In balancing empathic response with exploring another person's perspective, which combination is most helpful for a client with narcissistic traits?

In balancing empathic response with exploring another person's perspective, which combination is most helpful for a client with narcissistic traits?

• A. Empathic mirroring and helping the client see the fiancée's point of view
• B. Strict adherence to boundaries plus praise
• C. Minimal empathy and high confrontation
• D. Avoid empathy to maintain objectivity

Answer: (A)

Balancing empathic connection with inviting reflection on another person’s experience helps narcissistic individuals become more aware of how their behavior affects others while staying engaged in therapy. Empathic mirroring validates what the client feels, which lowers defensiveness, and then guiding him to consider the fiancée’s point of view opens the door to perspective-taking. This combination supports insight without triggering resistance, making it possible for him to see how his actions impact the relationship and to consider alternative ways of relating. Other approaches tend to miss this balance. Rigid boundaries with praise can misfire with narcissistic traits by reinforcing control or entitlement, and overly confrontational, low-empathy stances often provoke shame and withdrawal. Avoiding empathy altogether sabotages the therapeutic alliance and hinders the client’s willingness to explore others’ perspectives.

Balancing empathic connection with inviting reflection on another person’s experience helps narcissistic individuals become more aware of how their behavior affects others while staying engaged in therapy. Empathic mirroring validates what the client feels, which lowers defensiveness, and then guiding him to consider the fiancée’s point of view opens the door to perspective-taking. This combination supports insight without triggering resistance, making it possible for him to see how his actions impact the relationship and to consider alternative ways of relating.

Other approaches tend to miss this balance. Rigid boundaries with praise can misfire with narcissistic traits by reinforcing control or entitlement, and overly confrontational, low-empathy stances often provoke shame and withdrawal. Avoiding empathy altogether sabotages the therapeutic alliance and hinders the client’s willingness to explore others’ perspectives.