Navigating the complexities of treating narcissism can be a challenging journey, especially when emotional abuse is involved. Dr. David Hawkins, the director of the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute, sheds light on key considerations for effective treatment. So let’s explore the five crucial aspects that everyone involved in the treatment process must understand.
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Clarifying the Focus of Treatment
The first step in addressing narcissism and emotional abuse is defining the primary focus of treatment. Dr. Hawkins emphasizes the importance of identifying whether the goal is to enhance the overall health of a relatively stable relationship or specifically address narcissistic behavior. Understanding the core issues at play is critical for devising an effective treatment plan.
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Treatment as a Two-Way Street in Marital Issues
When the focus is on improving a marriage, Dr. Hawkins acknowledges the need for a two-way street in treating narcissism. Communication skills, conflict resolution, and active listening are essential elements to work on collaboratively. However, he emphasizes that this collaborative approach shifts dramatically when dealing with narcissism and emotional abuse.
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Triage in Narcissism and Emotional Abuse
Dr. Hawkins introduces the concept of triage when addressing narcissism and emotional abuse. Much like prioritizing medical emergencies based on severity, he argues for a similar approach in treating relationship issues. Recognizing the urgency and severity of emotional abuse is crucial in establishing the appropriate order for treatment.
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One-Way Street: Focusing on the Abuser
In the context of narcissism and emotional abuse, Dr. Hawkins advocates for a one-way street approach to treatment. The emphasis is placed on the individual displaying narcissistic and abusive behavior. This perspective challenges the common inclination to involve both parties in the treatment process equally. Dr. Hawkins asserts that the abuser’s healing should take precedence, although acknowledging the need for the partner’s individual treatment as well.
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Progression of Treatment and Couples Counseling
As the abuser engages in in-depth, issue-specific counseling and progresses towards healthier behavior, the possibility of couples counseling emerges. Dr. Hawkins describes the characteristics of progress, including owning emotional abuse patterns, developing empathy, and refining communication skills. Couples counseling, however, is contingent upon significant individual growth and healing.
Treating Narcissism and Emotional Abuse
Treating narcissism and emotional abuse requires a nuanced and strategic approach. Dr. David Hawkins provides valuable insights into the dynamics of treatment, emphasizing the need to recognize the specific focus, differentiate between marital and abuse issues, implement triage in prioritizing treatment, maintain a one-way street approach initially, and consider couples counseling only when significant progress has been achieved. By understanding these principles, individuals and therapists can navigate the challenging terrain of narcissistic behavior and work towards fostering healthier relationships.
To learn how we can help, reach out to us at (206) 219-0145 or info@marriagerecoverycenter.com to speak with a Client Care Specialist
Also read: 3 Reasons People Don’t Believe Emotional Abuse
About Dr. Hawkins:
The internet is inundated with hyperbole and misinformation about narcissism, leaving many people confused and hopeless. Get the facts on narcissism and emotional abuse from someone who has been researching, writing about and treating narcissism and emotional abuse for over a decade.
Dr. Hawkins is a best-selling author and clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience helping people break unhealthy patterns and build healthier relationships.
He is the founder and director of the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute which offers education, training and counseling for people who want to break free of, and heal from, emotional abuse. Whether the perpetrator of the abuse is your spouse, partner, parent, boss, friend or family member, we offer practical advice for anyone trapped in a toxic, destructive relationship.
In addition to narcissism & emotional abuse, you’ll learn about the lesser known forms of abuse, including covert abuse, reactive abuse, spiritual abuse, secondary abuse, relationship trauma and much more.
