Impact of narcissism : the errant therapist on a chaotic quest / Peter L. Giovacchini.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Giovacchini, Peter L.

Contributor:

Phi Beta Kappa Library Trust Fund.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Narcissism.

Psychoanalysis.

Physical Description:

xvi, 324 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Northvale, N.J. : Jason Aronson, [2000]

Summary:

While many recent advances in dynamic psychotherapy are clinically relevant, others represent change for its own sake, offer little clinical data to support their theoretical constructs, and are primarily motivated by therapists' need to enhance themselves. Narcissism plays an increasingly important role as a defensive adaptation and a characterological trait in the majority of patients seen today. It is a powerful force that often dominates treatment. Focusing on the interplay of narcissism and countertransference, Dr. Giovacchini demonstrates with numerous clinical examples how the intrapsychic focus is deepened when explored in this context. His frank discussion of transference-countertransference feelings enriches clinical vistas and enables therapists to be more creative and autonomous.

Contents:

1. The Decline and Resurrection of the Intrapsychic Focus 1

The Golden Era of Psychoanalysis and Societal Factors 6

Rigidity of the Classical Position: Changing Cultural Scene and the Clinician's Dilemma 7

Multiple Perspectives and Mental Phenomena 10

Conflict about and Resistance to the Intrapsychic Focus 11

2. The Many Faces of the Errant Therapist on a Quixotic Quest 19

New Directions and Changes 23

Philosophers at the Gate 28

3. The New Faces 35

Intersubjectivity: Old Wine in Murky Bottles 37

Self Psychology: The Narcissistic Pinnacle 53

The Relational Approach

Open Vistas 78

4. Narcissistic Investments and Clinical Dividends 93

The Two Analyses of Mrs. A. 95

Narcissism: Its Extent and Variability 111

Narcissistic Imbalance and Fusion 122

5. Narcissism and Countertransference 145

Countertransference, Benign and Malignant 148

Countertransference, the Self Representation, and the Professional Ego-Ideal 160

Countertransference and Interminable Therapy: Technical and Superego Problems 197

Countertransference and the Silent Patient 207

Countertransference and the Superego 222

6. Structural and Dynamic Aspects of the Therapeutic Process 229

The Self-Observing Function and Psychic Structure 233

Factitious Therapeutic Settings and Goals 235

Painful Regressed States and Extensions of Technical Perspectives 242

The Observational Platform 259

The Therapeutic Venue: The Transitional Space 264

7. Degrees of Narcissism and Creativity 273

The Therapeutic Journey 275

Narcissistic Need to Create Structure 278

Psychic Birth and Narcissistic Involvement: Shaw's Plays 281.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [309]-318) and index.

Local Notes:

Acquired for the Penn Libraries with assistance from the Phi Beta Kappa Library Trust Fund.

ISBN:

0765702347

OCLC:

41628186