Sample interview questions: How do you handle situations where clients exhibit symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder during therapy sessions?
Sample answer:
Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
NPD is a complex personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Handling Clients with NPD in Therapy
- Establish Clear Boundaries: Set firm limits on inappropriate behaviors, such as interrupting, dominating the conversation, or demeaning others.
- Focus on Collaboration: Engage the client in a collaborative process, emphasizing their role in understanding and changing their behaviors.
- Validate Positive Qualities: While acknowledging the client’s NPD symptoms, focus on their strengths and positive qualities to build a therapeutic alliance.
- Emphasize Empathy: Gradually introduce the concept of empathy by exploring how their actions impact others and suggesting alternative perspectives.
- Challenge Cognitive Distortions: Help the client identify and challenge their distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their NPD symptoms.
- Provide Feedback and Interpretation: Offer constructive feedback on the client’s behaviors and provide insights into their underlying motivations.
- Avoid Confrontation: Instead of confronting the client directly about their NPD symptoms, use a more subtle and supportive approach.
- Set Realistic Goals: Avoid setting o… Read full answer