Weekly Insight: Do Narcissists Seek Therapy?

Weekly Insight: Do Narcissists Seek Therapy?

Author: Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D. May 27, 2025 Duration: 9:27
In this weekly insight, Dr. Ettensohn addresses the common misconception that individuals with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) never seek therapy—and the even more misleading idea that simply wondering whether you have NPD means that you don’t. This episode explores the origins of these myths, explaining how they stem from a misunderstanding of personality disorders and the role of insight. While NPD often involves rigid, maladaptive patterns of thinking and an egosyntonic sense of grandiosity, it also frequently includes periodic self-esteem collapses, during which individuals experience deep distress, depression, and anxiety. It is in these moments that many people with NPD seek therapy—contrary to the popular belief that they never do. Dr. Ettensohn discusses how online narratives about NPD have distorted public understanding of the disorder, reinforcing harmful stereotypes that discourage those who need help from reaching out. Drawing from clinical experience and current research, he provides a more nuanced and accurate view of why individuals with NPD do, in fact, pursue treatment.

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
What Narcissism Isn't: Clearing Up the Confusion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:46
In this Weekly Insight, Dr. Ettensohn addresses widespread misconceptions about narcissism by clarifying what the term does not mean. Drawing on clinical examples and years of engagement with public discourse, he explore…
Live with Dr. Ettensohn 6-12-25 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:43:04
Join Dr. Mark Ettensohn from Heal NPD for a live broadcast answering questions and responding to viewer comments.
Do Narcissists *Really* Lack Empathy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:29
What does it mean to say that narcissists lack empathy? In this Weekly Insight, Dr. Ettensohn challenges the common assumption that low empathy is a fixed trait in narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Drawing from ps…
Weekly Insights: Is Narcissism the New Moral Panic? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:15
In this Weekly Insight, Dr. Ettensohn examines the rise of moral panic within contemporary discourse about narcissism, particularly how popular online narratives have transformed psychological terms into tools of moral j…
The Birth of Sorrow | Part 1: Crossing into Neurotic-Level Narcissism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:07
Link to episode 1 in this series, on psychotic-level NPD: https://youtu.be/IoxUCbNUJUE Link to episode 2 in this series, on borderline-level NPD: https://youtu.be/Oz-C503q_9Y This is the third episode of a four-episode s…
Weekly Insights: The Myth of Hardwired Narcissism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:17
In this video, Dr. Ettensohn examines the growing claim that Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is almost entirely genetic, offering a critical, clinically grounded reflection on what the current science actually su…
Weekly Insights: Healing Without a Therapist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:29
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 integrati…
Weekly Insights: It Feels Real...But It's Not - Grandiosity in NPD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:00
In this Weekly Insight, Dr. Ettensohn explores the nature of grandiosity in pathological narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), emphasizing that grandiose self-states are distortions that mask underlying…
Weekly Insights: The Hidden Fear Behind NPD - Being Ordinary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:26
In this Weekly Insight, Dr. Ettensohn explores the deep existential conflict at the heart of pathological narcissism and NPD: the fear of being ordinary. Drawing from a recent presentation by psychiatrist and psychoanaly…