Key Takeaways
- People with NPD can grow when they commit to therapy and consistent self-reflection.
- Family involvement strengthens understanding, empathy, and lasting behavioral change.
- A licensed mental health professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options.
- Evidence-based therapies help improve emotional awareness and relationships.
- Change requires self-awareness, healthy boundaries, and a willingness to grow, proving there is genuine hope for people with narcissism.
Table of Contents
- Is There Hope for People with Narcissism?
- Can People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder Really Change?
- What Do Positive Treatment Outcomes Look Like?
- Why Is Family Involvement So Important in Treating NPD?
- What Role Does a Mental Health Professional Play?
- When Should You Seek Therapy or Treatment for Narcissism?
- Conclusion: Finding Hope and Healing
Many people ask us this question in our practice: “Is there any hope for someone with narcissism?”
Our answer is always the same — absolutely. If someone genuinely wants to get better, they can get better, even someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
Can People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder Really Change?
The next question we often hear is, "But my family member doesn't see it. They don't think anything is wrong. So how can they want to get better if they don't think anything is wrong?"
This is where the conversation becomes deeply personal. Every person's situation, history, and mental health background is unique. Change is possible, but it requires self-awareness, consistent effort, and, most importantly, a willingness to seek therapy and develop healthier patterns of relating to others.
What Do Positive Treatment Outcomes Look Like?
Let me share three real-life stories (names changed) that show what growth can look like when people with narcissistic traits commit to therapy and change.
Joe's Story: Rebuilding Family Relationships
Joe came to therapy because his wife had threatened to leave him. She said he was arrogant, insensitive, and always had to be right. Through therapy, Joe began to see how his behaviors were hurting the people he loved most. Over time, and with consistent effort, he changed his thinking, developed empathy, and learned to manage his self-importance. His family now calls him "Joe version 2.0."
Julie's Story: Learning to Love Differently
Julie thrived on admiration and control. She wanted others to envy her, and empathy didn't come naturally to her. But as a mother of three daughters, her husband, Todd, began to struggle with her narcissistic behaviors. Through family therapy, Todd gained insight into how Julie's personality disorder developed and began to feel compassion for her pain. In time, Julie learned to express the kind of love she had always longed for — transforming her relationships with her children and husband.
Marcus's Story: Grounding Fantasy in Reality
Marcus, a recent college graduate, believed he was smarter than everyone around him. He ignored feedback at work and lived in a fantasy world where success was inevitable. His parents brought him to therapy after growing tired of his entitlement. Through mental health counseling and family sessions, Marcus learned distress tolerance, accepted responsibility, and began respecting his parents' boundaries — a vital step toward true maturity.
Why Is Family Involvement So Important in Treating NPD?
A key factor in Joe's, Julie's, and Marcus's progress was family involvement. Initially, this idea terrified them — but as therapy unfolded, each person began to see how a safe, supportive environment could help them build a stronger sense of self and repair interpersonal relationships.
When the therapy room becomes a place of trust, empathy, and healthy boundaries, people can begin to recognize their behaviors, develop insight, and create healthier relationship patterns.
What Role Does a Mental Health Professional Play?
When it comes to Mental Health disorders such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, or Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it's essential to seek help from an experienced, licensed mental health professional.
Social media and pop psychology often oversimplify these diagnoses, leading to misconceptions. But proper diagnosis and treatment options require professional assessment, evidence-based therapy — such as mentalization-based treatment or cognitive-behavioral therapy — and a collaborative treatment plan tailored to the individual.
Avoid labeling someone based solely on online content. Instead, reach out for a professional evaluation if you or someone you love may be struggling with narcissistic tendencies or pathological narcissism.
When Should You Seek Therapy or Treatment for Narcissism?
If any of these stories resonate with you, or if you're noticing narcissistic behaviors, low self-esteem, or challenges in maintaining relationships, it may be time to talk with a therapist.
Therapy can help you or your loved one:
- Develop self-awareness and emotional insight
- Build empathy and distress tolerance
- Strengthen family relationships
- Establish healthy boundaries and realistic expectations
- Improve overall mental health and well-being
No one is beyond hope. With proper treatment, compassion, and a commitment to growth, people with narcissism can make meaningful, lasting change.
If you believe you or someone close to you may be struggling with Narcissistic Personality Disorder or other emotional or relational challenges, reach out to one of our qualified mental health professionals. Healing begins with one honest conversation. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.