Middle Tennessee’s Premier Counseling and Coaching Center for Children, Adults, Couples, and Families!

Anchored in Healing, LLC

Support with structure. Growth with depth. Change that lasts.

Middle Tennessee’s Premier Counseling and Coaching Center for
Children, Adults, Couples, and Families!

Anchored in Healing, LLC

Support with structure. Growth with depth. Change that lasts.

Treatment for Narcissism and Narcistic Traits

Understanding the Patterns, Healing the Wounds

“Narcissist” is a word that gets thrown around often, but the reality is more complex than social media memes suggest. Narcissistic traits usually develop as a protective strategy against deep insecurity, shame, or unmet needs in childhood. While these traits can create challenges in relationships, they are not a life sentence, and change is possible with the right support and if people are willing to do the work.

At Anchored in Healing, we work with both individuals who struggle with narcissistic traits and those who have been impacted by them. Our approach is compassionate and non-shaming, focused on understanding the root causes and building healthier patterns of relating.

What Is Narcissism?

Narcissism exists on a spectrum, from occasional self-centered behaviors to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

It is characterized by patterns such as:

  • Difficulty empathizing with others
  • A strong need for validation or admiration
  • Sensitivity to criticism or rejection
  • Controlling or manipulative behaviors for personal gain
  • Trouble taking responsibility for mistakes
These patterns often develop early in life as survival strategies to cope with environments where emotional needs weren’t consistently met. Beneath the outward confidence often lies deep fear of inadequacy or abandonment.

Common Signs of Narcissistic Traits

  • Difficulty maintaining healthy, balanced relationships
  • Frequent conflicts around control or validation
  • Feeling defensive or misunderstood often
  • Emotional highs and lows in relationships
  • Avoiding vulnerability or relying on others for self-worth

How We Help

Therapy for narcissistic traits focuses on:

  • Exploring the root causes of defensive or self-protective behaviors
  • Building emotional regulation and empathy skills
  • Developing a secure sense of self that isn’t dependent on external approval
  • Learning healthy communication and relationship strategies
We also provide support for partners or family members affected by narcissistic behaviors, offering tools for boundaries and relational safety.

Let us help you become aware of patterns, create change,
and build healthier relationships.

We help individuals identify and address narcissistic traits, improve empathy and accountability, and develop more authentic, respectful connections.