It's challenging to provide a specific answer without knowing more about the individual and their unique situation. However, I can offer some general insights that might help explain why a narcissistic person might cry in the presence of a therapist but not at home.
Manipulation and Control: Narcissistic individuals are often skilled at manipulating and controlling their environment and the people around them. Crying in therapy could be a way to elicit sympathy or gain the therapist's favor, potentially attempting to portray themselves as a victim or evoke a particular response.
Seeking Validation: Narcissists often have fragile self-esteem and seek constant validation and admiration from others. In a therapy session, they might hope to receive validation and emotional support, making them more likely to display vulnerable emotions like crying.
Safety of the Therapeutic Environment: Therapy is designed to be a safe space for exploring emotions and discussing difficult issues. The controlled environment and the presence of a neutral third party (the therapist) might make the narcissist feel more comfortable expressing emotions they typically suppress in other settings.
Masking Vulnerability: Narcissistic individuals often construct a grandiose and self-assured persona to protect themselves from feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability. Crying at home might be perceived as a loss of control or weakness, which they avoid displaying to maintain their facade.
Defense Mechanism: Crying in therapy could also be a defense mechanism to avoid confronting deeper emotions or taking responsibility for their actions. It may serve as a distraction or a way to redirect focus away from addressing the underlying issues.
Power Struggle: In therapy, a narcissist might engage in a power struggle with the therapist, attempting to control the narrative or manipulate the therapeutic process by displaying emotions strategically.
Disorder Complexity: Personality disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder, can present complex and multifaceted behavioral patterns. Crying in therapy might be just one aspect of their behavior that is influenced by various factors.
It's important to remember that every individual and their circumstances are unique. A mental health professional, such as the therapist involved, would be in a better position to understand the specific reasons behind the narcissist's behavior during therapy sessions. If you are dealing with a narcissistic individual in your life and find it challenging to cope, seeking guidance from a therapist or counselor can be beneficial for your well-being and emotional support.