Weekly Insights: Reflections on Dichotomous Thinking

Weekly Insights: Reflections on Dichotomous Thinking

Author: Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D. January 30, 2025 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 series, please follow this link:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHeT5kujD1JqHRAi-x8xD-w/join In this weekly insight, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the limitations of polarized or dichotomous thinking, particularly when it comes to self-experience. Inspired by viewer responses to a previous episode on the false self, Dr. Ettensohn discusses why concepts like “true” and “false” self can be misleading when taken too literally. Our internal experiences are complex, layered, and dynamic—identity, thought, feeling, and behavior are not static or easily divided into “good” and “bad” categories. Psychological health involves learning to tolerate and even appreciate this ambiguity rather than striving for certainty.

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: 62

Heal NPD
Podcast Episodes
Social Anxiety and NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:37
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 trau…
Malignant Narcissism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:11
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…
Getting Integrated [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
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 ide…
Recognizing Resiliency in NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:31
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…
Answering Questions About Therapy for NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:55
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 trea…
The Role of the False Self in Narcissism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:36
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 ro…
The Legacy of Relational Trauma in NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:16
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…
The Power of Acceptance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:32
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 f…
Is It Vulnerable Narcissism or BPD? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:35
Dr. Ettensohn discusses the differences and similarities between vulnerable narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Music: www.bensound.com
Narcissism is a Disorder of the Self [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:19
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 pro…