Treatment Considerations When Working with Pathological Narcissism

Bibliographic Data

ID20177870
AuthorsRay Little (corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume36
Issue4
Pages303-317
Publication date2006-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueTransactional Analysis Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0362-1537 • E-ISSN: 2329-5244
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1177/036215370603600405
OpenAlexW2577752174
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited14

The author presents his understanding and experience of working with clients who exhibit pathological narcissism. Some of the challenges that arise in the treatment process are considered from a psychodynamic perspective, particularly how destructive elements manifest themselves and impact the therapeutic relationship. After a brief overview of various theories, the etiology of narcissism, transference issues, and narcissistic vulnerabilities, the author focuses on pathological processes, particularly destructive elements. The challenge of working with these issues is described, including the way the defenses of the narcissistically organized client are threatened by the separateness of the client and the therapist. The article concludes with an examination of those aspects of treatment that must be considered when undertaking psychotherapy with narcissistic individuals, particularly from a relational orientation

Narcissism · Pathological · Psychodynamics · Psychotherapist · Working through · Computer Science · Medicine · Personality Disorders and Psychopathology · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications · Social Psychology · Transactional Analysis in Psychotherapy

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