Take our Narcissism Test

Find a therapist who understands narcissism.

Neurotic narcissism hinders and undermines intimacy.

Neurosis can seem like being bewitched, cursed, or under the influence of a powerful spell.

The challenge of psychotherapy is to help the patient break the spell.

Narcissism can be thought of as either healthy or pathological. In healthy or "normal narcissism," writes Jungian analyst Mario Jacoby (1991), we have "realistic ambitions and an adequate sense of self-esteem. . . . We are all in continual need for recognition, of having our existence and our worth acknowledged by others." But in neurotic or pathological narcissism, these needs and qualities are amplified and distorted as the tragic consequence of having not been met by others in the past.

The Story of Little Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty)

Another myth depicting the bitter, vengeful, negative quality of neurotic narcissism is the Grimm's fairy tale "Little Briar Rose," better known to some as "Sleeping Beauty." In that story, Briar Rose is placed under an evil spell by a narcissistically offended and furious witch, declaring that at the age of 15, she will fall into a century-long sleep from which no one will be able to awaken her. When, on her 15th birthday, the princess accidentally pricks her finger with a sewing needle as the witch predicted, the terrible prophecy is fulfilled, and she succumbs to a coma-like slumber. All life and vitality around her is also curtailed, except that around her castle, a thick hedge of stiletto-like........

© Psychology Today