The Puppet Masters: How Narcissists Manipulate Therapists and Coaches
Therapists who are unfamiliar with this dynamics can do untold harm, and so part of the reason I want to do this episode is because I want to make it very clear that if you are a therapist or a coach and you're listening to this episode, you have a huge responsibility.
Ever thought therapists and coaches are immune to manipulation? Think again. In this eye-opening episode of the 'Narcissism Recovery Podcast', Yitz Epstein, a seasoned narcissistic abuse and relationship life coach, dives deep into the cunning tactics narcissists use to manipulate even the most well-intentioned professionals. Narcissists can twist the therapeutic process, using psychological jargon and fabricated traumas to appear credible and knowledgeable.
They often create a web of deceit by triangulating the therapist against their victim, making the victim seem irrational or unstable. Yitz reveals how narcissists specifically choose therapists they believe they can control, extending their manipulation beyond sessions through emails and texts. By devaluing, blaming, and even firing the therapist, narcissists buy more time to continue their abuse.
This episode is a crucial listen for anyone in the helping professions, as Yitz emphasizes the responsibility therapists and coaches have to educate themselves about narcissism. Ignorance in this area can inadvertently turn them into unwitting allies of the abuser, causing further harm to victims. If you’re a victim of narcissistic abuse or a professional in the field, this episode offers invaluable insights into recognizing and countering these manipulative tactics.
Yitz’s candid discussion aims to arm both victims and professionals with the knowledge needed to break free from the cycle of abuse.