Description
Despite the growing cultural and empirical interest in narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder, therapists often feel confused and overwhelmed about how to help patients struggling with these problems. "Mentalization" refers to the ability to read, access, and reflect on mental states in oneself and other people. Research shows that people with narcissism can suffer from extreme difficulties mentalizing themselves and others, leading to instability in their mood, interpersonal relationships, and sense of self. Mentalization-based Treatment for Pathological Narcissism: A Handbook provides much needed guidance about how to effectively help patients suffering from narcissistic vulnerabilities. Mentalization-based treatment, or MBT, is an evidence-based therapy for patients with personality disorders, helping patients to reflect on mental states in themselves and others, resulting in significant improvements in everyday functioning. This book reviews the deficits in mentalizing associated with pathological narcissism, describes how to give the diagnosis of narcissism to patients, outlines how to structure therapy sessions, and offers step-by-step techniques about "what to do and say" when sitting with these patients. Utilizing vibrant case examples and verbatim scripts from actual psychotherapies, the authors explain how to address the most common clinical challenges associated with narcissism: disconnection from emotions; impairments in empathy; rigid thinking; monologues and intellectualization; unstable self-esteem; and tendencies to blame other people for disruptions in their relationships.
About the Author
Robert P. Drozek, LICSW, is a staff psychotherapist in the Personality Disorders Service and Division of Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction at McLean Hospital. He serves as a supervisor in the Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) Clinic at McLean; a teaching associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School; and an MBT trainer and supervisor through the Anna Freud Centre in London. His publications examine the interface between psychotherapy and ethics, with an emphasis on the role of ethics in the patient's therapeutic change. He is author of the book Psychoanalysis as an Ethical Process (2019). He maintains a private practice in Belmont, Massachusetts. Brandon T. Unruh, MD, is the medical director of the Gunderson Residence and founding director of the Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) Clinic at McLean Hospital. He is an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and an MBT trainer and supervisor through the Anna Freud Centre in London. His clinical approach is anchored in the practice of evidence-based treatments for personality disorders, including MBT, dialectical behavior therapy, transference-focused psychotherapy, and good psychiatric management. His core academic publications and interests are in the areas of personality disorders, suicidality, spirituality, and flourishing. He is co-editor of the book Borderline Personality Disorder: A Case-based Approach (2018). He has a private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Anthony W. Bateman MA, FRCPsych, is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and MBT Consultant to the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families; a Visiting Professor at University College, London; and an Honorary Professor in Psychotherapy at the University of Copenhagen. With Peter Fonagy, he developed mentalization-based treatment for borderline personality disorder, studying its effectiveness in research trials. He has authored, co-authored, and edited 17 books, including Mentalization-based Treatment for Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide (2016), and Introduction to Psychoanalysis, Second Edition (2021). He has published numerous book chapters, and over 150 peer reviewed research articles on personality disorder and the use of psychotherapy in psychiatric practice.
Reviews
Mentalization-based Treatment for Pathological Narcissism: A Handbook fills a critical gap in the clinical literature. This handbook examines the nature of pathological narcissism, carefully outlines an innovative treatment approach, and uses descriptive case material to illustrate the application of Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) to address the struggles of these patients. Patients will recognize the expertise in MBT for Narcissism, feeling the validation of experience that can be motivating for those who have not felt helped by other approaches. * Blaise Aguirre, MD, DBT trainer, author of Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents, and co-author of DBT for Dummies *
Now more than ever, psychotherapy needs a coherent and pragmatic approach to the treatment of pathological narcissism. Not only does this groundbreaking book introduce a novel mentalizing intervention for narcissistic disturbances; it also provides clarity about how MBT is more generally implemented, in a practical and user-friendly manner. This book will help any clinician improve their psychotherapeutic interventions with patients who struggle with forming a clearer and more consistent sense of self. * Lois W. Choi-Kain, MD, MEd, Good Psychiatric Management (GPM) trainer, co-editor of Applications of Good Psychiatric Management for Borderline Personality Disorder *
It is hard to imagine a book that could bridge so seamlessly the clinical, empirical, and theoretical levels of discourse related to the treatment of pathological narcissism. New students of psychotherapy and practiced clinicians will benefit enormously from the specificity and breadth of various levels of intervention. A book is remarkable when an experienced clinician and a new therapist find genuine help and clarity regarding their treatment of narcissistically disturbed patients. This is that rare text. * Steven H. Cooper, PhD, author of Playing and Becoming in Psychoanalysis *
Narcissistic tendencies are on the rise in this modern world of selfies, manicured Instagram pages, constant self-promotion, and other artificial means of increasing self-esteem. This exciting new book explores ways of addressing pathological narcissism, based on one of the best supported methods of addressing similar disorders: Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT). This book is relevant not just to MBT therapists but also to those interested in interventions from self-compassion to mindfulness, from emotion-focused work to 'third wave' cognitive and behavioral therapy. Comprehensive and well-written, this volume contains interesting and useful ideas on every page. Highly recommended. * Steven C. Hayes, PhD, originator and co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and author of A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters *
Our understanding of pathological narcissism has evolved and is continuing to become more complex and differentiated. Drozek, Unruh, and Bateman's handbook on Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) for pathological narcissism is an excellent example, taking up the challenge of showing us how to work effectively with pathological narcissism. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this handbook is its clear and direct style, which will make it appealing for seasoned clinicians (who might be familiar with mentalization), as well as to students and early career professionals (who are curious to learn about mentalization). * Elliot Jurist, PhD, author of Minding Emotions: Cultivating Mentalization in Psychotherapy *
Integrating contemporary clinical theory and clinical science, this handbook fills an important gap by extending Mentalization-based Treatment to patients presenting with pathological narcissism. Written in a straightforward and highly accessible style, the book provides clear clinical examples and specific recommendations spanning all aspects of treatment. Most importantly, the narrative easily transports readers into the consulting room. The level of specificity in 'how to' assess and intervene is outstanding, making it an essential resource for clinicians of all orientations who work with these challenging patients. * Aaron L. Pincus, PhD, developer of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) *
This is by far the most up-to-date and comprehensive practical handbook for exploring and treating pathological narcissism. The focus on mentalization as a technique and process opens a remarkable opportunity to engage patients to move from 'reflexive' towards 'reflective' functioning. The authors outline a non-judgmental, systematic approach for recognizing and adjusting strategies for each patient's individual narcissism-related mindset. The detailed clarifying clinical examples makes this book exceptionally useful for psychotherapists and clinicians. * Elsa Ronningstam, PhD, author of Identifying and Understanding the Narcissistic Personality *
Drozek, Unruh, and Bateman illustrate how deficits in mentalization result in grandiosity, emotional vulnerabilities, and empathic deficiencies in individuals with pathological narcissism. Myriad examples of thoughtfully worded interventions bring home the humble, evidence-based, potent, and creative stance of Mentalization-based Treatment; therapist-readers can immediately bring their suggestions to bear in sessions. Theory, stance, and interventions are folded together in beautifully described, full case examples. This book is a tour de force and a huge addition to the clinical literature on treating pathological narcissism. * Charles Swenson, MD, DBT trainer and author of DBT Principles in Action: Acceptance, Change, and Dialectics *
Drozek, Unruh, and Bateman have written an essential book for clinicians who are treating, or wish to treat, those with pathological narcissism. Beyond a sophisticated set of treatment principles and techniques, the authors offer a compassionate guide to the often difficult trajectory of working with someone with this serious disorder. This book is a must-read for anyone working with this intriguing, complex, and common group of patients. * Mary C. Zanarini, EdD, author of In the Fullness of Time: Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192866134
Author Robert P. Drozek
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 660g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 23mm
About the Author
Robert P. Drozek, LICSW, is a staff psychotherapist in the Personality Disorders Service and Division of Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction at McLean Hospital. He serves as a supervisor in the Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) Clinic at McLean; a teaching associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School; and an MBT trainer and supervisor through the Anna Freud Centre in London. His publications examine the interface between psychotherapy and ethics, with an emphasis on the role of ethics in the patient's therapeutic change. He is author of the book Psychoanalysis as an Ethical Process (2019). He maintains a private practice in Belmont, Massachusetts. Brandon T. Unruh, MD, is the medical director of the Gunderson Residence and founding director of the Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) Clinic at McLean Hospital. He is an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and an MBT trainer and supervisor through the Anna Freud Centre in London. His clinical approach is anchored in the practice of evidence-based treatments for personality disorders, including MBT, dialectical behavior therapy, transference-focused psychotherapy, and good psychiatric management. His core academic publications and interests are in the areas of personality disorders, suicidality, spirituality, and flourishing. He is co-editor of the book Borderline Personality Disorder: A Case-based Approach (2018). He has a private practice in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Anthony W. Bateman MA, FRCPsych, is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and MBT Consultant to the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families; a Visiting Professor at University College, London; and an Honorary Professor in Psychotherapy at the University of Copenhagen. With Peter Fonagy, he developed mentalization-based treatment for borderline personality disorder, studying its effectiveness in research trials. He has authored, co-authored, and edited 17 books, including Mentalization-based Treatment for Personality Disorders: A Practical Guide (2016), and Introduction to Psychoanalysis, Second Edition (2021). He has published numerous book chapters, and over 150 peer reviewed research articles on personality disorder and the use of psychotherapy in psychiatric practice.
Reviews
Mentalization-based Treatment for Pathological Narcissism: A Handbook fills a critical gap in the clinical literature. This handbook examines the nature of pathological narcissism, carefully outlines an innovative treatment approach, and uses descriptive case material to illustrate the application of Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) to address the struggles of these patients. Patients will recognize the expertise in MBT for Narcissism, feeling the validation of experience that can be motivating for those who have not felt helped by other approaches. * Blaise Aguirre, MD, DBT trainer, author of Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents, and co-author of DBT for Dummies *
Now more than ever, psychotherapy needs a coherent and pragmatic approach to the treatment of pathological narcissism. Not only does this groundbreaking book introduce a novel mentalizing intervention for narcissistic disturbances; it also provides clarity about how MBT is more generally implemented, in a practical and user-friendly manner. This book will help any clinician improve their psychotherapeutic interventions with patients who struggle with forming a clearer and more consistent sense of self. * Lois W. Choi-Kain, MD, MEd, Good Psychiatric Management (GPM) trainer, co-editor of Applications of Good Psychiatric Management for Borderline Personality Disorder *
It is hard to imagine a book that could bridge so seamlessly the clinical, empirical, and theoretical levels of discourse related to the treatment of pathological narcissism. New students of psychotherapy and practiced clinicians will benefit enormously from the specificity and breadth of various levels of intervention. A book is remarkable when an experienced clinician and a new therapist find genuine help and clarity regarding their treatment of narcissistically disturbed patients. This is that rare text. * Steven H. Cooper, PhD, author of Playing and Becoming in Psychoanalysis *
Narcissistic tendencies are on the rise in this modern world of selfies, manicured Instagram pages, constant self-promotion, and other artificial means of increasing self-esteem. This exciting new book explores ways of addressing pathological narcissism, based on one of the best supported methods of addressing similar disorders: Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT). This book is relevant not just to MBT therapists but also to those interested in interventions from self-compassion to mindfulness, from emotion-focused work to 'third wave' cognitive and behavioral therapy. Comprehensive and well-written, this volume contains interesting and useful ideas on every page. Highly recommended. * Steven C. Hayes, PhD, originator and co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and author of A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters *
Our understanding of pathological narcissism has evolved and is continuing to become more complex and differentiated. Drozek, Unruh, and Bateman's handbook on Mentalization-based Treatment (MBT) for pathological narcissism is an excellent example, taking up the challenge of showing us how to work effectively with pathological narcissism. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this handbook is its clear and direct style, which will make it appealing for seasoned clinicians (who might be familiar with mentalization), as well as to students and early career professionals (who are curious to learn about mentalization). * Elliot Jurist, PhD, author of Minding Emotions: Cultivating Mentalization in Psychotherapy *
Integrating contemporary clinical theory and clinical science, this handbook fills an important gap by extending Mentalization-based Treatment to patients presenting with pathological narcissism. Written in a straightforward and highly accessible style, the book provides clear clinical examples and specific recommendations spanning all aspects of treatment. Most importantly, the narrative easily transports readers into the consulting room. The level of specificity in 'how to' assess and intervene is outstanding, making it an essential resource for clinicians of all orientations who work with these challenging patients. * Aaron L. Pincus, PhD, developer of the Pathological Narcissism Inventory (PNI) *
This is by far the most up-to-date and comprehensive practical handbook for exploring and treating pathological narcissism. The focus on mentalization as a technique and process opens a remarkable opportunity to engage patients to move from 'reflexive' towards 'reflective' functioning. The authors outline a non-judgmental, systematic approach for recognizing and adjusting strategies for each patient's individual narcissism-related mindset. The detailed clarifying clinical examples makes this book exceptionally useful for psychotherapists and clinicians. * Elsa Ronningstam, PhD, author of Identifying and Understanding the Narcissistic Personality *
Drozek, Unruh, and Bateman illustrate how deficits in mentalization result in grandiosity, emotional vulnerabilities, and empathic deficiencies in individuals with pathological narcissism. Myriad examples of thoughtfully worded interventions bring home the humble, evidence-based, potent, and creative stance of Mentalization-based Treatment; therapist-readers can immediately bring their suggestions to bear in sessions. Theory, stance, and interventions are folded together in beautifully described, full case examples. This book is a tour de force and a huge addition to the clinical literature on treating pathological narcissism. * Charles Swenson, MD, DBT trainer and author of DBT Principles in Action: Acceptance, Change, and Dialectics *
Drozek, Unruh, and Bateman have written an essential book for clinicians who are treating, or wish to treat, those with pathological narcissism. Beyond a sophisticated set of treatment principles and techniques, the authors offer a compassionate guide to the often difficult trajectory of working with someone with this serious disorder. This book is a must-read for anyone working with this intriguing, complex, and common group of patients. * Mary C. Zanarini, EdD, author of In the Fullness of Time: Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder *
Book Information
ISBN 9780192866134
Author Robert P. Drozek
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 660g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 155mm * 23mm
