This is possibly one of the most common personalities you may think you are able to spot in the world. It is a personality trait often associated with someone that you have a strong dislike for or recognize when you think back on a past relationship you have had with that person. Narcissistic personality disorder is often something that has manifested as a result of life experiences from early in childhood or youth. CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy in Orlando works well with NPD. CBT is form of therapy that helps you gain insight into your thought patterns and how they influence your behaviors.
CBT counselors in Orlando specialize in helping people change maladaptive behaviors. A good example of maladaptive behavior is when you keep sending nasty emails to someone you don't like. This behavior is not productive and it is something you probably should not be doing. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you uncover the thought patterns which are behind why you feel you need to keep doing this. People who have narcissistic personality traits exhibit behaviors similar to this because they often feel the need to get the last word in. This behavior keeps them from healthy relationships and prohibits them from connecting with others.
Being called a narcissist is more than just an insult, it is a formal diagnosis. It is associated with having thoughts and behaviors that are grandiose. It is also characterized by one’s perceived ability to be superior to others and/or a belief that they are more gifted or unique than the people around them.
These thoughts and behaviors can be perceived as, “Oh that person just thinks highly of themselves.” In reality, it is so much more. Someone who knows a narcissistic person on a more intimate level is able to see past that facade. They all too often quickly realize that a narcissistic person often lacks true consideration for other people's feelings or how their behavior impacts others. The narcissist often feels entitled or might demand to be treated a certain way.
When you encounter a narcissistic personality type there might be a few key traits you will recognize right away. Others are more subtle, but the main ones are listed below:
Someone who has a narcissistic personality will find themselves getting into negative behaviors, mindsets, associations with the wrong people, and place themselves in situations that are dangerous to themselves or others. They also find that people tend to avoid them or that they can not maintain stable personal or professional relationships. This is because the narcissistic person believes they have a “heightened” superiority and do not comprehend the gravity of the situations they are in or create.
The first step is coming to terms with the diagnosis and accepting that you have some tendencies that have led to maladaptive or negative behavior. It is also important to pay careful attention to whether you have found yourself in dangerous or difficult situations and acting in a way that is different from your normal behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with an Orlando counselor is a great backbone to challenge these negative perceptions. Once you have done this you can then replace them with more reasonable behaviors. Reality therapy can also aid you in creating your ideal world. Most of the time, if you have narcissistic tendencies it is because you are searching or trying to fulfill what you have lost in the past.
If you have a narcissistic personality, there is nothing wrong with it, and it doesn’t mean you are a bad person. It simply means that you may not be aware of how you are hurting others or yourself. You also might be finding that you partake in negative behaviors which you are not proud of or have put you in danger. Reaching out for help from a professional Orlando counselor and starting individual counseling is your best option. Taking that step, using CBT or counseling in Orlando will help give you the guidance you need to feel better.
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Heather Oller is the owner and founder of Orlando Thrive Therapy, Coaching, and Counseling. She is a licensed counselor and a family mediator who has over 23 years of dedicated work as a professional in the mental health field. Through her company's mission, she continues to pave the way for future therapists, and their clients, who want a higher quality of life....and who want to thrive, rather than just survive. You can contact Orlando Thrive Therapy at (407) 592-8997 for more information.