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NARCISSISM Are you a narcissist? Do you interact with someone who is? Contrary to popular belief, narcissists do not love themselves or anyone else. They cannot accept their true selves, constructing instead fixed masks that hide emotional numbness. Influenced by forces in culture and predisposed by factors in the human personality, narcissists tend to be
More concerned with how they appear than what they feel
Seductive and manipulative, striving for power and control
Egotists, focused on their own interests but lacking the true values of the self — self-expression, self-possession, dignity, and integrity
Without a solid sense of self, which leads them to experience life as empty and meaningless
In this groundbreaking study, Dr. Alexander Lowen uses his extensive clinical experience to demonstrate how narcissists can recover their suppressed feelings and regain their lost humanity. By the use of Bioenergetic Analysis, the psychotherapy created by Dr. Lowen, a new possibility of a fulfilling and authentic life is presented for people with narcissistic characteristics and for those who interact with them.
| Acknowledgments | vii | |
| Introduction | ix | |
| 1 | A Spectrum of Narcissism | 1 |
| 2 | The Role of the Image | 25 |
| 3 | The Denial of Feeling | 47 |
| 4 | Power and Control | 75 |
| 5 | Seduction and Manipulation | 101 |
| 6 | Horror: The Face of Unreality | 128 |
| 7 | The Fear of Insanity | 155 |
| 8 | Too Much, Too Soon | 171 |
| 9 | The Insanity of Our Time | 196 |
| Notes | 229 | |
| Index | 232 |
Anonymous
Posted January 2, 2006
There are many books that describe the 'horrible' symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but very few that tell you what to do to get better. This book was the only one that had an example of someone (the author) getting better. NPD is more complicated than Boarderline Personality Disorder, because Narcissists have so many defenses against feeling emotions--However, Lowen addresses with incredible insight, humiliation & the grandiose self, and anger vs. insanity--this has been invaluable. He even goes on to explain why some narcissists like disco lights, sounds--so they can 'feel' -- While he is concise, I only wish he could write a two or three sequels on what to say, what to do if you know of someone turning into a hardened narcissist. What do you say to a Narcissist who still has some emotion left, etc. Can only a psychotherapist help a Narcissist. What can family and friends do to help if you don't live near someone who does bioenergetic therapy.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 27, 2004
This book really brings out the true narcissism in yourself and others... It really teaches you how to put up with narcissism... I know everyone has a narcisstic person that they have to deal with...That is why I love this book!! It is AWESOME!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted July 14, 2004
Throughout most of the book the author uses examples of different patients he has treated during his psychiatric practices. Some I found to be very peculiar and almost unbelievable. His practice of Bioenergtic Analysis is something aside from the norm of the common psychiatric specialists attended presently. The book did interest me, but left me feeling hopeless in the attempt of escaping the title of a 'Narcissist.' Overall, a good book if you are suffering from supressed feelings which need to be surfaced.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 22, 2009
There are a lot of Narcissism books but this one seemed to be the most comprehensive with research and real info not stories about other peoples lives...
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 13, 2009
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Posted May 28, 2010
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Overview
NARCISSISM Are you a narcissist? Do you interact with someone who is? Contrary to popular belief, narcissists do not love themselves or anyone else. They cannot accept their true selves, constructing instead fixed masks that hide emotional numbness. Influenced by forces in culture and predisposed by factors in the human personality, narcissists tend to be
More concerned with how they appear than what they feel
Seductive and manipulative, striving for power and control
Egotists, focused on their own ...