# Narcissists Lie to Therapists to Avoid Shame

> Narcissists often lie to therapists to avoid shame, according to a specialist.
- Title: Narcissists Lie to Therapists to Avoid Shame · Psychologies
- Summary: Narcissists often lie to therapists to avoid shame, according to a specialist. Narcissists lie to therapists to avoid shame, as they lack psychological…
- Keywords: narcissism, therapy, shame, psychology, psychologist, narcissistic personality disorder, dsm-5-tr, honesty, mental health, Narcissists, Lie, Therapists
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/moi/moi-et-les-autres-moi/Une-psychologue-lobserve-les-personnalites-narcissiques-adoptent-souvent-ce-comportement-tres-revelateur-en-therapie-635388
- Author: Nina Parage
- Published: 2026-09-27T17:02:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: narcissism, therapy, shame, psychology, psychologist, narcissistic personality disorder, dsm-5-tr, honesty, mental health
## Narcissistic Personality Disorder
The DSM-5-TR defines narcissistic personality disorder as a lasting pattern of grandiosity, excessive need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
## Narcissists Lie in Therapy
Therapists report narcissists lie to therapists as much as they lie to others to avoid shame and maintain control.
## Why They Lie
Narcissists lie to protect their idealized self-image, avoid responsibility, and manipulate others, including therapists.
## Shame and Narcissism
Narcissists feel shame more intensely than healthy individuals but suppress it unconsciously to avoid confronting it.
## Therapy Resistance
Narcissists are often resistant to therapy because they lack psychological resources to face shame, leading to defensive behaviors.
## Key takeaway

Narcissists lie to therapists to avoid shame, as they lack psychological resources to confront it.