Behavioral Therapy Counseling Role-Play - Client with Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Summary

In this counseling session, Aspen discusses their exceptional work performance and the tension with coworkers who view them as arrogant and overly confident. Initially attending counseling at the request of their boss, Aspen now seeks to prove that they are right and their coworkers' criticism is rooted in jealousy and misunderstanding. Dr. Grande suggests reframing their approach to communication, advising Aspen to refrain from offering feedback for a while to help reduce tensions. Aspen agrees to try this strategy, with plans to reassess the situation in a follow-up session.

Takeaways

• 😀 The client believes they are highly skilled at their job, especially in accounting, and considers themselves the best employee the company has ever had.
• 😀 The client’s boss suggested counseling after co-workers expressed dissatisfaction with the client’s comments about their performance.
• 😀 The client perceives co-workers as being inferior in skill and feels they are overly sensitive to feedback.
• 😀 Co-workers have criticized the client for being arrogant and egotistical, but the client does not understand why their comments are seen as personal attacks.
• 😀 The client sees their feedback as constructive and based on objective facts, not personal criticism of their co-workers.
• 😀 The client feels their co-workers' negative reactions are driven by jealousy and insecurity, not valid criticism of their performance.
• 😀 The client wants to prove they are right and that their co-workers are misinterpreting their feedback.
• 😀 The client believes that if they stop commenting on co-workers’ performance, it will prove their point that the issue lies with the co-workers' misunderstanding.
• 😀 The client is willing to adjust their approach by offering feedback in a less confrontational way, such as not comparing co-workers' performance to their own high standards.
• 😀 The client agrees with the idea of taking a break from offering feedback to allow the situation to cool down, which may help restore peace at work.
• 😀 The client is open to trying the strategy of holding back comments to see if it improves workplace dynamics and proves they were right all along.

Q & A

Why did Aspen initially come to counseling?

Aspen came to counseling at the suggestion of their boss, who believed it would be beneficial. However, Aspen later saw it as an opportunity to prove they were not in the wrong regarding their coworkers' performance.

How does Aspen view their own work abilities?

Aspen believes they are highly skilled and the best employee at their company. They take pride in their work, claiming to make no errors and considering themselves the top performer not only at the company but also in their field.

What is Aspen's main frustration with their coworkers?

Aspen's main frustration is that their coworkers are not performing at the same high level as they are. Aspen feels that their colleagues take their feedback personally and see it as an attack rather than constructive criticism.

How does Aspen respond to their coworkers' criticisms?

Aspen dismisses their coworkers' criticisms, believing that the issue is not with their performance but with their coworkers' personal insecurities. Aspen feels their coworkers are jealous of their abilities and are misinterpreting their feedback.

What feedback have Aspen's coworkers given them?

Aspen's coworkers have called them 'cocky' and 'arrogant,' criticizing their high level of confidence and perceived superiority. They feel Aspen’s feedback is overly harsh and personal.

What does Dr. Grande suggest to reduce the tension between Aspen and their coworkers?

Dr. Grande suggests that Aspen reduce the frequency of offering critical feedback to their coworkers. This would allow time for the tension to subside and give Aspen a chance to observe if the issue lies in the coworkers' misinterpretation of their comments.

What is Aspen's primary concern about the work environment?

Aspen's primary concern is that their coworkers are not up to their level of skill and that their comments are misunderstood. They also worry about the impact of these tensions on their relationship with their boss, who values Aspen’s work abilities.

How does Aspen justify their belief that their coworkers are in the wrong?

Aspen justifies their belief by pointing to their high performance and the fact that they receive numerous accolades and job offers from other companies. They argue that their coworkers' jealousy and misunderstanding of their feedback are the root causes of the tension.

What is Aspen's motivation for improving the relationship with their coworkers?

While Aspen's primary motivation is to prove they are right about the misunderstanding, they also recognize that improving their relationship with their coworkers could make the work environment smoother and more productive, helping the company as a whole.

What strategy does Aspen agree to try to ease the conflict?

Aspen agrees to try refraining from comparing their work to that of their coworkers and to tone down their direct feedback. They also consider keeping to themselves for a while to avoid further conflict, in hopes that this will reduce the tension.