As the executive director of Horizon Psychological Services in Miami Beach, Dr. Norman Goldwasser manages a variety of mental health professionals. Also a practicing clinical psychologist, Dr. Norman Goldwasser leads a therapy group for men with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).
Often seen by others as “arrogant” and “haughty,” persons with NPD typically devalue others’ accomplishments while maintaining an excessively high opinion of their own abilities. They expect praise and feel disappointed when it is not forthcoming.
Believing in their own superiority, individuals with NPD may feel the need to associate only with other “elite” individuals and insist on being served by “the best.” However, this sense of being special and their strong need for admiration indicates weak self-esteem.
NPD is also characterized by a lack of empathy and understanding of the needs of others. This leads to a sense of entitlement that may result in exploitative behavior. People with NPD may form friendships and romantic attachments largely out of self-interest. People who associate with persons having NPD generally find them to be cold and unable to reciprocate their own desires and feelings.
Many persons with NPD do not seek treatment unless they cannot cope with stressful life events. Recovery depends on long periods of psychotherapy by a well-experienced practitioner.
Dr. Goldwasser has had many years of experience working with patients with narcissistic personalities, and actually has led a group for men with this type of personality for the last 20 years. Because narcissism is toxic for relationships, Dr. Goldwasser’s work helps his patients understand the impact of their personalities are the people in their lives, and to learn how to transition out of narcissism, be more other-centered and interpersonally sensitive, day and function more effectively in all of their relationships.
