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- Title
Experiential techniques and therapeutic relationship in the treatment of narcissistic personality disorder: The case of Laura.
- Authors
Centonze, Antonella; Popolo, Raffaele; Panagou, Corinna; MacBeth, Angus; Dimaggio, Giancarlo
- Abstract
Experiential techniques can be used to address maladaptive interpersonal patterns in patients with personality disorders (PDs) as long as they are delivered minding about the therapeutic relationship. We present the case study of Laura, a 38‐year‐old woman presenting with covert narcissism, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and complicated grief treated with metacognitive interpersonal therapy. Laura initially refused to engage in any experiential work out of fear of being judged and abandoned by her therapist. To navigate this therapeutic obstacle, the therapist focused on exploring and eventually repairing early alliance ruptures. Thereafter, Laura engaged in experiential work, which helped her address her narcissistic interpersonal patterns. After 2 years, Laura's symptoms and narcissistic problematic behaviors decreased. This case study can help us understand how experiential techniques can be successfully used in PD psychotherapy as long as attention to the therapy relationship is paid.
- Subjects
NARCISSISTIC personality disorder; NARCISSISM; COMPLICATED grief; PATIENT-professional relations; INTERPERSONAL psychotherapy; METACOGNITIVE therapy; PERSONALITY disorders
- Publication
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2023, Vol 79, Issue 7, p1656
- ISSN
0021-9762
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/jclp.23514