TPC-Digest-Vol-2-Iss-3

8 Impact of Family Dynamics on Narcissism and Impotence: Commentary and Implications for Psychodynamic Counselors–DIGEST Martha Nodar This paper conceptualizes the dynamics intertwined in the intrapsychic relationship men have with themselves, the interpersonal relationships they hold with their sons, and the sexual relationships they have with intimate female partners. The work of different male psychoanalysts was reviewed in order to understand their focus on a prevalent dynamic shared by some men—narcissistic tendencies. These tendencies are triggered by the dynamics of the family-of-origin, and are bound to bring havoc to these men’s relationships, such as the ones they may have with their wives and children. This paper relies on empirical data from scholars in the field of psychology, counseling and psychiatry in search of a compass to navigate through narcissistic issues in the counseling session. Problems that appear to be “because” of a spouse may have little to do with the spouse and instead much more to do with the partner’s own history. This paper stimulates the beginning of candid conversations about the psychic history of some males and the degree of differentiation from their family-of-origin. Searching for the authentic self will allow for the Martha Nodar is a graduate counseling student at Mercer University. Correspondence can be addressed to 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341, martha.a.nodar@live.mercer.edu . The Professional Counselor Volume 2, Issue 3 http://tpcjournal.nbcc.org © 2012 NBCC and Affiliates, Inc. www.nbcc.org A b s t r a c t Growing up in a thwarted r elationship with a father perceived as lacking in meeting the basic nurturing needs of the father-son relationship disrupts a boy’s normative development and may leave him fixated in a regressive state. This also impacts the mother-son relationship. This paper uncovers obscure layers of the male psyche and argues that a regressive state renders the grown man highly susceptible to developing narcissistic tendencies in adulthood. These tendencies are likely to affect interpersonal relationships including impotence and sexual performance with women. Implications for psychodynamic counseling and clinical supervision are discussed. TPC Digest