“As more therapists are working with clients who are excavating the fallout of having narcissistic parents, this book provides actionable guidance.” ―Ramani Durvasula, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist, author of Should I Stay or Should I Go? and “Don’t You Know Who I Am?”, and founder and CEO of LUNA Education, Training and Consulting
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“This is the most comprehensive and useful clinical training book on this population I have ever read. Remarkably readable, The Clinician’s Guide to Treating Adult Children of Narcissists presents a vast amount of material in such an organized, relatable way that you know you can use it right away to do a better job. Using perfect teaching metaphors, the authors offer a rare combination of practical aids and deep insight into unconscious factors. Their sensitivity to cultural issues also provides a long overdue boost in awareness for any therapist. The client handouts, charts, and questionnaires alone are worth the purchase, but read it all to get every drop of these master clinicians’ wisdom.” ―Lindsay Gibson, PsyD, best-selling author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents
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“This book is a must-have for clinicians, whether a client’s parent has narcissistic tendencies or narcissistic personality disorder. Marlow-MaCoy and Kempe approach the issue of narcissistic abuse globally, looking at the damage caused not only by the narcissistic parent but also by those who enabled them.” ―Stephanie Moulton Sarkis, PhD, NCC, LMHC, author of Gaslighting: Recognize Manipulative and Emotionally Abusive People―and Break Free
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“Wow! I wish I’d had this wonderful resource much sooner in my career! I frequently work with the college student population, and many of them are navigating the first steps away from a narcissistic parent at the same time as the transition to adulthood. Marlow-MaCoy and Kempe have written a very thorough guide for the clinician, clearly defining concepts and sharing important history and research. The case studies are in-depth and quite illustrative. I especially appreciate the takeaway questions for further exploration at the end of each chapter, and the very helpful appendix, which is chock-full of resources. I’d say that this book would have a home on my practice’s bookshelf, but I know that it will likely be off the shelf and on my desk, with many pages bookmarked and text underlined for emphasis.” ―Kelly D. Shea, LMFT, trauma specialist
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“The Clinician’s Guide to Treating Adult Children of Narcissists is an easy and informative read. Not only do the authors provide an in-depth understanding of narcissism in all its forms and how it can impact children in their adulthood, but they also provide resources to assist in further therapeutic understanding. This, in turn, will guide and benefit treatment greatly. This book will be an invaluable tool in furthering my practice.” ―Shannon Innes-Bloom, B.Psych. (Hons.), M.Psych. (Clin.)
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“This book is expertly crafted to be easily accessible and supportive of clinicians working with individuals who have been impacted by narcissism. Treating an adult child of a narcissist can be complex and confusing for a clinician who has limited knowledge, understanding, experience, and training on this particular (and often overlooked) population. The clear, concise definitions and examples of narcissistic tendencies provide a detailed picture of how clients may have experienced narcissism from their parents while offering an opportunity for clinicians to deepen their insight and awareness of this very prevalent issue to best support clients in the healing process. The combination of examples, definitions, reflection questions, interventions, worksheets, and more lays a firm foundation for a clinician to become competent in providing well-informed, nonjudgmental care to individuals in need of support and understanding as they heal. As a clinician, I feel better equipped and informed entering into work with an adult child of a narcissistic parent, as well as more confident to support clients who have other experiences with narcissism in their lives, due to the expertise and resources shared within this book.” ―Stephanie Kilper, LPC, BC-DMT
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“What a welcome, thoughtful, and thorough analysis of how adult children of narcissistic parents can be affected by being raised in a relationship that is often confusing and harmful. Marlow-MaCoy and Kempe give an in-depth look at what a client with a narcissistic parent may be experiencing and needing during psychotherapy, as well as steps the psychotherapist may take in assisting the client to heal from the relationship. This is the best book I have read on the topic to date. I would recommend it to clinicians and clients alike.” ―Kristin Young, LMFT
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“As a clinician who specializes in treating abuse survivors, I am so pleased to have this book in my library. Many of the previously available books on the subject of narcissistic abuse are intended for clients and/or are heavy on the theory without much in the way of practical application―but not this one! In addition to providing a thorough conceptual framework for understanding the dynamics of family narcissistic abuse, Marlow-MaCoy and Kempe give clear clinical interventions and workbook-style exercises that are actually useful for everyday work with clients. They also do an excellent job of encouraging clinicians to consider cultural factors that may affect treatment, and identify ways to tailor treatment accordingly. I highly recommend this book to all clinicians―and for those of us who focus on attachment and trauma, it’s a must-read.” ―Monique Dauphin, LMHC
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“This is a highly informative and comprehensive guide for any clinician who works with adult children of narcissists. Highlighting the important details of therapy with these clients, Amy Marlow-MaCoy and Amy Kempe cover all the bases―the therapist’s approach, the characteristics and behaviors of the individual with narcissistic qualities, the intense struggles of the spouse/other parent, and the siblings’ experiences and wounds. A deeper and more vast context of this family dynamic is clearly presented and the impacts on the family and the individuals explored, including their views of self and future relationship difficulties.” ―Kaitlin Wenger, LCSW
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“The Clinician’s Guide to Treating Adult Children of Narcissists is a timely, eye-opening, and comprehensive guide for working with those who have experienced and/or still are experiencing narcissistic abuse. Marlow-MaCoy and Kempe brilliantly display their experience and passion for working with these clients, and they present a myriad of techniques to adequately equip clinicians in treating this traumatized population. As a clinician, I greatly appreciate the client stories, metaphors, charts, and reflection questions, which drive the key points home. This book beautifully demonstrates ways to empower clients and boldly holds the clinician accountable, challenging us to look within and address self of the therapist issues. The reflection questions provide an incredible launching point for self-exploration and understanding for how we show up in the therapy space and therapeutic relationship. The authors also offer detailed, empowering language to use with clients and show the importance of using both a holistic and systemic approach, addressing societal influence, family roles, and culture, among many other things. This book belongs in every mental health academic program and on every clinician’s bookshelf, regardless of their specialty or career stage. It is an invaluable tool that will make our work with clients―and especially with this population―that much more impactful. I have already begun to use this book to hold myself accountable, and I look forward to sharing this with my clients.” ―Jennifer Rhodes, LCMFT, MS
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“The Clinician’s Guide to Treating Adult Children of Narcissists contains a wealth of knowledge on a complex and often misunderstood issue. Full of helpful tools and case examples, this guide will be a valuable resource for clinicians in the assessment and treatment of narcissistic abuse. The care and dedication the authors have given to helping this population heal clearly shines through the pages of this comprehensive, well-written book.” ―Brittny Jordan, MS, LPC
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“This book offers insight and support for various types of clinicians. Whether you support individuals, families, or couples, this book provides important information to be better able to spot narcissistic dynamics and to treat folks who are experiencing symptoms related to their interactions with those with narcissistic traits. A number of concrete tools, interventions, and worksheets that can be used with clients in an easy-to-understand format are included. The authors also provide important opportunities for self-reflection for clinicians, and attention is paid to treatment implications for marginalized communities. I definitely recommend this thorough and well-rounded read as an addition to your clinical library!” ―Christine Baldwin, LCSW
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“The Clinician’s Guide to Treating Adult Children of Narcissists is my new go-to volume on the subject. The authors provide an extremely rich and comprehensive look at this subject, covering soup to nuts. Clinicians will learn not only what narcissistic abuse is, but how to spot it within individuals and systems, how a person heals from this complex trauma, and how to care for themselves as clinicians while working with these presenting concerns. This book is a must-read.” ―TJ Walsh, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTP, CMHIMP
--- Amy Marlow-MaCoy, MEd, LPC, focuses her practice on treating complex and developmental trauma in adults raised in narcissistic, emotionally immature, and toxic families of origin. She is the author of the Amazon best-selling book The Gaslighting Recovery Workbook: Healing from Emotional Abuse (Callisto Media, 2020). Amy has advanced training in multiple trauma treatment models, including IFS, EMDR, and brainspotting. She earned her master’s degree from Temple University.
Amy Kempe, MS, LPC, NCC, CSAT, is a co-owner and founder of a healthcare practice focused on trauma-informed, complete medical health, mental health, nutrition, and fitness. Previously, she ran a successful private practice specializing in narcissistic abuse recovery and complex PTSD. Amy is also a certified sex addiction therapist and is trained in IFS, brainspotting, and EMDR. She earned her master’s degree from Villanova University. Through her years of practice, personal exposure, and education, Amy has gained a wealth of experience supporting adult children of narcissists in healing and recovering from abusive relationships.
