Cite as (APA style): Iancheva-Karaghiaur, I. (2026). Black Mara – is she evil or is she unwell? Clinical aspects of treating individuals with borderline and narcissistic traits through the prism of the fairy tale “Golden Mara and Black Mara”. The Global Psychotherapist, 6(2), 289-297.
Abstract: This article is based on the author’s original presentation delivered at the Conference of Positive Transcultural Psychotherapy (2025, Varna, Bulgaria). It explores the image of the “bad sister” in the Bulgarian fairy tale “Golden Mara and Black Mara” through the lens of Positive Psychotherapy (PPT after Peseschkian, since 1977) and psychodynamic approaches, drawing on key concepts such as the five-step model, the balance model, the three stages of interaction, and other core instruments. The analysis also integrates ideas from classical and contemporary psychoanalysis (Freud, 1920/1961; Winnicott, 1965; Green, 2005), supported by brief clinical illustrations and symbolic interpretation.
Black Mara is presented as a metaphor for individuals with borderline and narcissistic dynamics. Symptoms are understood as expressions of psychological suffering. Particular attention is given to identifying hidden resources and unrecognized capacities.
Key directions for therapeutic work are outlined, drawing on the concepts of mentalization (Fonagy, Bateman) and psychodynamic models (Kernberg). The roles of the therapist are described as both a containing and structuring figure (“Forest Old Woman”) and as a mediator of integration (“Colorful River”). Therapy focuses on fostering integration, meaning, and a more authentic way of being, moving beyond the idea of an idealized “golden” state.
Keywords: Positive Psychotherapy, borderline personality organization, narcissistic personality, mentalization, psychodynamic approach, fairy tale psychotherapy