Yes, narcissists can be skilled at manipulating not only their partners but also the therapist during couple therapy sessions. Narcissists often possess a high level of charm, charisma, and the ability to present themselves in a favorable light. In a therapeutic setting, they might use these traits to:
Play the victim: Narcissists may portray themselves as the victims of their partner's behavior, making it challenging for the therapist to discern the actual dynamics of the relationship.
Blame-shifting: They may deflect responsibility for their actions and instead blame their partner for all the problems in the relationship.
Charm the therapist: Narcissists can be very persuasive and skilled at gaining favor with others, including therapists. They might try to win the therapist over or manipulate them into taking their side in disagreements.
Gaslighting: Narcissists are known for gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation where they distort the truth, deny their actions, or make their partner doubt their perceptions and reality.
Avoid accountability: They may resist facing their own shortcomings or avoiding discussions that could reveal their flaws or negative behavior.
Manipulate emotions: Narcissists may use emotional manipulation to garner sympathy or turn the focus away from their actions.
Therapists are trained to be aware of potential manipulation and to maintain objectivity and neutrality during sessions. However, even experienced therapists can sometimes be influenced by a narcissist's tactics. That's why it's important for therapists to be well-versed in dealing with difficult personalities and to continually evaluate the therapeutic process to ensure fairness and accuracy.
In couple therapy involving a narcissistic partner, a skilled therapist will work to identify manipulative behaviors, create a safe environment for both partners to express their feelings, and set boundaries to prevent the therapy from being dominated by one person's agenda. The therapist's primary goal is to promote healthier communication and understanding between both partners, even when dealing with a narcissistic individual.