The Self Absorbed

Exploring the Psyche and Soma of Narcissism

According to Greek mythology, Narcissus was a beautiful youth who rejected the nymph Echo and fell in love with his own reflection in a pool.

One important developmental task in early life is to make clear psychological boundary distinctions between self and external objects or between self and other in relationship. This identity forming journey beginning in early infancy is at times prone to failure. One feature of such failure is a self unduly absorbed within the boundary of self as more of a closed feedback system inhibiting sense of efficacy relating in the world. This occurs at the cost of a more balanced, fluid two-way communication needed for healthy relational validation and reciprocal nourishment exchange.

Such self-fixation is often marked with excessive interest in oneself including self-admiration, self-aggrandizement with craving for certain attention. With an over focus on one’s own talents, abilities, image, appearance or personality, these patterns can be accompanied by an inflated sense of self-importance in social contexts.

Self-obsession is amplified by modern trends such as social media profiling “selfie culture” and reality TV shows where there is an “anybody can be a celebrity” emphasis exploited for entertainment ratings.

The workshop will explore therapeutic interventions to treat the underlying issues caused by these patterns which create attachment disturbance and low self-esteem for clients who present with narcissistic tendencies. Narcissism in this context will be regarded with compassion as a deep level of self-protection most likely caused by early wounds.

Speaker:

Tony Buckley, MSc Neuroscience, is a BACP registered therapist who holds a BA Hons degree in Counselling, a Diploma in Supervision and Certificate of Education and Further Education. Tony has studied Cranio-Sacral Focused Anatomy and has completed a Masters in Neuroscience at Kings College London.

Tony has accrued over 30 years’ experience in the therapeutic field including activities such as teaching, supervision, private practice, and managing teams of counsellor’s in both a university setting and an adolescent counselling service within the voluntary sector. Former professional roles included seven years spent as manager of the Counselling and Trauma Service for Transport for London (London Underground), which offers a time-limited trauma treatment service, psychoeducation, stress reduction groups and response support following critical incidents.

Tony has been teaching Sensorimotor Psychotherapy internationally for over 15 years, delivering all 3 levels of the method in Ireland, Norway, UK, Netherlands, Ukraine, Belgium, Finland and Australia. In addition to teaching therapists Tony likes to find some time to write and has contributed several articles in the somatic psychology field and co-written a chapter titled "Healing the Traumatized Organization" in the 2012 Wiley-Blackwell book called International Handbook of Workplace Trauma Support.

Feedback from Tony's 2025 CPD workshop:

"Tony is truly inspiring and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. He is an excellent trainer and I was absorbed from start to finish!"

"Was amazing training and I felt that Tony was super engaging and informative. Really loved it."

Practicalities:

Breaks - There will be two short refreshment breaks and a lunch break. Free water, tea & coffee will be available on site, and there are a number of shops and cafes locally that delegates may wish to use during lunch. There is a Starbucks within the venue.

Parking - The venue is conveniently located by Junction 16 of the M4. Free parking is available at the hotel. You may be required to register your car registration plate at reception.

Train/Bus - Stagecoach Bus 55 runs from near the station to Lydiard Fields where the workshop is being held.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop has been designed as a source of Continued Professional Development (CPD) for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, other mental health professionals, and students undertaking counsellor/psychotherapy training. It may also be helpful for anyone working in a caring, helping or pastoral profession, including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers and Social Workers.

About Willows Counselling and Training Service

Willows is a registered charity offering Counselling and Counsellor Training in Swindon, Wiltshire. With more than 30 years' experience, Willows is well established in both knowledge and reputation in the local area and beyond.

Willows offers the full suite of qualifying courses for counsellors: CPCAB Levels 2, 3 and Level 4 Diploma. For qualified therapists, they run a Post-Qualifying Diploma in Trauma (an NCPS Advanced Specialist course), as well as a programme of one-day CPD workshops and training conferences.