In this compelling book, the authors present an innovativetherapeutic model for understanding and treating adults fromemotionally abusive or neglectful families? families the authorscall narcissistic. Narcissistic families have a parental systemthat is, for whatever reason (job stress, alcoholism, drug abuse,mental illness, physical disability, lack of parenting skills,self-centered immaturity), primarily involved in getting its ownneeds met. The children in such narcissistic family systems try toearn love, attention and approval by satisfying their parents'needs, thus never developing the ability to recognize their ownneeds or create strategies for getting them met. By outlining thetheoretical framework of their model and using dozens ofillustrative clinical examples, the authors clearly illuminatespecific practice guidelines for treating these individuals. Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman is a therapist, consultant, andtrainer. She is known for her work with dysfunctional families,particularly with survivors of incest. Robert M. Pressman is theeditor-in-chief and president of the Joint Commission for theDevelopment of the Treatment and Statistical Manual for Behavioraland Mental Disorders.