Every day, headlines are filled with examples of narcissistic individuals in positions of power who are nothing more than impostors plundering and wrecking havoc on the lives of others. From the financial barons of Wall Street to our elected officials, we are confronted daily with narcissists and the self-serving systems that enable them. Helping people reclaim their lives from this sinister exploitative force is the mission behind Eleanor Payson's The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family.
Using simple metaphors from the American classic, The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. Empowering the listener with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and the unique problems that occur when a person becomes involved with the narcissist, Payson gives step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships, which are largely un-addressed in the psychology and self-help literature.
This ground-breaking book offers hope and help to those who have been drawn into these devastating relationships. She includes illuminating case studies that identify the problems that occur in the different types of relationships, from co-workers, to friends, to parents, to lovers. Listeners employing these insights and skills will find new abilities to identify and protect against the narcissist's manipulations and take back control of their lives.
©2002 Eleanor D. Payson (P)2012 Eleanor D. Payson
"For Some Time I have looked for a very readable book on living with narcissism that also had clarity about addiction and codependency. Eleanor Payson has written an easy to understand guide to navigate one's way out of the labyrinth that narcissism makes...Four stars for a readable, useful book therapists can give their patients." (Patrick J. Carnes, Ph.D. author of Out of the Shadows)
"You will recognize the narcissistic personality disorder so well described by Payson as an all too common affliction among those who wield great political and corporate power in contemporary society. This book is a useful guide to recognizing and confronting the reality, which is a first step toward nullifying the power and influence of the afflicted over our lives." (David C. Korten, Ph.D. author of The Great Turning: From Empire to Earth Community and When Corporations Rule the World)
"A gem,a must read, it fulfills all expectations"
The best book on Narcissism
Everything, the contents, the outline, the depth of knowledge and the vignettes not over reaching but just right. The advice, the summaries at the end of each chapter. The therapeutic approach. It is not a 'tell' book but a didactic and therapeutic work out. I felt healed in so many ways. I had aha! moments. This book went beyond expectations. It was as if I was sitting with a therapist.
No, I have not. But I will look for other books.
First and most it was a wake up call in terms of identifying narcissistic traits in myself that interfere with my personal growth. No human being is immune to certain narcissistic traits. Specially if one was brought up by parents or carers with extreme narcissistic traits. This is a book that offers a brilliant opportunity to self-reflect and further grow up into a mature and self assured individual. Above all it is a book that helps to heal the wounds inflicted by narcissistic personalities.
Second, it assisted me no end to identify by name, characteristics and the typical narcissistic traits that typify what Doyle calls the the 'Narcissistic Personality Disorder' (NPD). This was a major aha!
Third, it provided me with the reassurance that it is never late to regain one's lost personal power to the NPD individual. I learned about personal strategies which I am memorizing to be able to incorporate them as I deal with the NPD. One example of this is about building boundaries to fend against the corrosive attacks from the NPD individuals I deal with on a regular basis.
I highly recommend this book!
This book together with 'In sheep's clothing' is the top 5 books ever read. Thank you to Cathryn Bond Doyle!
"Excellent"
This book gave me healing and awakening. I always knew I was working more than my share of some of the relationships in my life. This affirms my decision to stop doing that to myself. Not done with book yet as I keep going back over information that clears things up for me.
Everything
n/a
Still evolving from the messages contained in this book.
If you feel you are doing all the work in some of your relationships, the reality is you probably are.
"Excellent book for dealing with a narcissist"
This has been my No.1 audiobook
The insight to see what power a narcissist can do to your life but how to live or live without them.
She didn't make me go to sleep.
A light bulb came on!