In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn draws on psychodynamic dimensional models of personality development to describe narcissism and NPD at the borderline level. Characterized by identity diffusion, blurred boundaries, and disrupted internal experience, borderline personality organization represents an "in between" level where the perceptions of the self and others float in and out of clear focus. This episode reviews the important concepts of personality style vs. organization, helping the viewer...

Dr. Mark Ettensohn answers questions and responds to viewer comments in a livestream broadcast from 7-25-24. 

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn draws on psychodynamic dimensional models of personality development to describe narcissism and NPD at the psychotic level. Characterized by compromised reality testing, symbiotic object relations, low integration between parts of the self, and the use of reality-distorting defense mechanisms, psychotic-level NPD represents both the least developmentally mature and most severe form of the disorder. This episode explains the spectrum of personality development,...

Dr. Mark Ettensohn answers questions and responds to viewer comments in a livestream broadcast from 4-26-24. 

Dr. Ettensohn answers listener questions and responds to comments in a livestream broadcast from 3-14-24. 

This episode is the audio from an on-camera interview between licensed psychotherapist Lisa Taylor-Austin and Dr. Ettensohn. The video of this interview can be viewed on Lisa's youTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@LisaTaylor-Austin   This audio recording is posted with Lisa's permission. This discussion covers numerous topics, from treating pathological narcissism, the diagnostic criteria for NPD, variation in narcissistic pathologies between siblings raised in the same family...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn draws heavily on his own research concerning pathological narcissism and attachment patterns, using attachment theory as a lens to focus explanatory power onto the often confusing dynamics of NPD. Beginning with a general overview of Bartholomew's four-prototype model of adult attachment, Dr. Ettensohn identifies the most common attachment patterns of individuals with NPD. He describes the relevant research on the development of these patterns and draws...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn addresses 5 common misconceptions about pathological narcissism and NPD: 1. NPD is not a mental illness 2. NPD is not treatable 3. Even if NPD is treatable, actual healing is impossible 4. All individuals with NPD are abusers 5. People with NPD change their behavior behind closed doors, so they can't be mentally ill Using authoritative mental health resources like the American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, National Institutes of...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the important topic of boundaries. He provides a definition of interpersonal boundaries, discusses the reasons why boundaries are important for mental health and healthy relationships, discusses the problems with boundaries that often occur in pathological narcissism and NPD, and provides some basic tips for assertive behavior.   Purchase Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life here:...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn explores the possible causes of narcissistic rage, referencing the work of Ernest S. Wolf, a close collaborator with Heinz Kohut and author of the book 'Treating the Self: Elements of Clinical Self Psychology." Dr. Ettensohn discusses the ways in narcissistic rage functions as a defense of the unbearably wounded self and results from implicit confusion between self and other rooted in traumatic early experiences of helplessness, humiliation, and...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the topic of self-awareness in NPD. Numerous commenters have shared their belief that narcissists "know what they are doing"...that they are fully aware of the harm caused by their behaviors. Centering the conversation in the idea of mental illness, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the faulty attributions, skewed perceptions, and interpersonal deficits often associated with pathological narcissism and NPD. The episode ends with an appeal to viewers to consume...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn outline 4 reasons why empathy may be impaired in pathological narcissism and NPD: 1. Lack of self awareness 2. Objectification of the self and others 3. A 'starvation mindset' 4. Avoidant attachment styles Dr. Ettensohn also discusses his disagreement with Dr. Ramani's ideas concerning empathy and NPD, as expressed in the following video on her channel: https://youtu.be/O7qxMu3nSLw Purchase Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn explores the connection between illness anxiety and pathological narcissism. This episode explores how illness anxiety in NPD can be disguised anxiety about loss of self or psychological disintegration. Purchase Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life here: https://amzn.to/3nG9FgH LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://rb.gy/cklpumLISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCASTS: https://rb.gy/fotpcaLISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC: https://rb.gy/g4yzh8 VISIT THE...

The term ‘narcissistic abuse’ has been, itself, heavily abused. Is has largely been a pop-psychology term that means different things depending on how and where it is used. It is often used to demonize individuals with pathological narcissism and NPD, who represent an at-risk population for depression, self-harm, and suicide.  In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn provides a new definition for narcissistic abuse - one that is *actually* specific to pathological narcissism and NPD. This new...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the emptiness that individuals with pathological narcissism and NPD often experience using the concept of ‘Self as Object.’  Individuals with pathological narcissism and NPD often report having been treated as an object for someone else’s gratification in childhood. This early exploitation can cause profound disconnect from emotional authenticity, because it necessitates the development of false self adaptations to protect against overwhelming shame,...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the relationship between social anxiety and pathological narcissism and NPD, focusing on underlying fears of shame and humiliation, loss of self, and the legacy of relational trauma. The second half of the episode discusses general strategies for addressing social anxiety. References: Sartre, J.P. (1964). Nausea. New Directions Publishing Corp. 

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn clarifies the concept of Malignant Narcissism, drawing on the model developed by theorist Otto Kernberg. Common misconceptions are dispelled. Object Relations Theory is used to discuss the origins of both NPD and Malignant Narcissism, highlighting developmental differences between each disorder. Two meaning of malignant narcissism are discussed: 1. Malignant narcissism is a combination of narcissistic personality, antisocial traits, ego-syntonic sadism, and...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the topic of integration. Pathological narcissism is a disorder in which different parts of the self are not well-integrated, creating large disparities and discontinuities in identity, self-image, and perception of others. This phenomenon is sometimes called "splitting," and is thought to be partly due to chronic relational trauma and neglect in early childhood. Dr. Ettensohn explains how this occurs and provides suggestions for beginning to approach...

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the importance of recognizing the resiliency of those who struggle with NPD and pathological narcissism. Each person's psychology is a story of survival. In our focus on deficits and pathologies, we often overlook the strength of the individual and the sometimes surprising and ingenious ways that they have found to survive.    References: Rogers, C. (1980). A way of being. Houghton Mifflin.   Music: www.bensound.com

In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn addresses common questions about therapy for NPD, discussing the current lack of competent therapists, where to find therapists who understand narcissism, and why it isn't effective to treat NPD on your own.  References:  Blagys, M.D., & Hilsenroth, M.J. (2000). Distincitve activities of short-term psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy: A review of the comparative psychotherapy process literature. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 7,...

Dr. Ettensohn discusses the protective false self, highlighting its origins in childhood relational trauma and its role in maintaining narcissistic grandiosity. He also discusses important related issues including the role of grief in reconnecting with authentic self experience.   References:  Johnson, S. M. (1987). Humanizing the narcissistic style. New York: W.W. Norton & Co. Kernberg, O. F. (1970). Factors in the psychoanalytic treatment of narcissistic personalities. Journal of the...

Narcissistic individuals are often hypersensitive to feeling criticized, rejected, or humiliated. In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn traces the roots of interpersonal hypersensitivity in narcissism, giving special focus to a particular constellation of relational trauma thought to contribute to NPD. In addressing these issues, he discusses the here-and-now strategy of pairing self-compassion with personal responsibility.    Music: www.bensound.com References: Ettensohn, M. D. (2013). The...

Acceptance is one of the most powerful tools in healing and recovery from almost any mental illness. In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses what acceptance means, why it is so important, and how it applies to healing from pathological narcissism and NPD. This episode also includes instructions for practicing acceptance in the form of mindfulness meditation.   Music: www.bensound.com

Dr. Ettensohn discusses the differences and similarities between vulnerable narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).    Music: www.bensound.com