Boundaries, Assertiveness, and NPD

Boundaries, Assertiveness, and NPD

Author: Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D. August 27, 2023 Duration: 24:47
In this episode, Dr. Ettensohn discusses the important topic of boundaries. He provides a definition of interpersonal boundaries, discusses the reasons why boundaries are important for mental health and healthy relationships, discusses the problems with boundaries that often occur in pathological narcissism and NPD, and provides some basic tips for assertive behavior.   Purchase Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life here: https://amzn.to/3nG9FgH   References: Hörz-Sagstetter, S., Caligor, E., Preti, E., Stern, B. L., De Panfilis, C., & Clarkin, J. F. (2017). Clinician-Guided Assessment of Personality Using the Structural Interview and the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO). Journal of Personality Assessment, 100(1), 30–42. Lingiardi, V., & McWilliams, N. (Eds.). (2017). Psychodynamic diagnostic manual: PDM-2 (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press. Mahler, M. S. (1972). Rapprochement subphase of the separation-individuation process. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 41(4), 487–506.

In Heal NPD, clinical psychologist Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D., offers a nuanced and compassionate exploration of narcissism, moving beyond simplistic labels to examine the underlying psychological structures. This podcast delves into the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder and related traits, providing clarity for those who recognize these patterns in themselves or in their relationships. Dr. Ettensohn draws from his specialized therapeutic practice to discuss the origins of narcissistic adaptations, the impact on interpersonal dynamics, and the realistic pathways toward change and healing. Episodes often break down clinical concepts into accessible language, featuring discussions on empathy, identity, shame, and the challenging process of building healthier self-esteem and relational skills. The tone is educational yet deeply human, aiming to reduce stigma and foster understanding. Whether you are a mental health professional, someone personally affected by NPD, or simply curious about personality psychology, this series provides a rare, expert-guided look into a frequently misunderstood area of human behavior. Tune in for a thoughtful perspective that prioritizes psychological science and the possibility of growth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 62

Heal NPD
Podcast Episodes
Internal Absence: Emptiness in NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:00
Dr. Mark Ettensohn examines the experience of emptiness in narcissistic personality disorder and other forms of personality pathology. Rather than approaching personality disorders as collections of traits or behaviors,…
Living with Pathological Narcissism: What Loved Ones Reveal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:09
This episode continues the Heal NPD Seminar Series with Dr. Mark Ettensohn, joined by his associates Deanna Young, Psy.D., and Danté Spencer, Ph.D. In this session, the group discusses the paper “Living with Pathological…
Narcissism Is Not a Moral Category [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:50
Dr. Mark Ettensohn examines a growing tendency in public discourse to treat narcissism as a moral category rather than as a psychological construct. The episode explores why this shift occurs and how misunderstandings ab…
Accountability Without Dehumanization [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:24
Dr. Mark Ettensohn addresses a question that frequently arises in discussions of narcissism and abuse: Is it possible to maintain accountability without dehumanizing? Can someone preserve firm boundaries without abandoni…
2025 Study: Narcissism Does Not Predict Abuse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:23
This episode continues the Heal NPD Seminar Series with Dr. Mark Ettensohn, joined by his associates Deanna Young, Psy.D., and Danté Spencer, M.A. In this session, the group examines a recent empirical study titled Coerc…
The Ethics of Narc-Abuse Content: Why 'It Helps' Isn't Enough [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:52
In this episode, Dr. Mark Ettensohn examines a common defense of online “narcissistic abuse” content: the claim that, even if imperfect or inaccurate, it ultimately helps people leave harmful relationships. Rather than f…
From Validation to Isolation: The Narc-Abuse Pipeline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:03
In this video, Dr. Ettensohn examines the online narc-abuse ecosystem and explores how content that initially feels validating and supportive can, over time, become thought-constraining and socially isolating for some vi…
Understanding Empathy in Narcissistic Personality Disorder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
This video continues the Heal NPD Seminar Series, featuring Dr. Mark Ettensohn with his associates, Deanna Young, Psy.D., and Danté Spencer, M.A. In this session, the group discusses Empathy and Narcissistic Personality…