Lucious, Severus, and Narcissistic PD

[fanofminerva]

No: HPFGUIDX 127459


> 
> If, just for discussions sake, we propose that Snape has some 
> characteristics but is not clinically Narcissistic, then I was 
> wondering if Snape rolled into your office one day (very unlikely 
> I'm sure!) what would you do to address his narcissistic tendencies? 
> What does he need to do to balance out as it were?
> 
> Also, in terms of HP plot what event would be most likely to 
> influence his self image, arrogance and inability to empathise with 
> others?
> 
> Regards
> Jo

Very interesting question.  I must admit, while reading the books I 
did not have my "shrink hat" on, so I am having to think about these 
things differently.  I see Snape as wounded, and his behaviors, etc., 
as defenses rather than as his "character."  From the brief glimpse 
into his childhood to his adolescence, Severus has been a pained 
person.  Even his name conjures pain for me ("sever us").  I would 
speak to his vulnerability.  This is why I see him as very different 
form Lucious Malfoy.  DD trusts Snape implicitly.  Why?  Perhaps it is 
because he knows much more about him (background, etc) than we know 
and he knows his character, not just his presentation.  There is 
something redeeming about Severus, vague and indefinable but 
redeeming.  

This is where you have to distinguish between "content" 
and "process."  Content is the subject matter; process is the 
underlying thread that ties the content together.  Yes, Severus 
BEHAVES in ways that may seem narcissistic.  Is that content (at the 
behavioral level) or is that process (at the character level)?  My 
view is that this is at the content level...what he does, rather than 
at the process level...who he is.

Let me give you an example of the difference in diagnosis and 
prognosis for therapy.  As I mentioned in my earlier post, personality 
disorders are coded on Axis II.  This axis is reserved for two 
diagnostic categories only: personality disorders and mental 
retardation.  Let's say a mentally retarded person is in therapy.  No 
one would expect pyschotherapy to increase their IQ to average.  Why?  
Intelligence is not amenable to change.  The same way with personality 
disorders.  Psychotherapy with Snape would be a significantly 
different process than with Lucious.

Julie