Schema therapy for pathological narcissism: The art of adaptive reparenting.

Abstract

Schema therapy, an integrative model of psychotherapy developed by young, klosko, and Weishaar (2003), was developed to treat personality and chronic symptom disorders. Included in this thoughtfully assembled, evidencebased approach to treatment (giesen-Bloo et al., 2006) are elements from gestalt, object relations, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and emotion-focused therapies. One of the hallmark features of schema therapy is the concept of (adaptive) limited reparenting. Emphasis is placed on (a) identifying core unmet needs and attachment ruptures in the patient's early development and (b) working to help the patient get those needs met. Although no specific clinical trials of schema therapy for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) have been conducted, anecdotal observations and reports suggest that it may have potential as an effective treatment.This chapter discusses the use of schema therapy for NPD. We begin by discussing the primary tenets of schema therapy and then illustrate how this can be applied to the treatment of NPD.

Schema Therapy for Emotional Dysregulation: Theoretical Implication and Clinical Applications

“…Limited reparenting is the heart of ST (Behary and Dieckmann, 2013). The core concept of limited reparenting can be defined as a wide range of responses, behaviors, and attitudes of the therapist designed to respond to patient’s core needs (Arntz and Jacob, 2012).…”

An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Schema Modes in a Single Case of Anorexia Nervosa: Part 1- Background, Method, and Child and Parent Modes

“…"A dysfunctional schema mode", write Young et al (2003, p. 40), "is a part of the self that is cut off to some degree from other aspects of the self" so that an individual's psychological responses are not integrated. Schema therapists listen for these different states, identify and name them, help clients see the nature of the conflicts between them, and work strategically to resolve the conflicts and promote corrective experiences (Behary & Dieckmann, 2013;Flanagan, 2014;Kellogg & Young, 2006).…”

Filling the form: Expressive Therapies Continuum‐guided treatment of narcissistic personality disorder

“…Narcissistic clients frequently oscillate between displays of grandiosity and vulnerability, and often do not comply with suggested therapeutic tasks. They tend to challenge therapists by involving them in various negative interpersonal patterns, pushing them to feel inadequate, angry, and wanting to quit their role as therapist (Behary & Dieckmann, 2013). Dimaggio (2022) claimed that general therapeutic strategies often are ineffective with narcissistic clients; they are best served by highly individualized treatment plans designed to meet their unique and specific treatment needs.…”