In this Weekly Insight, Dr. Ettensohn shares an adapted preview from his upcoming video on narcissism at the neurotic level of personality organization. He reflects on what it means to move toward psychological integration, emotional complexity, and the capacity for self-reflection - especially for those doing this work without a therapist.

Drawing from clinical understanding and developmental theory, Dr. Ettensohn discusses how self-acceptance, mindfulness, and the capacity to tolerate imperfection are crucial aspects of healing. He emphasizes the importance of allowing history to be real, recognizing and managing splitting, and loosening rigid self-perceptions that often emerge from narcissistic defenses. Using metaphor, lived experience, and grounded strategies, he shows how healing becomes possible even outside the therapeutic relationship when we begin to relate to ourselves differently.