This article was co-authored by Jay Reid, LPCC and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Jay Reid is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in private practice in San Francisco, CA. He specializes in helping clients who have survived a narcissistic parent or partner. Treatment focuses upon helping clients identify and challenge self-diminishing beliefs as a result of narcissistic abuse. Jay holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Penn State University.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 569,499 times.
Someone with narcissistic personality disorder, or NPD, may act arrogant, entitled, selfish, and unempathetic. NPD is a mental disorder that can only be diagnosed and treated by a qualified professional.[1] If you think someone in your life has narcissist tendencies and they’ve been treating you poorly, we’re here to help. If they play mental games, manipulate, or even emotionally abuse you, it may feel impossible to get the upper hand in any conversation or interaction. We’ve put together plenty of tips and suggestions to help you outsmart them so you can put space between yourself and the narcissist in your life and find peace.
Steps
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionDo narcissists have empathy?Jay Reid, LPCCJay Reid is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in private practice in San Francisco, CA. He specializes in helping clients who have survived a narcissistic parent or partner. Treatment focuses upon helping clients identify and challenge self-diminishing beliefs as a result of narcissistic abuse. Jay holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Penn State University.
Licensed Professional Clinical CounselorUnfortunately, narcissists have deficits in empathy. Things that are intuitive to most people, like asking about other people, don't occur to a narcissist. They're just too focused on themselves. -
QuestionCan my narcissistic ex get physical custody of and visitation with my children if he is a felon?Mb_5f3484350d62Top AnswererThe outcome of a custody battle involving a narcissistic ex-partner who is also a felon depends on the specific laws in your area. Consult with a family-law attorney who specializes in child custody cases to understand your rights and options. They can guide you through the process and see that the best interests of your children are upheld. The well-being and safety of your children should be your top priority during this challenging time. Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals to help you navigate this difficult situation.
-
QuestionWhen a narcissist is also bipolar how does that compound the narcissistic behavior?Mb_5f3484350d62Top AnswererWhen a person has both narcissistic personality disorder and bipolar disorder, it can indeed complicate the situation. Narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and require excessive attention and admiration. Bipolar individuals, on the other hand, experience extreme mood swings which can range from periods of high energy and creativity (mania) to periods of low energy, hopelessness, and despair (depression). The combination of these two conditions can lead to highly unpredictable and volatile behavior.
Video
Tips
-
As hard as it is, try not to take what the person says or does personally. Their behavior only reflects them and has nothing to do with you.Thanks
-
Remember that NPD is a mental illness that the person might not have much control over. Encourage them to seek counseling.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/narcissistic-personality-disorder-npd
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/narcissistic-supply/
- ↑ https://www.divorcemag.com/blog/get-leverage-when-negotiating-with-a-narcissist
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-narcissist-in-your-life/202001/the-dos-and-donts-working-narcissist-boss
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-heal-from-emotional-abuse/
- ↑ https://www.choosingtherapy.com/narcissistic-supply/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-narcissism/201710/how-de-escalate-fight-narcissist
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-narcissism/201710/how-de-escalate-fight-narcissist
- ↑ https://healingartssfl.org/how-to-beat-narcissists-with-the-grey-rock-method/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/narcissism-demystified/201907/10-things-not-do-narcissists
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/blog/narcissism-decoded/2017/06/11-ways-to-set-boundaries-with-narcissists#1
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/narcissism-demystified/201907/10-things-not-do-narcissists
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/understanding-narcissism/201710/how-de-escalate-fight-narcissist
- ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/unreality-check-cognitive-dissonance-in-narcissistic-abuse-1007144
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-and-recovery/202102/how-do-i-detach-narcissist
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/pro/recovery-expert/2019/06/going-no-contact#4
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/addiction-and-recovery/202102/how-do-i-detach-narcissist
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
-
"This article really helped me to identify who my fiancé really is. I was so confused, now I know he is a narcissistic sociopath and that there is no changing or getting through to him. I am very disappointed that he has this personality disorder. I was truly in love with him but came to find out he is actually incapable of loving me!"..." more