What If Narcissism Is a Trauma Adaptation? with Dr. Mark Ettensohn

CTTC faculty Stefanie Klein and Lisa Gillispie explore what it really takes to embody what you learn, trust yourself in the therapy room, and grow through relational learning and professional community. How do you teach a trauma-informed model that emphasizes presence, authenticity, and curiosity? By creating a learning experience that invites therapists to embody these very qualities through their own journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and professional development. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes Stefanie Klein, LCSW, and Lisa Gillispie, LPCC-S, faculty members of the Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC). They share observations from their journeys as students of the NeuroAffective Relational Model® (NARM®) to now being trainers. Stefanie and Lisa also provide broader insights into the depth of knowledge and support available through CTTC's professional development programs. Our conversation focuses less on the practicalities of teaching NARM and more on the life-changing experience of embodying it. In this conversation: Beyond technique: Why understanding NARM® intellectually is different from embodying it with clients.

Understanding subjugation trauma, coercive control, dissociation, self-blame, and the clinical work of helping survivors reclaim trust in themselves. Social media platforms are filled with attention-grabbing posts on how to spot, leave, or recover from someone who displays narcissistic characteristics. While those 90-second efforts offer an interesting overview, they rarely provide us with a meaningful foundation for understanding the psychology of a traumatizing narcissist or how their behavior impacts survivors. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back Daniel Shaw, author of Traumatic Narcissism Theory: A Contemporary Psychoanalytic Introduction, to discuss Traumatic Narcissism Theory (TNT), a framework he created and has refined over thirty years. Through personal stories and contributions from many historically influential psychologists, Daniel charts the evolution of narcissism theory and clearly explains the utility of TNT. He also offers clinicians a roadmap for supporting survivors of traumatizing narcissism as they regain their confidence and recover their autonomy. In this conversation: How Traumatic Narcissism Theory differs from conventional approaches to narcissism

How trauma therapists can apply polyvagal theory to recognize physiological cues, understand survival responses, and use co-regulation to support safety, connection, and re-embodiment. If psychotherapy is about reconnecting to a genuine expression of self, how do we support connection and embodiment in clients who've experienced complex trauma? One noted clinician believes that polyvagal theory offers vital tools for this journey, provided therapists can hold space for vulnerability during the process of co-regulation. On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth welcomes back Stephen Porges, Ph.D., the renowned behavioral neuroscientist, professor, and author who, in 1994, originated the polyvagal theory framework: a systems-level, pathway-specific model of autonomic regulation. This conversation explores: Compassion in the context of the nervous system

A trauma-informed conversation about asking difficult questions, understanding family patterns, creating safer communication, and changing what gets passed to the next generation by finding the courage to "say out loud what is necessary." Sometimes silence creates space for reflection. But what happens when silence holds unspoken pain, and difficult conversations are increasingly avoided or abandoned altogether? Spoiler alert: suppressing what should be said rarely leads to positive outcomes for our physical or mental wellbeing. So, how do we wade into the turbulent emotional waters of relational silence, confidently embody our role as generational cycle-breakers, and future-proof our lineage? On this episode of Transforming Trauma, host Emily Ruth chats with Nicole Russell-Wharton, founder of the Precious Dreams Foundation and author of "Breaking Generational Silence," about the liberatory work of disrupting harmful relational patterns. Harmful cycles can repeat even when love is present.

Dr. Paul Conti challenges us to look beyond "What's wrong with me?" and explores how curiosity, agency, gratitude, and the generative drive can transform our relationship with trauma and mental health. Emily Ruth welcomes Dr. Paul Conti, psychiatrist and author of "Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic." to explore how unresolved trauma shapes our inner world, interpersonal relationships, and society at large. Paul also shares insights from his latest book, "What's Going Right: A Powerful Method For Optimizing Your Mental Health," which offers proven strategies for healing from trauma, including the importance of compassionate curiosity and pursuing happiness through growth and connection. While naming "capital T" trauma is a vital first step in a client's healing process, some people opt to avoid the difficult intrapersonal work that follows. "Trauma is real inside of us. It changes our brains. When we very much want to solve our problems, we often have a greater difficulty doing so," says Paul. Foundational repair is possible. Paul's conceptual tool of choice is compassionate curiosity. When clients begin to reconnect with their agency, they're more open to recognizing what's going well for them and exploring what isn't. Transforming Trauma thanks Paul for sharing his expertise with our community and reminding us that we are all imbued with the ability to identify what needs to change and pursue it with courage. To read the full show notes and discover more resources, visit https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/transformingtrauma SPACE: SPACE is an Inner Development Program of Support and Self-Discovery for Therapists on the Personal, Interpersonal, and Transpersonal Levels offered by the Complex Trauma Training Center. This experiential learning program offers an immersive group experience designed to cultivate space for self-care, community support, and deepening vitality in our professional role as therapists. Learn more about how to join. *** The Complex Trauma Training Center: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com View upcoming trainings: https://complextraumatrainingcenter.com/schedule/ Join us for this a transformative 2-day Intro to NARM® online workshop: https://bit.ly/narmintro *** The Complex Trauma Training Center (CTTC) is a professional organization providing clinical training, education, consultation, and mentorship for psychotherapists and mental health professionals working with individuals and communities impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD). CTTC provides NARM® Therapist and NARM® Master Therapist Training programs, as well as ongoing monthly groups in support of those learning NARM. CTTC offers a depth-oriented professional community for those seeking a supportive network of therapists focused on three levels of shared human experience: personal, interpersonal & transpersonal. The Transforming Trauma podcast embodies the spirit of CTTC – best described by its three keywords: depth, connection, and heart - and offers guidance to those interested in effective, transformational trauma-informed care. We want to connect with you! Facebook @complextraumatrainingcenter Instagram @cttc_training LinkedIn YouTube