The Deluded Self: pathological narcissism, psychopathology and approaches to treatment
Narcissistic disorders are complex and involve disturbances in both self-experience and relational functioning. Despite a growing body of research, there remains a lack of clear, evidence-based guidance on the assessment, formulation, and treatment of pathological narcissism.
This one-day conference aims to bridge this gap by exploring contemporary research on the development of narcissistic pathology and its therapeutic implications. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) manifests in different clinical settings, its frequent co-morbidity with other psychiatric conditions, and the challenges it presents in treatment.
Through clinical vignettes, the workshop will examine common misconceptions and pejorative stereotypes surrounding narcissism—particularly those shaped by socio-cultural narratives related to gender and race. While the day will primarily consist of expert-led presentations, there will also be an opportunity for discussion and reflection. A dedicated Q&A session will allow participants to engage with Dr Adshead and consider how the concepts explored can be applied to their own clinical practice.
This workshop is designed for mental health professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and confidence in working with narcissistic pathology.
The workshop includes:
- A 6.5-hour CPD Training with Dr Gwen Adshead
- Q&A segment
- Networking standing breakfast
- Coffee breaks
- Lunch
This workshop is designed for mental health professionals.
- Professionals include psychologists, counsellors, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, social workers, youth workers, educators, nurses, legal professionals, and police.
- Students👩🎓- In Psychology, psychiatry, social work, counselling, nursing, criminology, education and law.
Whether you are experienced in working with personality disorders or looking to expand your knowledge in this area, this session will provide valuable insights grounded in research and clinical practice.
Dar il-Ħanin Samaritan, Santa Venera, Malta. Click here for the Location on Google Maps.
Friday, 28th March 2025, from 08:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
More Information
Dr Gwen Adshead is a forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience working in secure psychiatric hospitals and prisons. She has provided both individual and group therapy for individuals with severe personality disorders, complex psychopathology, and histories of violent offending.
She trained in forensic psychiatry at St George’s Hospital and in trauma psychiatry at the Maudsley. In addition, she is a qualified medical psychotherapist, group analyst, mindfulness-based cognitive therapist, and mentalisation-based therapist. Her clinical interests focus on the role of attachment insecurity in mental distress and hostility, particularly in individuals who have harmed others, including those who have abused their children.
Dr Adshead has a longstanding interest in ethical dilemmas in forensic psychiatry and psychotherapy. In 2013, she was awarded the Royal College of Psychiatrists President’s Medal in recognition of her contributions to mental health ethics.
She has published extensively in academic settings, co-authoring and co-editing several key texts, including the Oxford Handbook of Forensic Psychiatry and Clinical Approaches to Personality Disorder (with Dr Jay Sarkar). In 2021, she co-authored The Devil You Know with Eileen Horne, offering a unique insight into forensic psychiatry from the offender’s perspective. She is currently working on a book about trauma and will deliver the 2024 Reith Lectures on the complexities of violence.
Willingness Team – a team of over 65 professionals who come together to create innovative services and ideas, such as Sex Clinic Malta and Dating101 workshops. Willingness Team offers support through the Trauma Clinic, which provides evidence-based psychological therapies from experienced professionals in the field of Trauma. It caters to clients who experience difficulties related to PTSD and complex Trauma.