 Image by beligte from Pixabay When we hear the word “narcissist,” it often brings to mind painful memories or relationships marked by manipulation, control, or emotional neglect. In popular culture, narcissism has become a shorthand for someone toxic, abusive, or incapable of love. But what if the story is more complicated than that? A recent article in Slate, “Narcissists Aren’t Really So Bad. Just Ask These Narcissists,” highlights a growing group of individuals who have been diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and are working to challenge common misconceptions. People like Lee Hammock and Jacob Skidmore are sharing their experiences online, revealing a side of narcissism that is less about malice and more about deep insecurity, loneliness, and emotional pain. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, we see every personality style—even those that can be challenging in relationships—as rooted in unmet emotional needs. Narcissistic traits often develop as a defense mechanism, protecting individuals from feelings of shame, vulnerability, or unworthiness. While those defenses can create hurtful patterns in relationships, understanding what’s underneath can open the door to healing. Therapy offers a safe space to unpack these patterns, both for those who live with NPD and for those impacted by it. Self-awareness, as Hammock and Skidmore have found, is the first step toward change. With support, narcissistic behaviors can be managed, and empathy—though inconsistent—can grow. If you are struggling with the pain of a relationship with a narcissistic partner or family member, or you want to better understand your own patterns, therapy can help. At Oak Creek, we believe that healing starts with compassion—for yourself and for others. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Hearing the word “no” can stir up powerful emotions. It might remind you of asking a crush to dance at a school formal and being turned down. Or perhaps it brings back the memory of asking for a well-deserved promotion—only to be refused. It could even resurface the moment you had to say “no” to a pleading child begging for a toy or to join a dangerously thrilling activity. The sting of rejection often lingers far longer than we’d like to admit. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, CA, we understand how deeply the word “no” can affect our emotional wellbeing. Today, we want to help reframe your understanding of rejection and refusal—and maybe even empower you to say “no” more often, especially when it comes to setting healthy boundaries. Why Saying No Matters “No” Is Often the Safest Answer Saying no doesn’t always mean rejecting a person—it can be a yes to protecting your time, energy, or wellbeing. It maintains the status quo, avoids unnecessary risk, and shields your schedule, reputation, or emotional bandwidth. Sometimes, no is the kindest, clearest response. No Brings Clarity Hearing no gives us a chance to pause and reflect. Was the request aligned with our goals? Is this something we truly want, or were we acting from impulse or pressure? A thoughtful refusal can renew our purpose and offer an opportunity to reassess how we’re pursuing what matters most. Reframing Rejection: Counting Your No’s One yes can outweigh a thousand no’s. While rejection can feel personal, it often simply means the timing, circumstances, or fit wasn’t quite right. Learning to count your no’s on the way to a yes builds resilience and normalizes the discomfort of rejection. Not every door is meant to open—sometimes, one door is all you need. Therapy Can Help You Process Rejection At Oak Creek, many of our clients come to therapy to process rejection, loss, or difficulty saying no. If you’re navigating emotional boundaries, relationship stress, or unresolved disappointment, we can help. If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.  We’re excited to welcome Angelina Rinaldi, MFT Trainee to the Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center team! Angelina is currently earning her graduate degree at Alliant International University and is completing her clinical training with us under the supervision of Stephen Polin, LMFT #7861. Before pursuing the path of therapy, she worked as a resource teacher—an experience that continues to inform her relational, grounded approach to working with individuals and families. Angelina brings warmth, compassion, and curiosity to every session. She is passionate about supporting children, families, and couples through life’s transitions and challenges. Her work is rooted in the belief that clients are the experts of their own experiences, and she uses a solution-focused lens to help strengthen communication, establish healthy boundaries, and move toward meaningful personal and relational goals. We’re so happy to have Angelina on the team and look forward to the thoughtful, supportive care she will offer our clients! 👉 Learn more about Angelina and reach out for a consultation here If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.
To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected]. Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page. |
Categories
All
Archives
December 2025
|
RSS Feed
|
Hours by Appointment
|
408-320-5740
|
@ 2025 Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center