The purpose of this study was to ascertain the level of narcissistic injury among trainee counselling psychologists using the Narcissistic Injury Scale (Slyter, 1991). This 38-item Likert scale is based on Miller's (1981) definition of narcissistic injury; a specific type of psychological damage which focuses on feelings about the self and past relationships related to self-development. Theorists suggest that if untreated, narcissistic issues can interfere with client work and lead to a number of problems for trainees, influencing drop-out rates and increasing burnout. The results of the study indicate that a high degree of narcissistic injury may be prevalent among trainee counselling psychologists and furthermore, that narcissistic injury does seem to be related to the quality of the perceived parent-child relationship. Consequently, the study suggests that therapeutic work could be affected in those trainees who fail to address their own narcissism. The study provides some tentative support for the utility of the Narcissistic Injury Scale.
Background: Difficulties with containing or processing emotions brought up in the countertransference response have long been understood as having the potential to cause a rupture in the therapeutic relationship, often with damaging results for the client. As increasing numbers of psychotherapists are becoming interested in mindfulness meditation, and as evidence is building to suggest that mindfulness meditation is an effective way of relating to one's thoughts and emotions in a non-judgemental and non-reactive fashion, the effect this may be having on the processing of countertransference material seems a worthy area of investigation. Method: This study explores the countertransference experiences of five psychotherapists who practised mindfulness meditation, using semistructured interviews. Data were analysed using a grounded theory methodology. Results: A tentative conceptual understanding of the data was developed, indicating that therapists who practised mindfulness meditation were relating to countertransferential responses with an observing stance, a compassionately curious attitude and a holding of emotion, which brings them into the present moment, resulting in the experience of a deeper therapeutic relationship. Discussion: The implications for training and practice are discussed, through the potential of practising mindfulness to cultivate a therapeutic attitude towards countertransference responses.
BackgroundDifficulties with containing or processing emotions brought up in the countertransference response have long been understood as having the potential to cause a rupture in the therapeutic relationship, often with damaging results for the client. As increasing numbers of psychotherapists are becoming interested in mindfulness meditation, and as evidence is building to suggest that mindfulness meditation is an effective way of relating to one's thoughts and emotions in a non‐judgemental and non‐reactive fashion, the effect this may be having on the processing of countertransference material seems a worthy area of investigation.MethodThis study explores the countertransference experiences of five psychotherapists who practised mindfulness meditation, using semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using a grounded theory methodology.ResultsA tentative conceptual understanding of the data was developed, indicating that therapists who practised mindfulness meditation were relating to countertransferential responses with an observing stance, a compassionately curious attitude and a holding of emotion, which brings them into the present moment, resulting in the experience of a deeper therapeutic relationship.DiscussionThe implications for training and practice are discussed, through the potential of practising mindfulness to cultivate a therapeutic attitude towards countertransference responses.
Congenital facial palsy is a rare medical condition that causes paralysis of the facial muscles, lack of facial expression, and an unusual appearance. Findings from developmental psychology suggest that the face plays a central role in the construction of self. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 adults born with congenital facial palsy. Participant’s constructions of self across the life span were explored and a grounded theory of this process was constructed. Theoretical sampling was conducted with two parents of children born with the condition. All participants reported “struggling to make connections,” “experiencing invalidation,” and “struggling to regulate affect,” which lead to “constructing a defective sense of self.” Alternatively, “making validating connections” facilitated the process of “constructing a validated sense of self.” This study provides insight into the unique social and emotional challenges often experienced by those born with congenital facial palsy and highlights the need for early psychosocial intervention.
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