions in Vaughan and Markham.
If you have additional questions regarding the contents of this article, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to answer you.
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The information provided in this article is intended to be general knowledge and does not constitute as professional advice or treatment. This information is not intended for the use of diagnosis or treatment. Please do not share or distribute this article without the proper referencing or written/verbal consent of Judy Lui. Additional information can be found at www.yourstorycounselling.com or requested via info@yourstorycounselling.com
KEYWORDS:
Narcissism, narcissistic personality disorder, NPD, narcissistic traits, overt narcissism, covert narcissism, malignant narcissism, communal narcissism, antagonistic narcissism, narcissistic abuse, therapy for narcissism, brainspotting, trauma therapy, CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, psychodynamic therapy, expressive therapies, narrative therapy, emotional healing, mental health, self-awareness, boundary setting, empathy, personal growth, trauma recovery, relationship dynamics, emotional resilience.
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