Narcissistic Aspects of the Consultative Process

This dissertation is concerned with narcissism and its impact on the consultative process. The aim of the paper is to reveal ways narcissism can influence the consulting process, grounding on the theoretical material and the cases of consultative practice. To achieve the aim of the research the following objectives were set: 1) to study the theory of narcissism developed by S. Freud; 2) to study alternative psychoanalytical approaches to narcissism; 3) to reveal possible differences and contradictions in various studies of narcissism; 4) to describe and analyze cases in which a client’s narcissism had impact on the consultative process; 5) to draw conclusions grounding on the data analyzed. As a result of the research it was established that narcissism has considerable impact on the consultative process. No universal method of treating the narcissistic personality has been univocally accepted so far, and there are different, often polar approaches to treatment. Some therapists claim the necessity to accept benevolently idealization or devaluation, as well as to demonstrate unshakable empathy to the client’s individuality. Others insist on confronting grandiosity and interpreting defenses from envy and avidity. Accordingly, whilst choosing a method of treatment, the narcissism of the client will influence the consultative process in different ways. These different ways narcissism can have impact on the consultative process are analyzed on the basis of case reports.