In this paper, Dr. Masterson gives an understanding of the intrapsychic structure of Narcissistic Personality Disorder and how it finds clinical expression through the disorders of the self triad. Clinical cases are presented to illustrate how the therapeutic intervention of mirroring interpretation of narcissistic vulnerability helps the patient to convert transference acting-out to therapeutic alliance and transference, thereby creating the condition for psychoanalytic psychotherapy.
This workshop comprises three elements: A one-hour videotape demonstrating the use of mirroring interpretation of narcissistic vulnerability to establish a therapeutic alliance, discussion of the tape, and supervision of cases presented by the audience.
The importance of therapeutic alliance is described. Therapeutic alliance, transference, and transference acting-out are defined and distinguished from each other and the therapeutic task of helping the patient to convert transference acting-out to therapeutic alliance and transference is outlined. The differences in the form and content of the intrapsychic structure are described to show why different therapeutic techniques are necessary to establish the therapeutic alliance: Confrontation with the borderline and mirroring interpretation of narcissistic vulnerability with the Narcissistic Personality Disorder. A brief case illustrates each.
This workshop will demonstrate the clinical application of developmental, self, and object relations theory to psychotherapy with borderline and narcissistic patients - both shorter and longer term. After brief orienting remarks by Dr. Masterson, the participants will present their clinical material for discussion. This material can vary from single interactions to vignettes to longer presentations. Particular attention will be paid to the role of therapeutic neutrality and countertransference. This is a repeat offering of Wednesday's workshop.
This workshop will demonstrate the clinical application of developmental, self and object relations theory to psychotherapy with borderline and narcissistic patients- both shorter and longer term. After brief orienting remarks by Dr. Masterson, the participants will present their clinical material for discussion. This material can vary from single interactions to vignettes to longer presentations. Particular attention will be paid to the role of therapeutic neutrality and countertransference.