Westchester Divorce Lawyer – Arnold D. Cribari

Category: Divorce and Narcissism

When Divorcing a Narcissist: Part 2

This is a continuation of my prior blog on the dos and don’ts of divorcing a narcissist. A collaborative divorce can be an effective method for divorce from a narcissist because there are conflict resolution professionals involved in the process.  This may seem counterintuitive, but collaborative doesn’t mean you cave to the demands of the narcissist. Attorneys with conflict resolution training can bring artful negotiating skills into the process. Very few litigation-oriented attorneys have conflict resolution training.  Moreover, when utilizing the collaborative interdisciplinary model (i.e. including mental health professionals as coaches) you have four professionals involved who have finely honed communication skills. Narcissists Have Blind Spots Micki McWade, LCSW, a collaborative divorce coach and licensed psychotherapist says, narcissists need reassurance because they have blind spots that prevent them from perceiving the situation rationally. Moreover, they are incapable of understanding that their spouse has legitimate needs and concerns that differ from … Read More...

When You’re Divorcing from a Narcissist – Part 1

When one of the spouses in a divorce is a narcissist, negotiations are especially challenging. As a member of the New York Association of Collaborative Professionals (NYACP), I have the benefit of learning from colleagues on a regular basis. At a recent NYACP meeting, Micki McWade, LCSW, gave a presentation on Narcissism and Addiction as Common Themes in Marriage that Lead to Divorce. A licensed psychotherapist, Ms. McWade is also a divorce coach, i.e. a mental health professional who provides support and advice to a divorcing spouse.  For more about divorce coaches, click here: https://www.westchesterdivorcelawyer.com/divorce-coaches-in-collaborative-divorce/ At the outset, it is important to keep in mind that Ms. McWade said that we all have some degree of narcissism. Also, I have found that many people with little knowledge or experience in dealing with narcissism, rush to judgement and are quick to label their spouse as a narcissist. The purpose here is not … Read More...