Heal NPD

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 i...

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 narcissi...

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 chil...

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)....

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 comparativ...

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. (19...

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 pers...

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

Using concepts from Self Psychology, Dr. Ettensohn discusses problems in the self that cause pathological narcissism. Topics include the building blocks of self experience, selfobjects, and defensive adaptations that produce grandiosity.  References: Wolf, E. S. (1988). Treating the self: Elements of clinical self psychology. New York: Guilford Press.  Music:  www.bensound.com

Dr. Ettensohn breaks down the core beliefs, feelings, and perspectives that characterize narcissism, providing examples of how these tend to look at both the mild and severe ends of the narcissism spectrum.  References: Lingiardi, V., & McWilliams, N. (Eds.). (2017). Psychodynamic diagnostic manual: PDM-2 (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press. Music:  www.bensound.com