Although one on one therapy is often necessary and individual to a person’s recovery, a community-based approach offers a substantial amount of space and support that can be extremely beneficial to the alienating effects of narcissism/ abuse. In conjunction with individualized therapy, group therapy is oftentimes necessary when healing the wounds of narcissistic abuse and the abandonment wounds that may be causal to a person exuding narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) traits. In group therapy, one can show up and just listen in a judgement-free/ anonymous environment or feel safe to speak and share their truth. Either contribution is productive in the healing process.
Psych Central lists the 5 Benefits of Group Therapy:
. Helps you realize you’re not alone
. Facilitates giving and receiving support
. Gives you a voice
. Helps you relate to others (and yourself) in healthier ways
. Provides a safety net
There is something very cathartic about showing up exactly where you’re at (mentally, emotionally, physically) and speaking your truth in group therapy. Sharing your experience with narcissistic abuse, what that looks like for you, where that has pulled you mentally, and the lingering effects it has left you with is so uniquely individual, yet the common thread everyone will have in group is having a story. Should you feel moved to share your story, you may offer advice or perspective that another person who is suffering may need to hear. You may create the safe space someone needs to just listen and discover that they are not alone in their struggles. It is important to note that when you decide to open up and share in group, you open space for discussion and invite in (judgement-free) criticism or feedback. We can grow from the feedback of others in this facilitated therapeutic environment. By expressing yourself and accepting feedback, you are actively deepening self-awareness, shifting your consciousness, and moving toward recovery.
For those who may not feel comfortable enough to share, please know that just showing up and listening does more than you’d realize, not only for the speaker, but for yourself as well. Remember that therapy, even group therapy, is a safe space. Know that there is safety in just showing up and listening without the pressure of sharing. Like your story, your recovery is uniquely yours.
Group therapy can also be beneficial to the narcissist, particularly when it is integrated with the Mind Map System of healing. It is important to try and understand that people with NPD traits also suffer and feel alone. It is their survival and coping mechanism to fill themselves up, even when that is at the expense of others in the form of abuse. Finding the right group that can help facilitate the type of support you need is important. If someone who has narcissistic tendencies has identified and decided to work on them, they may find a relevant support group helpful. Seeing as someone who fits the NPD criteria has no trouble speaking about themselves, there will most likely be no shortage of speakers. When they can be receptive and listen to others past their own share, the goal remains the same: To know they are not alone in their struggle. The space created in this group is crucial for the narcissist’s path to self-discovery and accountability.
At any point on your path, a strong support system will always be a necessary and an integrative part of anyone’s healing journey. This begins with yourself, family, partners, and friends. Taking this a step further by seeking out support from like-minded individuals who may share your struggles is a great way to ensure you are seeking adequate support tailored for your unique journey. A group therapy approach can be viewed as a safe space to land and show up exactly where you are at with no judgement. Whether you are recovering from the blistering effects of narcissistic abuse, or you have identified with narcissistic tendencies, this space ensures support, confidentiality, accountability, various perspective, self-discovery, and structure to integrate into your healing journey.
