Narcissism, Narcissistic Traits, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder: What It Is, How It Affects You, and How Can SAMI Help
Understanding Narcissism
The word narcissism is often used casually to describe someone who seems self-absorbed or entitled—but clinically, narcissism exists on a spectrum.
At one end, healthy self-confidence and ambition are normal and even adaptive. At the other, extreme patterns of self-importance, lack of empathy, and manipulation may signal Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
Understanding where someone—or yourself—might fall on this spectrum can help explain patterns in relationships and emotional wellbeing.
What Are Narcissistic Traits?
Many people can show narcissistic traits from time to time, such as wanting recognition or feeling sensitive to criticism.
However, persistent or rigid patterns may suggest deeper personality features, including:
A strong need for admiration or validation
Difficulty acknowledging mistakes or showing vulnerability
A tendency to blame others or deflect responsibility
Struggles with empathy—finding it hard to understand others’ emotions
Envy, competitiveness, or belief that one is “special” or superior
Emotional volatility when criticised or ignored (“narcissistic injury”)
These traits often emerge as protective defences developed early in life—ways of coping with shame, neglect, or inconsistent attachment.
What Is Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)?
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition defined in the DSM-5 as a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
For an NPD diagnosis, these traits must be stable over time and cause significant impairment in functioning or relationships.
Common signs of NPD may include:
Exaggerated sense of self-importance or entitlement
Preoccupation with success, beauty, or power
Exploiting others to achieve goals
Intense envy or belief others are envious of them
Fragile self-esteem hidden beneath confidence
Difficulty sustaining long-term, emotionally reciprocal relationships
Not everyone who exhibits narcissistic behaviour meets criteria for NPD, but the impact on loved ones—and on the individual themselves—can be significant.
How Narcissism Affects Relationships
Living with or being close to someone with strong narcissistic traits can be emotionally draining and confusing.
You might notice:
Feeling constantly criticised, blamed, or “never good enough”
Walking on eggshells to avoid conflict or emotional outbursts
Being “love-bombed” with affection, then devalued or ignored
Doubting your reality due to gaslighting or manipulation
Feeling emotionally isolated, anxious, or unsure of your self-worth
People with narcissistic traits may struggle with genuine intimacy or empathy, often repeating cycles of idealisation and rejection.
Those on the receiving end may develop anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms consistent with narcissistic abuse.
How a Psychologist Can Help
Whether you identify with narcissistic traits yourself or have been affected by someone who displays them, a psychologist can help you understand and heal these dynamics.
Therapeutic support might include:
Insight-oriented therapy to explore the origins of self-protective behaviours and build healthier emotional awareness.
Schema or psychodynamic therapy to understand deep-rooted core beliefs (e.g., “I must be perfect to be loved”).
Trauma-informed therapy for those recovering from narcissistic relationships, helping rebuild trust, self-esteem, and boundaries.
CBT and interpersonal therapy to improve empathy, accountability, and communication skills.
The aim is not to label or shame, but to create awareness and emotional growth—for both individuals with narcissistic traits and those seeking recovery from their effects.
Healing from Narcissistic Dynamics
Healing often begins with understanding what’s been happening, validating your experiences, and learning to reconnect with your authentic self.
Therapy can help you:
Recognise manipulation and set healthy boundaries
Rebuild confidence and self-trust
Process trauma and emotional exhaustion
Cultivate empathy and genuine connection
You deserve relationships grounded in respect, equality, and emotional safety.
Support for You
At Psych Sami & Co. our trauma-informed psychologists offer compassionate, confidential therapy for individuals recovering from narcissistic relationships or exploring personality patterns affecting their wellbeing.
Sessions are available online across Australia through secure telehealth platforms.
