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. 

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References:

Ettensohn, M. D. (2013). The relational roots of narcissism: Exploring relationships between attachment style, acceptance by parents and peers, and measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. Dissertation Abstracts International: Section B: The Sciences and Engineering, 73(10-B(E)).

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.

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Dr. Ettensohn discusses the differences and similarities between vulnerable narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). 

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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. 

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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:

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