Abstract
The presence of narcissism in both therapist and patient results in a collusion that preserves the narcissistic integrity of the therapist and validates the narcissistic injury of the patient. Not only is the narcissistic behavior of the patient condoned, but narcissistic excesses in the therapist are tolerated. The unconscious identification on the part of the therapist with the patient produces anxiety in the therapist which results in treatment that intensifies the pathology of the patient.
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References
Kohut, H. (1971).Analysis of the Self. New York: International Universities Press.
Kohut, H. (1977).The Reparation of the Self. New York: International Universities Press.
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Seligson, A.G. The narcissistic therapist meets a narcissistic patient. J Contemp Psychother 22, 221–224 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00945987
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00945987