Increase in searches and engagement around the topic narcissism

Recent data from Counselling Directory and sister site Life Coach Directory reveals a surge in searches and engagement around the topic of covert narcissism.

Counselling Directory has reported a staggering 94% rise in inquiries related to narcissism over the past three months. Meanwhile, its sister site, Life Coach Directory, has witnessed an astronomical 835% increase in organic Google search clicks concerning the same topic.

Expert insight

"Covert narcissism can be challenging to identify as the manifesting behaviours are often subtle and misleading. Despite this, the impact of these behaviours is significant. Unlike overt narcissists, covert narcissists are typically individuals who don’t stand out in a crowd, are introverted, avoid social situations, have low self-esteem and poor emotional regulation," Counselling Directory member and Integrative Psychotherapist Charlotte Deverell explains.

"Narcissism is coming up more in my practice," shares Counselling Directory member and psychotherapist Lisa Bruton. "The way people talk about narcissism as being something you either are or aren't isn't helpful, as well as the counterintuitive phenomena that the places where the terms have probably become popularised (TikTok, Instagram, etc) are also thought to increase narcissism."

"I think some of the drawbacks of this term is people cut off relationships too early, don't communicate, don't think about how they too can be narcissistic at times and that there can be an appeal to people who seem narcissistic - fun, confidence, vitality etc."

- Counselling Directory member and psychotherapist Lisa Bruton.

Are there any signs that someone is a narcissist?

Psychotherapist Charlotte Deverell, says: “A key sign that someone is a narcissist may be that they consistently set unachievable standards for others to meet, use insults, emotional and psychological manipulation such as gaslighting, guilt-tripping and blame shifting to maintain dominance and superiority while diminishing the autonomy and sense of self in those around them. Narcissists often don’t respect others’ opinions and have a need to always be right no matter the cost.”

“Relationships with narcissists rely on isolation and are exhausting, therefore it’s important to counterbalance this through fulfilment elsewhere in life where possible,” she adds.

Media contact

Name: Alice Greedus

Title: PR Manager

Email: alice.greedus@counselling-directory.org.uk