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What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Life’s challenges can be overwhelming; everyone deserves a space to feel heard and supported. At Roamers Therapy, we provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and evidence-based environments to help you heal, grow, and navigate your mental well-being journey. As your psychotherapist,  we are here to guide you every step of the way.

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Narcissistic personality disorder is one of many personality disorders and is differentiated from others based on the following characteristics: an inflated sense of self/importance of self, a deep need for attention and or admiration, troubled relationships, and a lack of empathy for others. Although a narcissistic individual may seem confident, they have fragile self esteem that is vulnerable to any form of criticism. Additionally, their relationships have underlying currents of exploitation, where they expect to receive favors or use the relationship as a means to get what they want or need. Because of the foundation of their relationships, an individual who is a narcissist usually finds their relationship unfulfilling and others may not enjoy being around them. Narcissistic behavior may also create an overall experience of feeling emptiness and insecurity.

How can Narcissistic Personality Disorder affect individuals?

The characteristics associated with narcissistic personality disorder can affect an individual’s social and occupational well being, as well as their functioning within their family and community. They may become angry or impatient when they don’t receive special treatment or feel criticized when given feedback. In these situations, it is common for the individual to react with rage or contempt, belittling the other person and proceeding to make themselves feel superior. Individuals who are narcissistic have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors, which makes it difficult for them to cope through stress or adapting to change.

Find the Best Therapist in Chicago to Cope with Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Individuals with narcissistic personality disorder may not want to think that anything is wrong with them and, therefore, are unlikely to seek treatment. If treatment is sought, it is more likely to be for mood irregularity, depression, addiction, or another presenting mental health issue. Moreover, their therapist’s interventions may sometimes be perceived as “attacks and lead to the narcissistic individual refusing to follow through with treatment. Treatment for narcissistic personality disorder could involve medication to stabilize mood irregularities or depression and talk therapy to help address underlying characteristics that are affecting the individual’s functioning and engagement.

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At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy. 

Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.

First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.

This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.

While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.