What Narcissism Isn't: Clearing Up the Confusion

What Narcissism Isn't: Clearing Up the Confusion

Author: Mark Ettensohn, Psy.D. July 3, 2025 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 explores how the label “narcissist” has become a cultural catch-all for behaviors that are often common, non-pathological, and only proximally related to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). This episode examines how actions such as setting a boundary, avoiding emotional intimacy, or disagreeing with someone’s interpretation of events are frequently misread as narcissistic - especially when filtered through shame, hurt, or interpersonal conflict. Dr. Ettensohn distinguishes these behaviors from the psychological structure of narcissism, which involves instability in self-esteem regulation and associated interpersonal strategies. He also addresses the growing tendency to conflate narcissism with abuse, control, gaslighting, or moral failure, arguing that these associations undermine both clinical clarity and compassion. Misusing the term “narcissism” can lead to stigmatization, inhibit treatment-seeking, and reinforce rigid victim-abuser narratives that obscure the mutual complexity of relational harm. This Weekly Insight is a call for greater nuance, clinical integrity, and psychological humility. By understanding what narcissism isn’t, we create more space to see what it is, and how it might be worked with more constructively in both cultural discourse and clinical care. Purchase Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life here: https://amzn.to/3nG9FgH LISTEN ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://rb.gy/cklpum LISTEN ON GOOGLE PODCASTS: https://rb.gy/fotpca LISTEN ON AMAZON MUSIC: https://rb.gy/g4yzh8 VISIT THE WEBSITE: https://www.healnpd.org

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: 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.