Narcissistic Clients

Characteristics that mark grandiosity – in contrast to healthy self-esteem – include arrogance, exaggerated self-importance, oblivion of impact on others… being entitled, reactive and demanding. Grandiose people may often devalue others to support their self-esteem, demand gratification, be unrealistic about ways in which the world will serve them, and aggressive when challenged.

As it is difficult for a grandiose narcissistic to realistically perceive their limitations, or their need for help, they will typically only enter therapy after they encounter a serious breakdown in their relationship with the world of other people. Once in therapy, however, they may quickly restore the defensive strategies of grandiosity as a means of self-protection and be particularly challenging to stay connected to.

From Kohut and Kernberg, to Gabbard and Symington, there is a rich psychoanalytical literature on aetiology and treatment of grandiosity. Our speakers will pick up this discussion, considering what underlies this tendency, how it functions to both protect and limit the self, its roots in childhood and how it can be most effectively worked with to bring that person towards acceptance of their limitations and human vulnerability.