2018 AABCAP Conference
We were privileged to be able to record the 2018 AABCAP conference in Sydney recently which discussed the subject of narcissism. The following lectures from this conference have been published to Owl Talks.
Narcissism: Therapist Views of the Therapeutic Journey
Louise Fisher presents “Narcissism: Therapist Views of the Therapeutic Journey”. Louise will present findings from her master’s thesis on narcissism. For this study Louise interviewed nine therapists with an average of 30 years experience in working with clients high in narcissism. The findings offer practice-based evidence concerning effective ways of working with narcissistic clients to bring about a willingness to accept limitation and develop intimacy skills. She will discuss how aspects of Buddhism are also aimed at developing these qualities.
From Narcissistic Self Investment to Development of Self-lessness
Eng-Kong Tan presents “From Narcissistic Self Investment to Development of Selflessness”. Eng-Kong describes what makes sense for him as a clinician from analytic theories in the development of a narcissistic personality disorder. He will then attempt to delineate what works and what obstructs progress in therapy for narcissistic disorders from his clinical work. He refers to the Buddhist teachings and practices he has found useful for the therapeutic dyad working in this challenging area.
Transforming Narcissism by the Act of Understanding
Neville Symington presents “Transforming Narcissism by the Act of Understanding”. It is a source of pain and suffering for a person to be utterly alone and alienated from any shared experience, as often is the plight of the narcissist. In this talk Neville tells the story of a patient who was suffering from being in this isolated state and how an engagement with her opened a doorway to a new and shared experience. Often this is the transformation required in the therapy of narcissistic disorders. A shared experience does not cancel out suffering but enables it to be embraced as part of the human condition, a process that is inherent in both spiritual and psychotherapeutic healing traditions.
Healing the Selfless Self: When Buddhism and Subjectivity Collide
Pilar Jennings presents “Healing the Selfless Self: When Buddhism and Subjectivity Collide”. In the history of Buddhist spirituality, the relevance of subjectivity has been challenged in ways that seem directly at odds with a psychoanalytic understanding of the human condition. Over time, and perhaps particularly in contemporary Western cultures, the Buddhist emphasis on self-transcendence has created opportunity for practitioners to consider the development and pitfalls of self-experience throughout the life cycle. In this talk, Pilar Jennings will explore the lively intersection of a Buddhist and psychoanalytic approach to narcissism in its various forms, with emphasis on the run from subjectivity in the Buddhist tradition, and the charge toward subjectivity in the analytic endeavor. Taken in tandem, these perspectives can illuminate the healing process of building up sturdy and supple self-hood.