Photo of Kirsten M Bauer, Psychologist in 94119, CA
Kirsten M Bauer
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94119
As a child and adult therapist I am fortunate to witness the entire developmental span. With this unique window into the lifespan, I help children, parents, adults and couples gain insight into the patterns being created and already created in the mind of how they relate to and with the world i.e.how they relate to themselves and others. By first developing a safe and respectful relationship with my patients, we can begin to understand and uncover these complicated yet reflexive patterns that at some point served them, by protecting their self integrity, but along the way began to cause more harm then good.
As a child and adult therapist I am fortunate to witness the entire developmental span. With this unique window into the lifespan, I help children, parents, adults and couples gain insight into the patterns being created and already created in the mind of how they relate to and with the world i.e.how they relate to themselves and others. By first developing a safe and respectful relationship with my patients, we can begin to understand and uncover these complicated yet reflexive patterns that at some point served them, by protecting their self integrity, but along the way began to cause more harm then good.
(415) 389-1788 View (415) 389-1788
Photo of Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen, Psychologist in 94119, CA
Adrienne Elizabeth Amundsen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94119
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
Because everyone comes with their own needs, goals, and styles, I am flexible in my approach. I can be practical and problem-focused, but much of my work is deeper, and deals with emotional patterns developed early in life, I work a lot with trauma and loss. Attending to the therapy relationship is also important for learning about relationship patterns and trust. I bring my love of creativity to my work as well. Working with dreams and imagery, I find, can bring surprising insight. When therapy really takes off, I find that clients often discover their own creativity and a sense of life purpose.
(415) 423-2642 View (415) 423-2642

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Narcissistic Personality (NPD) Therapists

What type of therapy is best for narcissistic personality disorder?

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is best treated with talk therapy, which could involve cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, schema therapy, gestalt therapy, or similar approaches. A therapist will help a patient uncover the feelings that may drive their behavior and discover how to engage with themselves and those around them with greater empathy and understanding, fewer demands, and less defensiveness, with the goal of developing a more authentic sense of self that enables healthier relationships.

How do therapists treat NPD?

By developing a strong therapeutic relationship, and continually focusing patients on relationships, community, and connection, a therapist, through talk therapy, may be able to help someone with NPD change. In sessions, a therapist will help an individual achieve relief from their current stressors, including the treatment of co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression. A therapist may also help an individual to recognize unhealthy coping mechanisms, learn new ways of interacting with others, and eventually become able to feel and display empathy.

Can a narcissist be cured with therapy?

Therapy can be effective. After a serious setback or great loss, someone with NPD may be forced to recognize that they are not immune to life’s challenges. That can spur feelings of melancholy and depression that lead them to seek professional help. Once an individual decides to seek help, they have already taken a step that the majority of those with NPD never will. Still, people with NPD often quit therapy as they naturally resist feeling vulnerable, being challenged, or admitting to flaws.

How can you get narcissistic personality disorder treatment for someone?

It is notoriously difficult to convince someone with NPD to seek help. With their feelings of superiority, they may be unlikely to recognize or acknowledge that they have a problem, or that their problem is narcissism. Sometimes, they are aware that they are arrogant and that others resent them but they don’t see it as a problem because they are convinced of their superiority. People with NPD have trouble maintaining relationships, but family members and others who do feel close to them, and whose presence they value, may be able to encourage them to seek therapy.