Yes, narcissists can be antagonistic, meaning they may be competitive, predatory, and parasitic in their relationships. Their antagonism can cause trauma for the people in their lives. 

Antagonistic narcissist traits 

  • Criticism: Constantly criticizing others
  • Belittling: Belittling others
  • Exploitation: Exploiting others for personal gain
  • Violence: Threatened or actual physical violence
  • Attention: Excessive demands for attention and compliance
  • Special treatment: Feeling entitled to special treatment

Narcissistic tactics

In arguments and abusive relationships, narcissists may use tactics such as: 
  • Gaslighting
  • Blame-shifting
  • Invalidation
  • Insults and criticism
  • Manipulative flattery
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Isolation
  • Withholding

Tips for dealing with a narcissist 

  • Build self-esteem
  • Advocate for yourself
  • Set clear and consistent boundaries
  • Practice calming techniques
  • Find a support system
  • Insist on action, not promises
  • Understand that a narcissist may need professional help

Anger grips us. It feels like it rises out of no where and it can ruin our lives.

Much of the anger we feel, especially in relationships, can mask deeper, more complex emotions that may be difficult to identify or express. These underlying feelings often arise from unmet needs, painful past experiences, or emotions we've learned to avoid or deny, especially if we’ve faced rejection or judgment when expressing ourselves.

Anger can feel like a tightly wound spring, set off by the smallest of triggers. Yet, the frustration often has little to do with the immediate situation—it’s more likely a reaction rooted in unresolved experiences. Over time, this pattern can become a go-to coping strategy.

Our Approach to treating Narcissism

If you have inflicted others with Narcissistic abuse:

Treating narcissism with relational therapy involves focusing on the individual's patterns of interaction within relationships, helping them identify how their behaviors affect others and teaching them healthier ways to connect and build meaningful connections, often by addressing underlying issues like fear of vulnerability and distorted self-perception within the therapeutic relationship itself. 

We start by establishing coping tools to support you as we gradually explore these difficult emotions together. This process involves gently dipping into challenging feelings, then retreating to rest with your coping strategies. Progress is entirely at your pace; we go only as deep as you’re comfortable with, prioritizing your readiness for each step.

With careful guidance, you’ll uncover insights into your narcissism, developing ways to manage it and communicate more effectively in relationships. You’ll learn techniques for navigating overwhelming emotions, understanding the oncoming surge of gradiosity, and finding pathways toward forgiveness and peace within yourself.

If you have suffered from Narcassistic abuse:

When treating narcissistic abuse in relational therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often considered the most effective approach, as it helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that developed due to the abuse, allowing them to regain a sense of self-worth and build healthier coping mechanisms. 
Key aspects of CBT for narcissistic abuse:
  • Processing experiences:
    Examining the specific events and behaviors of the narcissist to understand their impact on the victim's emotions and thoughts. 
  • Identifying cognitive distortions:
    Recognizing unhealthy thought patterns like self-blame, minimization, and catastrophizing that are often present in victims of narcissistic abuse. 
  • Challenging negative beliefs:
    Working to replace distorted thoughts with more realistic and positive ones to improve self-esteem. 
  • Developing coping strategies:
    Learning healthy ways to manage emotions, set boundaries, and respond to manipulative tactics. 

Counselling / Psychology / Mental Health

Ongoing Therapy: You know you want to spend some time on getting to the real issues behind what has been plaguing you for a while. You have done enough self-diagnoses and things haven’t gotten easier for you!

You play an active role in on-going therapy, and the focus may shift between exploring emotions, thoughts, and behaviours over time. Ongoing therapy provides a more comprehensive approach to understanding, what brought you to counselling and how earlier events in life have contributing to how and what you are feeling today.

You can start with a Single ON-LINE Therapy Session and decide to create some longer term goals from there.

JakeJoy Mulyk

Book Now

In our work together,

We won't just skim the surface. My approach is to delve deeply into the root causes of these feelings and experiences. We'll explore the underlying factors that contribute to and blocks and obstacles facing your unique journey of a happy and successful life. This might involve looking at past experiences, unresolved traumas, and the beliefs you hold about yourself and the world around you. It also includes creating a unique narrative of what you truly find to be successful and to feel proud of where you are today. Seeing your story in a new light.

I am passionate about understanding what affects our sense of self-worth in this world and how big changes can build our self-confidence and resilience.

Clients who thrive in my practice are ready to dive deep into what has been negatively affecting their lives. They are ready for some self-reflection and new perspectives, they want to see and feel progress in their mental well-being. They have experienced some big shifts and are feeling some old unhelpful coping mechanisms stepping in. This time, they want to handle things differently. They want to feel more resilient, empowered and calm as they ride the big waves of life. You and I are perfectly suited to work together. I am a licensed Alberta Psychotherapist, cultural explorer and Spanish speaker with a love of world music and making art. Reach out today, lets get to the difficult parts and give them some air.