In this episode of The CultureHug Podcast, we take a calm and compassionate look at Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) and narcissistic traits—without adding more anger or blame. Together, we’ll explore what these terms really mean, how they impact relationships, and why it’s important to protect your own emotional well-being when dealing with someone who shows these traits.

We’ll also talk about what a therapy roadmap might look like for someone with NPD, why the process takes years, and why patience and consistency are essential for real change. At the same time, we’ll face one of the hardest truths: you can’t love someone into changing. Change has to come from within, and it often requires professional support and long-term effort.

This episode is designed to bring understanding, not judgment. Whether you’re learning how to set boundaries, wondering if people with NPD can get better, or simply trying to make sense of your own experiences, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope without false promises.

Resources:

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• Choi-Kain, L. W., Simonsen, S., & Euler, S. (2022). A mentalizing approach for narcissistic personality disorder: Moving from “me-mode” to “we-mode.” American Journal of Psychotherapy, 75(2), 38–43. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20210017
• DeWitt, H. (2025, June 20). Narcissistic tendencies vs. NPD: Key differences explained. Thriveworks Counseling. https://thriveworks.com/help-with/narcissism/narcissistic-tendencies-vs-npd/
• Grand Rising Staff. (2025, May 9). Recognizing splitting behavior. Grand Rising Behavioral Health. https://grandrisinghealth.com/recognizing-splitting-behavior/
• Greenberg, E. (2019, August 3). 10 stages in the treatment of narcissistic disorders. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/theory-knowledge/201908/10-stages-in-the-treatment-of-narcissistic-disorders
• Grouport Therapy. (n.d.). How to stop being a narcissist: A guide to personal growth and self-awareness. https://www.grouporttherapy.com/blog/how-to-stop-being-a-narcissist
• Lebow, H. I. (2022, September 13). Narcissism vs. narcissistic personality disorder: Telling them apart. Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/disorders/narcissism-vs-npd
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, April 6). Narcissistic personality disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662
• Mayfield, E. (2020, December 16). Splitting in the narcissist | Is splitting a defense mechanism? Mindset Therapy. https://www.mindsettherapyonline.com/post/splitting-in-the-narcissist-is-splitting-a-defense-mechanism
• American Psychiatric Association. (2024, January 30). What is narcissistic personality disorder? Psychiatry.org. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/narcissistic-personality-disorder/what-is-narcissistic-personality-disorder
• Villines, Z. (2025, September 8). Can a narcissist change? What to know. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-a-narcissist-change
• Weinberg, I., Ronningstam, E., Ravichandran, C., & Gunderson, J. G. (2024). Can patients with narcissistic personality disorder change? A case series. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 212(7), 392–397. https://doi.org/10.1097/NMD.0000000000001777
• Wolven, K. E. (2015). Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism: Where do the emotional differences lie? (Master’s thesis, University of South Carolina). University of South Carolina Scholar Commons. https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/3149