Breaking Narcissistic Patterns in Couples Therapy: Proven Schema Therapy Interventions to Restore Trust and Heal Relationship Trauma
- Speaker:
- Wendy T. Behary, MSW, LCSW
- Duration:
- 1 Hour
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
Nov 18, 2025
- Product Code:
- POS150262
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
Navigating narcissism in couples therapy presents unique challenges. Narcissistic partners often display control, entitlement, defensiveness, and emotional detachment, while their partners may struggle with self-doubt, self-sacrifice, and fear of conflict.
These dynamics create cycles of manipulation, emotional wounds, and deep attachment ruptures, making trust and intimacy difficult to rebuild.
Join Wendy Behary, a leading expert in narcissism and Schema Therapy, and best-selling author of Disarming the Narcissist, for this essential training. Wendy will guide you through how to use Schema Therapy—a flexible, evidence-based approach that combines both individual and conjoint work to break destructive patterns and foster healing.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:
- Assess narcissistic traits and coping styles in relationships
- Identify attachment wounds and track conflict patterns
- Interrupt dysfunctional cycles using emotion-focused and CBT strategies
- Use empathic confrontation to set boundaries and encourage accountability
- Maintain a “sturdy self” in the therapy room, even in high-conflict moments
Gain the tools to help couples navigate narcissistic dynamics, rebuild trust, and create healthier, more fulfilling relationships!
Credit
Handouts/Brochure
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - Narcissistic Patterns in Couples Therapy (3 MB) | 37 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Transcript - Breaking Narcissistic Patterns in Couples Therapy (118.7 KB) | 24 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Speaker
Wendy T. Behary, MSW, LCSW Related seminars and products
The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and The Schema Therapy Institutes of NJ-NYC-DC
With 25 + years of professional experience and advanced level certifications, Wendy Behary is the founder and director of The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and the Schema Therapy Institutes of NJ-NYC-DC. She has been treating clients, training professionals and supervising psychotherapists for more than 20 years. Wendy was on the faculty of the Cognitive Therapy Center and Schema Therapy Institute of New York (until the Institutes merged in 2012), where she trained and worked with Dr. Jeffrey Young since 1989.
She is a founding fellow and consulting supervisor for The Academy of Cognitive Therapy (Aaron T. Beck’s Institute). Wendy served as the President of the Executive Board of the International Society of Schema Therapy (ISST) from 2010-2014 and served as the Training and Certification Coordinator for the ISST Executive Board from 2008-2010. She is currently the chair of the Schema Therapy Development Programs Sub-Committee for the ISST.
Wendy Behary has co-authored several chapters and articles on Schema Therapy and Cognitive Therapy. She is the author of an international bestselling book, Disarming the Narcissist: Surviving and Thriving with the Self-Absorbed, translated in 15 languages. The Third Edition was released on October 1, 2021. Wendy has a specialty in treating narcissists and the people who live with and deal with them. As an author and an expert on the subject of narcissism, she is a contributing chapter author of several chapters on schema therapy for narcissism for professional readers. She lectures both nationally and internationally to professional and general audiences on schema therapy, narcissism, interpersonal relationships, anger, and dealing with difficult people. She receives consistent high praise for her clear and articulate teaching style and her ability to bring the therapy to life through dramatic demonstrations of client interactions in the treatment room.
Her work industry business speaking engagements focus on interpersonal conflict resolution. Her private practice is primarily devoted to treating narcissists, partners/people dealing with them, and couples experiencing relationship problems.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Wendy Behary is the co-founder, Clinical Director, and Director of Training for The Cognitive Therapy Center of New Jersey and The Schema Therapy Institute of NJ-NYC-DC. She is a published author and receives royalties. Wendy Behary receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Wendy Behary serves on the advisory board of the International Society for Schema Therapy and is a member of the NJ Association of Cognitive-Behavior Therapists, and the International Association of Cognitive-Behavior Therapists.
Additional Info
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
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Objectives
- Apply empathic confrontation strategies for limit setting, accountability, and bypassing challenging modes.
- Assess narcissistic traits and coping modes in relational dynamics.
- Utilize empathic confrontation to set boundaries and encourage accountability.
Outline
Understanding the Role of Schema Therapy in Couples Work
Challenges of Narcissism in Intimate Relationships
The Schema Therapy Approach
Key Treatment Strategies
- Assess narcissistic traits and coping modes in relational dynamics.
- Track attachment ruptures and identify conflict triggers.
- Address dysfunctional cycles using emotion-focused and CBT-based interventions.
- Use empathic confrontation to establish boundaries, promote accountability, and restore intimacy.
- Maintain a “sturdy self” as a clinician to engage effectively in high-conflict sessions
Target Audience
- Addiction Professionals
- Case Managers
- Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
Reviews
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