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Programme

We have indicated below the administrative arrangements for our seminars. We hold our Tuesday Seminars online and our two Saturday workshops in person.

2025 <
29 November Understanding Trauma: Making Sense of the Unbearabled
Philippa Smethurst
(In person)
9 December Understanding Narcissism in Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Jeremy Sachs
(Online)

Past Presentations

Summaries of RTG's past presentations can be found by following this link.

NEXT TUESDAY MEETING

Understanding Narcissism in Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Presented by Jeremy Sachs
Tuesday, 9th December 2025 at 8pm

Synopsis:This session explores the often-misunderstood concept of narcissism, particularly in the context of male survivors of sexual abuse. While commonly used as a slur or shorthand for harmful behaviour, narcissism is reframed here as a survival strategy rooted in trauma. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of narcissistic adaptations, how they might manifest and explore some of these in the therapy room through case study discussions.

Key Topics:

  • Behavioural Indicators of Narcissism:
  • Drawing on Heinz Kohut’s theories, we’ll examine how narcissistic traits may present in male survivors, highlighting their underlying functions of self-protection and avoidance of vulnerability.
  • Narcissistic Personality Adaptations:
  • We’ll unpack the different types of narcissistic adaptations and their emotional drivers—such as the need for self-esteem promotion and avoidance of relational pain.
  • Therapeutic Challenges and Strategies:
  • The session will explore the role of projective identification and countertransference in understanding complex therapeutic dynamics. A clinical case study will be used to illustrate how narcissistic adaptations can manifest and how to work with them effectively.

Biography: Jeremy Sachs is the author of An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Their Allies (Routledge, 2025), Director of the COSRT accredited Trauma Diploma at NAOS Institute London and runs a private practice online and in person. He is also a Trustee at Wellbeing Scotland, a charity that supports individuals affected by childhood abuse and other adverse life circumstances. _______________________________________________________

Both members and non-members who wish to attend will need to register with  Katrina Likhtman  in advance. Non-members will need to pay £10 by bank transfer. The Zoom link will then be sent to those attending prior to the event.

RTG talks are approved for Royal College of Psychiatrists CPD: 1.5 external units per session. Sessions may also be used as proof of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as part of re-accreditations. Certificates and records of attendance are available at each meeting.

Disclaimer: All details are subject to change without notice and RTG cannot be held responsible for any financial losses incurred as a result.

RTG respectfully ask that all mobile phones are turned off during meetings