Narcissism and the Psychotherapist - Hardcover

Rouslin Welt, Sheila; Herron, William G.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0898623987 ISBN 13: 9780898623987

Publisher: The Guilford Press, 1990

Synopsis

Narcissism has received much attention in the literature, but the focus has primarily been on patients. This fascinating book explores the narcissism of therapists--both its negative aspects and the creative potential it can offer the therapist-patient relationship. Although narcissism is often considered a psychoanalytic term, its scope is not limited to any school of therapy. By illuminating this misunderstood, neglected, even actively avoided aspect of the therapeutic process, this volume gives clinicians significant insight into how to bring about effective change in themselves and their patients.

About this title

About the Author:

Sheila Rouslin Welt, MS, RN, is certified for psychotherapy practice in both New York and New Jersey, where she is in private practice. Her co-authored books, Issues in Psychotherapy and A Collection of Classics in Psychiatric Nursing Literature, received American Journal of Nursing Book-of-the-Year Awards. A former Rutgers educator and clinical editor, she has lectured throughout the United States and abroad and is widely published in psychiatric nursing journals. She serves on the editorial board of Archives of Psychiatric Nursing.

William G. Herron, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Psychology at St. John's University, Jamaica, New York, and has a private practice in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology of the American Board of Professional Psychology. Co-author of Reactive and Process Schizophrenia, Contemporary School Psychology, and Issues in Psychotherapy, he serves as Editorial Consultant for the journal Psychotherapy.

Review:

"An old Italian proverb notes that everyone gives himself credit for more brains than he has and less money. Psychotherapists are not exempt from this human weakness but, understandably, have not discussed their narcissism as thoroughly as that of their patients. Welt and Herron try to remedy this oversight and courageously hold up a mirror that reflects often neglected aspects of therapeutic practice. Indeed, they do it so well that even experienced therapists will learn and profit from reading this well-written book without being narcissistically injured." --Ernest S. Wolf, MD

"An engaging and insightful work of an underappreciated issue which resides in importance along with concepts of transference and countertransference. This book is a distinguished addition to the growing field of study of the therapist's contribution to psychotherapy rather than the exclusive focus on the patient and the patient's psychopathology.... Interesting, valuable, practical reading for all mental health professionals, this creative and bold work should take its place alongside basic texts in psychotherapy." --David W. Krueger, MD, FAPA

"Written by two sensitive and highly experienced clinicians, this book deals primarily with the therapist's narcissism and related occupational hazards. However, it is a great deal more: It focuses the searchlight on the intricacies and complexities of the psychotherapeutic process and addresses problems of central importance in psychotherapy....The book is forward-looking and insightful. I warmly recommend it to therapists at all levels of training and experience." --Hans H. Strupp, PhD


"Valuable....This text is useful to relative novices as well as seasoned practitioners." (Contemporary Psychology 1990-04-29)

"Welt and Herron simply leave absolutely no stone unturned in bringing to light the twists that unconscious narcissism can introduce to the therapeutic process. I stubbornly held out against this gentle restlessness for most of the chapter, but eventually they put their fingers on one experience or another that evoked a chuckle of chagrin or gasp of self-recognition. Repeat readings brought that acknowledgement a page or two sooner, each time!...The soul-searching, while necessary, does not have to be endlessly agonizing. Done purposefully throughout our personal careers, it can be quietly effective. What a relief!" (The Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Review 1990-04-29)

About this edition

• Publisher: The Guilford Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0898623987
• ISBN 13: 9780898623987
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 356