Behind the Mask of the “Perpetual Victim”…Identifying and Treating the Covert Narcissist and their Partners

Behind the Mask of the “Perpetual Victim”…Identifying and Treating the Covert Narcissist and their Partners

Presenter:  Wendy Behary

November 9, 2023

Start time:  9 am EST

End Time: 1 pm EST

This is a 2-hour webinar

$59.99 CAD

SCHEMA THERAPY TRAINING CANADA IS EXCITED TO BE PRESENTING:

Behind the Mask of the “Perpetual Victim” ... 

Identifying and Treating the Covert Narcissist and their Partners

Covert narcissism is a subtle and often overlooked form of narcissistic personality disorder that can be challenging to detect because it hides in plain sight – beneath the surface.  Unlike their overt counterparts, covert narcissists do not display grandiose and attention-seeking behaviors that readily reveal their narcissistic tendencies. Instead, they might present themselves as modest, self-effacing, and even insecure, making it more difficult to recognize the narcissistic traits.

One of the chief features of covert narcissism is a strong need for admiration and validation, much like overt narcissists but in more covert and subtle ways. They may even appear modest, downplay their accomplishments, or constantly claim that they are the victim, making it seem as if they lack self-confidence. This facade of humility can make them come across as sensitive and caring individuals, which further obscures the narcissistic tendencies. 

Passive-aggression, blaming and emotionally manipulating others (in the spirit of preserving their sense of righteousness), lack of accountability, and the need for constant reassurance, are among the most challenging behaviors.  They may use their “No one appreciates me...  I am the victim…” messages to gain sympathy and control over those around them. They maintain a facade of innocence and humility as a way of achieving attention and admiration, showing up as the “good guy”. Their problematic behaviors become evident, mostly to their partners, over time. The effect on partners often includes an overall diminished sense of self.

The thoughtful conceptual framework and emotional needs-meeting approach of Schema Therapy, provides the skills for therapists to sturdy themselves, assess for adequate leverage, and facilitate a process for identifying and healing the underlying insecurities of the covert narcissist (sustained from early trauma, high degrees of enmeshment, and attachment ruptures – more severe than that of grandiose types). This, along with addressing and adapting long standing maladaptive coping modes, is at the heart of the challenging work.  Treatment for partners includes assessment for underlying core issues of subjugation and self-sacrifice, as well as other activated schemas and coping modes that can intensify self-diminishment when living with a covert narcissist.

BY THE END OF THIS WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO:

1. conceptualize covert narcissism and formulate a treatment plan in schema terms

2. identify patterns and activating conditions associated with covert narcissism.

3. link current problems and address unmet emotional needs – with the covert narcissist and when working with the partner of a covert narcissist
4. help clients let go of self-defeating life patterns and begin to develop adaptive responses.
5. address triggering conditions in the therapy relationship and fortify strategies for maintaining a sturdy and healthy adult mode.
   
6. learn to apply some of the basic schema therapy strategies for covert narcissism and for partners of covert narcissists, including: quieting and converting inner critic modes, mode dialogues, imagery rescripting, and behavioral pattern breaking. 
   

For more information, please see here:

https://www.schematherapytrainingcanada.com/wendy-behary-session-november

Clinical Director : Frances Miller MSW, RSW

EMAIL: fmiller.schemacda@gmail.com