Different Types of Narcissism: A Breakdown
As someone who specializes in narcissistic abuse, something I frequently come across is the lack of discussion surrounding the different subtypes of narcissism. Per usual, Dr. Ramani Durvasula says it better than I ever could, so please go check out her content - she is a vessel of knowledge.
This stuff is so insidious and presents in a multitude of ways. This wasn’t something I learned until I did my intensive studying for my certification.
The Different Types of Narcissism:
Grandiose
Vulnerable
Malignant
Communal
Self-righteous
Neglectful
Superficial/”mild” narcissism
Generational and cultural
As if one type weren’t enough - sheeeeeesh. We have a lot to unpack here, and I’m going to do so in the most digestible way possible. If you’re interested, check out more of my narcissistic abuse resources in my online shop here. I’m going to stick to the ones that I see most often discussed/presented to me clinically, so I will only be getting into a few subtypes in this blog.
Let’s do a quick breakdown of some traits of each subtype/what that could look like:
Grandiose narcissism — this is the textbook, the “prototype”.
Traits: entitlement, egocentricity, arrogance, materially/visibly successful, attention seeing
Vulnerable narcissism — all the same traits as grandiose, but still “floundering”.
Traits: sullenness, petulance, chronic sense of victimhood, “the world’s out to get me” at baseline
Malignant narcissism — the most dangerous subtype of narcissism.
Traits: exploitative, antagonistic, sadistic, paranoid, entitlement, constantly blaming others, self-aggrandizing, generating chaos frequently
Communal narcissism — meeting the insecurity/need for admiration by “helping others”.
Traits: major disconnect between private/public image, invested in helping others but lack of empathy in interpersonal/private relationships
They are helping with the wrong motives!
While this isn’t all encompassing, it’s a start. When I first started my journey in specializing in narcissistic abuse, I had no idea that it presented in so many different ways and in different relationships, let alone have numerous types! Again, I break some of this down more in my content that can be purchased in my online store. Thank you to those that have continued to support the work of a queer, independent, solo-practitioner in small business.
Thank you to my clients who have given me the honor and privilege of helping them navigate their way through this. It’s never something I take for granted.
Something important that I wanted to mention:
I just had two spots open up in my therapy groups, Roots & Renewal: Healing from Narcissistic Abuse on Mondays at 5pm and 6pm. Mondays at 5pm is women’s/femme-identifying and 6pm is a mixed, co-ed group. There’s one spot left in each.
Feel free to reach out to me at jay@janickiholistichealing.com to set up your free 15 minute intro call to see if group is the right fit for you. I’ve seen some magic happen in these groups that I cannot even begin to describe! For group therapy clients, you must live in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, or Pennsylvania in order to attend.
As always - sending my love from North Carolina to everywhere else,
Jay
