Codependency and narcissism are two very different, but related, concepts. They both exist on a continuum with codependency at one end and narcissism at the other. In today’s blog post from Blair Wellness Group, we will explore these concepts in more detail and how they often relate to each other. Continue reading to learn more.
If you or someone you love suffers from narcissism or codependency, there is help. At Blair Wellness Group, our Beverly Hills Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cassidy Blair, can provide you with the therapy and treatment you need to live a happier and healthier life. Schedule a consultation today to learn more.
What Is Narcissism?
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a mental health condition that is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for constant admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. People with narcissistic personality disorder often have difficulty forming meaningful relationships and can be very manipulative and exploitative.
Those with NPD may use other people for their own personal gain while not caring about those they exploit. They often view these individuals as inferior and as an extension of themselves instead of seeing them as separate persons who have worth beyond what they provide.
Symptoms of Narcissism
Narcissistic personality disorder has many symptoms that can vary in intensity. Often these symptoms include:
- A sense of self-importance and arrogance
- A need for constant admiration from others
- Expectations to be recognized as superior without achievements or accomplishments that warrant it
- A sense of entitlement
- Commonly takes advantage of others
- An inability to form meaningful relationships with others
- An inability to understand or share the feelings of another person
What Is Codependency?
Codependency is a term used to describe a relationship where one person sacrifices their own needs in order to meet the needs of another person. Typically, codependent people are overly responsible and do not put their own interests first. They often feel guilty or ashamed if they do not help others.
Those with codependency often worry about people close to them and whether they are okay or not. This may lead to feelings of anxiety or panic, even resulting in physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Symptoms of Codependency
Codependency has many common symptoms. Those who struggle with codependency often suffer from several of the following symptoms:
- A need to be needed
- Feeling responsible for the actions of others, even if they are not your responsibility
- Having a difficult time saying no
- Problems with setting boundaries
- Worrying about whether they are not good enough or worthy of love and respect
- Fear of rejection or abandonment
Where the Two Conditions Meet
People with narcissistic personality disorder are often attracted to people who are codependent. In the relationship, the codependent person will do everything they can to please and care for their narcissistic partner. The narcissist, in turn, will expect this behavior from their partner and may become angry or upset if it is not forthcoming.
Treatment for Narcissism & Codependency
If you or someone you love suffers from a condition, such as narcissism or codependency, there is help available. At Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills, we offer treatment for both NPD and codependency from our Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cassidy Blair. This treatment can help you learn more about your condition, as well as how it affects your relationships with others. At Blair Wellness Group we employ latest evidence-based treatment modalities to intently treat Codependency and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. We help you achieve your treatment objectives that will allow you to lead a happier life.
Treatment Recommended for Narcissism & Codependency
One of the most common forms of treatment for both NPD and codependency is psychotherapy using the latest empirical research and evidence-based treatment modalities as listed on our website. At Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills, we offer several types of psychotherapy, including Psychodynamic Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. When you work with our Licensed Clinical Psychologist, they will help determine which type of therapy, or combination of therapies, will be most likely to help you. Read more about these three types of psychotherapy below.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the unconscious mind and how it affects our behavior. This type of therapy can be helpful in understanding why an individual may have Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Codependency by helping them understand the source of their emotional and behavioral patterns. The goal of this psychotherapy is to help the individual identify patterns and develop healthy coping techniques that will allow them to make better choices in the future.
- Psychoanalytic Therapy: Psychoanalytic therapy is a type of therapy that is based on Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis and the idea that our childhood experiences can affect how we behave as adults. This type of treatment may be helpful in understanding why someone struggles with Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Codependency. The goal of Psychoanalytic Therapy is to help patients understand and acknowledge where their thoughts and emotions originate from, identify trends, and get past the traumas of their childhood in order to be able to form better relationships in the future.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): As a form of psychotherapy, CBT focuses on changing your thoughts and behaviors to improve your mood and mental health. This type of therapy can be helpful in treating symptoms of NPD and codependency by teaching the patient to identify trends of disordered thinking through self-awareness and discovery. Once identified, the individual can learn vastly different associations, altered thought patterns that create new neural pathways in their brain through the concept of neuroplasticity. Patients will experience improved quality of life and relief from their disorders.
Find Treatment for Codependency & NPD at Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills
At Blair Wellness Group in Beverly Hills, we have more than 15 years of experience in providing therapy and treatment for both Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Codependency, along with a number of other conditions. Our Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Cassidy Blair, utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches and tailors the treatment to meet the specific needs of each individual patient. Contact Blair Wellness Group today to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Blair to learn more about the possible treatments for Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Codependency.
