Seminar Series 2: Rupture and Repair - Principles of Treatment for NPD

Seminar Series 2: Rupture and Repair - Principles of Treatment for NPD

Author: Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D. October 21, 2025 Duration: 59:35
This episode continues the Heal NPD Seminar Series, featuring Dr. Mark Ettensohn and his associates, Deanna Young, Psy.D., and Danté Spencer, M.A. In this session, the group discusses Principles of Psychodynamic Treatment for Patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder by Holly Crisp, M.D., and Glen Gabbard, M.D. The conversation explores how psychodynamic clinicians conceptualize and treat narcissistic personality disorder, emphasizing the disorder’s pleomorphic nature - its capacity to take many forms depending on context, stress, and level of personality organization. Themes include the oscillation between grandiose and vulnerable self-states, the role of shame as a central organizing affect, and the therapist’s challenge of moving flexibly along a supportive–interpretive continuum. The group also examines common transference and countertransference dynamics, the integration of Kohut’s and Kernberg’s models, and the transformative role of rupture and repair in the therapeutic process. Through candid discussion, clinical reflection, and moments of humor, the seminar illustrates how empathic attunement, flexibility, and authentic connection form the heart of effective treatment for pathological narcissism. This series is designed for clinicians, students, and anyone interested in a deeper and more nuanced understanding of narcissism, personality, and the process of psychological healing. To learn more about our work, visit www.HealNPD.org. Citation for the article discussed: Crisp H, Gabbard GO. Principles of psychodynamic treatment for patients with narcissistic personality disorder. Journal of Personality Disorders. 2020 Mar;34(Suppl):143-158. doi: 10.1521/pedi.2020.34.supp.143. PMID: 32186987.

In each episode of Heal NPD, clinical psychologist Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D., offers a grounded and compassionate look at narcissism, moving beyond the stereotypes that dominate casual conversation. Drawing from his professional practice, Dr. Ettensohn unpacks the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder and related patterns, providing clarity on their underlying mechanisms and impacts. This isn't about labeling or blame; it's a space for genuine understanding, whether you're a person seeking growth, a partner, a family member, or a professional in the field. You'll hear discussions that blend psychological science with practical insights, exploring pathways toward healing, setting boundaries, and fostering healthier relationships. The tone is educational yet accessible, demystifying a topic often shrouded in confusion and stigma. By tuning into this podcast, you gain a nuanced perspective from a specialist who approaches the subject with both clinical expertise and deep humanity. Dr. Ettensohn's thoughtful commentary aims to equip you with knowledge that is both intellectually sound and emotionally resonant, making Heal NPD a unique resource in the landscape of mental health dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Heal NPD
Podcast Episodes
Weekly Insights: The Cycle of Narcissistic Dehumanization [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:24
The "Weekly Insights" series is for paid members of Dr. Ettensohn's Heal NPD Youtube channel. In the short-term, Dr. Ettensohn is posting all even-numbered episodes free of charge. If you would like access to the full se…
Weekly Insights: Reflections on Dichotomous Thinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:35
The "Weekly Insights" series is for paid members of Dr. Ettensohn's Heal NPD Youtube channel. In the short-term, Dr. Ettensohn is posting all even-numbered episodes free of charge. If you would like access to the full se…
Weekly Insights: Try This Instead of Gratitude [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:31
The "Weekly Insights" series is for paid members of Dr. Ettensohn's Heal NPD Youtube channel. In the short-term, Dr. Ettensohn is posting all even-numbered episodes free of charge. If you would like access to the full se…
The False Self: A Tragic Survival Strategy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:55
In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn explores the insights of Alice Miller regarding emotional abandonment and narcissistic use of the child, focusing on how these early dynamics shape pathological narcissism and Narcissistic…
Without Emotional Skin: Understanding Borderline-Level NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:02
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 dis…
Live with Dr. Ettensohn 7-25-24 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:44
Dr. Mark Ettensohn answers questions and responds to viewer comments in a livestream broadcast from 7-25-24.
A Nameless Dread: Understanding Psychotic-Level NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:14
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 re…
Live with Dr. Ettensohn 4-26-24 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:35:00
Dr. Mark Ettensohn answers questions and responds to viewer comments in a livestream broadcast from 4-26-24.
Live with Dr. Ettensohn 3-14-2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:38
Dr. Ettensohn answers listener questions and responds to comments in a livestream broadcast from 3-14-24.