Understanding and Treating Pathological Narcissism

Pathological narcissism has long been considered one of the most challenging conditions to treat in psychotherapy. Given the reluctance of many narcissistic clients to enter into therapy and the unique frustrations these clients can engender in those committed to helping them, even seasoned therapists may find themselves in need of expert guidance. In this book, today s most prominent thinkers and clinical experts on pathological narcissism address the challenges facing therapists who work with narcissistic clients. They trace the history of our understanding of narcissism, from ancient myth to Freud and subsequent psychodynamic approaches. They also provide clinicians with a comprehensive guide to treatment that covers features of the disorder, diagnosis, and assessment, as well as special considerations in the vital areas of transference and countertransference. Above all, they emphasize that narcissism is an eminently treatable disorder that can be approached using a variety of therapeutic models. Understanding And Treating Pathological Narcissism Is Intended To Provide An Overview Of Important Issues Related To The Psychotherapeutic Treatment Of Patients With This Debilitating Condition. The Book Draws On The Knowledge Of Highly Skilled, Well-respected Contributors Who Are At The Forefront Of Clinical And Empirical Advances In The Field, And The Concise Chapters Provide An Introduction To Various Topics That Are Relevant To The Treatment Of Patients With Pathological Narcissism. This Point Deserves Emphasis: This Book Should Not Be Perceived As A Comprehensive Treatment Guide Or Definitive Textbook On Pathological Narcissism, But Rather As A Synopsis Of Key Issues That Provides The Reader With A Basic Grounding. The Complexity Of Pathological Narcissism Cannot Be Addressed Comprehensively In The Space Of A Series Of Short Chapters. That Being Said, The Unique Focus And The Breadth Of Topics Covered Herein Should Make This Book A Useful Clinical Reference--introduction. (psycinfo Database Record (c) 2012 Apa, All Rights Reserved). Introduction To Narcissism -- Diagnosis And Assessment -- Clinical Features Of Pathological Narcissism -- Treatment Considerations And Approaches. Edited By John S. Ogrodniczuk. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. "Understanding and Treating Pathological Narcissism is intended to provide an overview of important issues related to the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with this debilitating condition. The book draws on the knowledge of highly skilled, well-respected contributors who are at the forefront of clinical and empirical advances in the field, and the concise chapters provide an introduction to various topics that are relevant to the treatment of patients with pathological narcissism. This point deserves emphasis: This book should not be perceived as a comprehensive treatment guide or definitive textbook on pathological narcissism, but rather as a synopsis of key issues that provides the reader with a basic grounding. The complexity of pathological narcissism cannot be addressed comprehensively in the space of a series of short chapters. That being said, the unique focus and the breadth of topics covered herein should make this book a useful clinical reference"--Introduction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved)