The Narcissistic Family: Diagnosis and Treatment
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By: Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman and Robert M. Pressman
Format: Paperback
From: Jossey-Bass
Pub. Date: June 1997
From: Jossey-Bass
Pub. Date: June 1997
Product Details:
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 1997-07-09
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 181
Ean: 9780787908706
Isbn: 0787908703
Catalog: Book
Release Date: 1997-07-09
Media: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 181
Ean: 9780787908706
Isbn: 0787908703
ABOUT THE BOOK
EDITORIAL REVIEW
In this compelling book, the authors present an innovative therapeutic model for understanding and treating adults from emotionally abusive or neglectful families? families the authors call narcissistic. Narcissistic families have a parental system that is, for whatever reason (job stress, alcoholism, drug abuse, mental illness, physical disability, lack of parenting skills, self-centered immaturity), primarily involved in getting its own needs met. The children in such narcissistic family systems try to earn love, attention and approval by satisfying their parents' needs, thus never developing the ability to recognize their own needs or create strategies for getting them met. By outlining the theoretical framework of their model and using dozens of illustrative clinical examples, the authors clearly illuminate specific practice guidelines for treating these individuals.
Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman is a therapist, consultant, and trainer. She is known for her work with dysfunctional families, particularly with survivors of incest. Robert M. Pressman is the editor-in-chief and president of the Joint Commission for the Development of the Treatment and Statistical Manual for Behavioral and Mental Disorders.
Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman is a therapist, consultant, and trainer. She is known for her work with dysfunctional families, particularly with survivors of incest. Robert M. Pressman is the editor-in-chief and president of the Joint Commission for the Development of the Treatment and Statistical Manual for Behavioral and Mental Disorders.
USER REVIEWS
"My mother is still narcissistic in virtually every relationship she has. I now recognize what it is about our relationship that leaves me empty. I no longer provide her narcissistic supply and I have established some clear boundaries with her. I can't change my childhood but I am aware of how it can affect me in my daily interactions and, armed with that knowledge, I have been able to be a better mother to my son.
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who has to deal with a narcissistic family member; it doesn't necessarily have to be your parents. It could be a sibling, too."
~ Written on 2008-06-16
I would definitely recommend the book to anyone who has to deal with a narcissistic family member; it doesn't necessarily have to be your parents. It could be a sibling, too."
~ Written on 2008-06-16
"This book was quite an eye opener for my husband and I. We actually read it together and was able to identify many of the issues addressed. We feel armed with the knowledge of what we are dealing with (as knowing is 1/2 the battle), but we are still uncertain as to how exactly to deal with the narcissitic parent/family system in certain situations. We plan to continue reading about this topic, discussing how best to be in control of our own actions/feelings, and moving foward past the narcissitic upbringing. This book was definitely the place to start. "
~ Written on 2008-05-05
~ Written on 2008-05-05
"The book was very imformative if you feel you come from the type of family written about"
~ Written on 2008-03-31
~ Written on 2008-03-31
"I have read this book recently and am amazed at how much it is helping me become a better person. The stories are amazing, the analysis is genius. I can't but help recommend this book for people who are interested in learning about themselves and how to improve themselves. "
~ Written on 2008-03-11
~ Written on 2008-03-11
"I always knew my mom could be awful and my dad was passive, and that our household wasn't normal. But because there was no obvious abuse - no alcoholism, no hitting - and my parents paid for sailing lessons and an Ivy League college - I thought my adult problems were unrelated. Even after two consecutive therapists labeled my mother a narcissist, I couldn't make the connection between my upbringing and my chronic depression, indeciveness, insatiable desire to please others...until I read this book.
It's not a "blame-your-parents-for-everything" tract. "The Narcissistic Family" simply illustrates dysfunctional behavior with examples, articulates the impact of that behavior on the individual child, and explains the reasons behind it.
For instance: you know that your mother's yelling at you for low grades was crummy, and that you weren't really lazy or inept. But did you know that by getting angry, she was making YOU the problem? The normal response would be to investigate tutoring or time management or a different coarse load. (The problem is the homework, not the child.)
In a narcissistic family, the other parent responds by calming the narcissist (in my case, mom). The child's actual problem is ignored. The parents, essentially, are focused on their own needs. Before reading the Pressmans, I was never able to make sense of my parent's generosity and attention with being made to feel like an incompetent when I couldn't finish my homework on time.
Even if the term "narcissist" sounds harsh, read the book. At worst, it will be interesting and won't apply to you. At best, it will give your life-altering perspective."
~ Written on 2008-01-10
It's not a "blame-your-parents-for-everything" tract. "The Narcissistic Family" simply illustrates dysfunctional behavior with examples, articulates the impact of that behavior on the individual child, and explains the reasons behind it.
For instance: you know that your mother's yelling at you for low grades was crummy, and that you weren't really lazy or inept. But did you know that by getting angry, she was making YOU the problem? The normal response would be to investigate tutoring or time management or a different coarse load. (The problem is the homework, not the child.)
In a narcissistic family, the other parent responds by calming the narcissist (in my case, mom). The child's actual problem is ignored. The parents, essentially, are focused on their own needs. Before reading the Pressmans, I was never able to make sense of my parent's generosity and attention with being made to feel like an incompetent when I couldn't finish my homework on time.
Even if the term "narcissist" sounds harsh, read the book. At worst, it will be interesting and won't apply to you. At best, it will give your life-altering perspective."
~ Written on 2008-01-10