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Signals that your therapist is a Narcissist?!

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Living Consciously:
Hi all, Has anyone encountered a mental health professional who reveals themself as a narcissist?

If so, what are the warning signs?

Alan:
I know from personal experience that many therapists haven't done the inner work they need to.  Many will not admit that they do not know something or have the experience in an area.

1) No matter what the issue, if you're not comfortable with a therapist, run away fast.  Sometimes it just isn't a fit.

2) There's a difference between a thera. illustrating a point using their personal experience and dominating a session.  It should be about you.  If the issue is you not revealing or working in a session, there should be alot of silence.  If they talk too much or too much about themselves, run away fast.

3) If they admit to being an N, shoot them then run away fast.

I have found in many cases that a LCSW is better for immediate help, everyday stuff, more effective than a psychologist or psychiatrist.  LCSW are licensed therapists who deal with everyday issues and some, like mine, can do the psychotherapy work later.

No matter what, if you are not happy or comfortable, run away fast.

cindy:
I'd watch for:

A feeling, even one that doesn't come until well after the session was over, that you are to blame.  Do you feel vague guilt?

A counselor not validating your feelings, which is usually more just about bad therapy, not N, IMHO.

A one right way to work on things, instead of an exploration of ways to work on issues.  Ns have THE answer.  This may be subtle and hard to pcik up, because successful therapy requires confidence in your therapist.  Trust your instinct.

But I'm not an expert...  Just some ideas.

iris:
I agree with Alan, and several others. It is absolutely possible (and probable)that your instincts are accurate. Pay attention to what is making you bristle, and heed that warning. I would be willing to bet that the focus isn't on you, as it should be. I had an experience recently with a therapist that wanted to tell me about his relationship (and his sister's) with his mother and how it was no accident that they both went into the therapy business and further, how it was difficult for him to really focus on what I was saying, b/c it was so close to...not only was counter-transferring, he was 'happy to share'.  That was the first and last visit.

Alan:
When we have healthy shame, we can leave a therapist's office feeling bad and the blame for something if we truly are responsible.  T

his has happened to me bec. I was to blame in some areas.  I had to admit it was my fault.

But a good therapist will find a way or say something to ease the pain and help you incorporate the feeling and help us understand the whys of what happened.

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