What If Narcissism Is a Trauma Adaptation? with Dr. Mark Ettensohn

Dr. Mark Ettensohn explains why narcissistic personality disorder is often misunderstood online—and how complex trauma, shame, attachment wounds, and identity shape pathological narcissism. Narcissism has become a buzz word on social media. It has moved from a psychological understanding to a term that is used for blaming, scapegoating, and other emotionally charged narratives. This polarization has led to casting someone with narcissist traits as a villain who is intentionally cruel, manipulative, and beyond help.

While those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can exhibit difficult or even harmful traits, social media has erased the distinction between mental illness and moral defect. One clinician cautions that this "narcisso-sphere" content contributes to the despair of an already vulnerable population and even suicidality among those who identify with the diagnosis.

On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emilly Ruth welcomes Mark Ettensohn, Psy, D. Mark is the founder of Heal NPD, a clinical and educational platform focused on the understanding and treatment of narcissistic personality disorder. His work explores the developmental and relational roots of narcissism, including trauma, dissociation, and identity. Mark is also the author of Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life and shares widely followed educational content through his Heal NPD YouTube Channel.

Transforming Trauma thanks Mark for sharing his expertise with our community. His empathetic approach to NPD invites curiosity over confrontation and genuine relational support over social media simplification.

To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma

SPACE:

SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join.

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https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com

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