This book reflects the psychic wounds of narcissism from the perspective of Jungian analytical psychology. Oriented towards the richness and plurality of the psyche, it sheds light on clinical practice as well as the common and intricate issues of this personality type.
Narcissism is described as a grandiose sense of self, exhibitionistic, needing reassurance, but suffering in disturbed relationships. The perspective of Jungian analytical psychology expands the symbolism within narcissism. Clinical examples, dreams, the myth of Narcissus and Echo, and basic Jungian concepts move us further into the psyche. Topics covered are: what narcissism is and why it’s misunderstood, if narcissists are capable of love, and their perfectionist burden. It explores how to forge knowledge and emotional transformation with a narcissist in clinical treatment and all relationships.
Exploring this complex and intriguing phenomenon, the book appeals to readers and therapists from various fields including psychoanalysis, general psychology, gender studies, culture, and sociology.
Table of Contents
1. The Mythological Beginnings 2. The Vagaries of Narcissism 3. Emotion and Desire Obstructed by Envy 4. Emptiness and Boredom 5. The Body Talks – Can a Narcissist Listen? 6. Echo’s Tragedy – Narcissistic Isolation from Intimacy 7. Psychoanalysis and André Green’s Life and Death Narcissism 8. Narcissism in Jungian Thought 9. The Shadows of Love in Relationship 10. The Analytical Bridge to Self Through Cultural Diversity 11. The Nigredo of Now 12. Where Do We Go From Here? Can Narcissus and Echo Bloom into Love?