WHAT WE TREAT
Narcissism is a highly complex personality disorder (NPD). A personality disorder is a type of mental illness that leads an individual to have a distorted pattern of thinking and relating to reality. In NPD, the main symptoms are an inability to feel empathy, a sense of superiority over others, a fixation on fantasies of power or success, and an unquenchable thirst for admiration. Studies show that NPD can also lead to mental health issues such as addiction, depression, or anxiety.
At Paracelsus Recovery, we can help you work on your capacity to feel empathy for others and to recalibrate your relationship to reality. Our number one priority is to help you find ways to manage life, stress, and relationships that does not depend so heavily on control and manipulation.
Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a complex and deeply challenging mental health condition. It is characterised by an intense need for admiration, a sense of self-importance, and difficulty connecting emotionally with others. However, these behaviours often stem from a place of deep vulnerability, with many individuals struggling to protect themselves from feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.
We understand that NPD is not your fault; it’s a result of experiences and challenges that were completely beyond your control. However, the extent to which you let your condition control your actions and how you treat others is within your control. You have the power to change, and we are here to help you navigate that journey with compassion and support.
Living with NPD can be incredibly difficult. The drive to maintain an image of confidence or control can feel exhausting and isolating. It can affect relationships, work, and personal well-being, leaving individuals feeling misunderstood or disconnected from others. These struggles often trace back to unresolved childhood experiences or trauma that shaped the way they perceive themselves and the world.
We understand that living with NPD doesn’t mean a lack of care or desire to connect with others; it’s often a reflection of the emotional pain and protective mechanisms developed over time. Working towards change is not about blame but about compassion, self-awareness, and building a healthier relationship with oneself and others.
With the right support, it is possible to explore the underlying causes of NPD, develop greater self-understanding, and learn tools to manage emotions and relationships more effectively. Recovery is a journey, and taking the first step to seek help is one of the kindest and most courageous things you could do for yourself, your life, and your loved ones.
treatment
How we treat NPD
We can’t tell you exactly what your four-week stay will involve because our patients have no pre-defined treatment path. Everyone who comes to stay at Paracelsus Recovery receives a bespoke treatment plan, with each day thoughtfully structured to include a range of carefully-tailored therapeutic elements.
For NPD, it’s essential to create a safe and reflective space where you can examine the underlying beliefs and behaviours that impact your relationships and self-image. Our therapies are designed to complement one another, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge distorted self-perceptions, Schema Therapy to address deeply held beliefs, and Psychodynamic Therapy to explore the unconscious factors influencing your behaviours. Together, these therapies ensure that every aspect of your emotional, psychological, and physical health is addressed, with a focus on fostering empathy, improving self-awareness, and developing healthier relational patterns. See below for more details.
Our approach considers the whole person – mind, body and soul
At the heart of what we do is our 360-degree treatment approach.
For narcissistic personality disorder, our treatments typically focus on fostering self-awareness, improving emotional regulation, and building healthier relationships. Psychotherapeutic techniques like CBT, DMT, mentalisation-based techniques and schema therapy can help you challenge unhelpful thought patterns, understand your behaviours, and develop more constructive coping mechanisms.
In addition to psychotherapy, we provide holistic support through mindfulness techniques, stress management practices, and, where appropriate, medical interventions to address any co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Our goal is to provide compassionate, tailored care to help you understand yourself better and create more fulfilling relationships and a stronger sense of well-being.
15+ team members, all dedicated to your health and well-being
A team of more than 15 experts will be dedicated to you and by your side throughout your stay with us. This includes a personal psychiatrist to manage emotional regulation, a medical doctor to monitor your overall health, a client relations team to support you, and many other specialists focused on your well-being.
At the heart of this team is a live-in therapist, available 24/7 to provide consistent emotional support and therapeutic guidance as you work through the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder. With this round-the-clock care, we ensure that you have the support needed to build deeper self-awareness, foster healthier relationships, and make meaningful progress in your recovery.
Treatment programmes as unique as you are
Our NPD treatment programmes are guided by our principles of humanistic pragmatism and curated to meet your individual needs.
We can provide treatment for narcissistic personality disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions at our private treatment centre in Zurich.
FURTHER READING
