I specialize in the treatment of narcissism and related disorders.
I am the author of Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life, a book that has helped individuals worldwide learn to cope and communicate more effectively.
I’m often asked why I chose to specialize in narcissism. Narcissism is a fortress built around deep emotional wounds. Whether the fortress is functioning well or falling apart, all who struggle with narcissism carry the pain of loss for an authentic life never lived. Helping people uncover that grief and take the hard steps toward uncovering their true self gives my work meaning.
Nevertheless, narcissism remains one of the few mental health issues that is still openly mocked, derided, and equated with “evil.”
I am a passionate advocate for revising our scientific and cultural understanding of narcissism. I presented my recent paper Toward a More Accurate and Compassionate Model of Pathological Narcissism at the 2019 Western Psychological Association conference outlining the need to examine our cultural treatment of this highly stigmatized and misunderstood disorder. Additionally, my presentation on the relationship between narcissism and suicide at the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association’s 2017 Annual Conference highlighted the need for clinicians to recognize that narcissistic individuals are an at-risk and vulnerable population.
Publications and Media Appearances
Books:
Ettensohn, M. (2016). Unmasking narcissism: A guide to understanding the narcissist in your life. Berkeley: Althea Press
Presentations:
Ettensohn, M. (2023). Conceptualizing and treating pathological narcissism. Presented at Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy, Sacramento, CA.
Ettensohn, M. (2021). Almost everything you’ve heard about narcissism is wrong. Presented at California Northstate University College of Psychology, Sacramento, CA.
Ettensohn, M. (2019). Toward a more accurate and compassionate model of pathological narcissism. Paper presented at 2019 Western Psychological Association Conference in Pasadena, CA.
Ettensohn,, M. (2017). Scuttling the ship: The hidden link between narcissism and suicide. Presented at the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association 2nd Annual Conference, Sacramento, CA.
Articles:
Ettensohn, M. (2013). Toward a functional understanding of psychopathology: The DSM-IV-TR and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Sacramento Valley Psychologist. Retrieved from http://sacramentovaleypsychologist.com/page-1557921.
Ettensohn, M. (2013). How I learned to stop worrying and love the word “patient.” Sacramento Valley Psychologist. Retrieved from http://sacramentovalleypsychologist.com/page-1776093#section5.
Ettensohn, M. (2013). The importance of play: What a classic musical taught me about therapy. Sacramento Valley Psychologist. Retrieved from http://sacramentovalleypsychologist.com/Jun-Jul-2013-Newsletter/#section4.
Radio and Podcast Appearances:
McEnroe, C. (Host). (2023, January 26). Narcissists, we bet you think this show is about you. You’re right, it is [Radio program]. The Colin McEnroe Show. Hartford, CT: Connecticut Public Radio.
Campbell, K. (Host) & Green, G. (Host). (2019, December 6). Dealing with Narcissists [Radio program]. Let’s Talk Relationships. San Bernardino, CA: Coyote Radio.
Garrison, D. & Smith, A. (2017, September 3). Episode 48: Dr. Mark Ettensohn. Sac Blue. Podcast retrieved from https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/david-garrison/sac-blue-the-podcast/e/51333317?autoplay=true
Dotson, J. & Kennedy, J. (2014, February 5). Episode 122: Dr. Mark Ettensohn. The Powder Keg of Awesome. Podcast retrieved from http://www.blogtalkradio.com/powderkegofawesome/2014/02/05/episode-122-dr-mark-ettensohn.
Dissertation:
Ettensohn, M.D. (2011). The relational roots of narcissism: Exploring relationships between attachment style, acceptance by parents and peers, and measures of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from Dissertations and Theses: Full Text. (Publicaiton No. AAT 3515488). Chair: Susan Pallak, Ph.D.
Articles and Books Featuring Dr. Ettensohn:
Mason, P.T., & Kreger, R. (2020). Stop walking on eggshells: Taking your life back when someone you care about has Borderline Personality Disorder - Third Edition (3rd Ed.). New Harbinger Publications, Inc.
Voreacos, B. (2017, Mar 2). How to boost kids’ confidence - without going overboard. P&G Everyday. Retrieved from https://www.pgeveryday.com/family/parenting/article/how-to-boost-kids-confidence-without -going-overboard.
Litchfield, C. (2016, Aug 19). Health: The truth about anger. Sacramento Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.sacmag.com/Sacramento-Magazine/September-2016/Health-The-Truth-About-Anger/.
Philips, L. (2015). Unrequited: women and romantic obsession. New York: Harper Collins.
Thorpe, J.R. (2016, Dec 2). The two main types of narcissism - and how to tell the difference. Bustle. Retrieved from https://www.bustle.com/articles/198007-the-2-main-types-of-narcissism-and-how-to-spot-the-difference.
Ramos, B. (2015, Sep 2). Signs you may have an anxiety disorder. She Knows. Retrieved from https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1085036/signs-of-anxiety-disorder/.
Rushlow, A. (2015, May 28). What people get wrong about narcissists. Yahoo Health. Retrieved from https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/what-people-get-wrong-about-narcissists-120035183402.html.
Hansen, K. (2015, Apr 26). Sacramento psychologist accepts and commits to his patients. CBS Sacramento. Retrieved from https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2015/04/26/sacramento-psychologist-accepts-commits-to-his-patients/.
Educational Background
I earned my Master of Arts and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at The Wright Institute.
Clinical Background
I am a Licensed Psychologist in California and New York. I also have a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ) from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
My broad clinical training and experience includes work in a variety of settings, including:
Private practice clinician
Staff psychologist in an Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program for severe anxiety disorders (including OCD, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Hair Pulling Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder)
In a group medical setting providing group and individual therapy for a wide variety of presenting issues and concerns
In therapy clinics working with under-served populations
As a therapist in multiple college settings providing therapy services, assessments, and outreach to students
As a therapist in a high school, working with students in individual and group therapy
As a therapist in a psychiatric hospital setting – both inpatient and outpatient programs
Professional Affiliation and Advocacy
I am a member of the The American Psychological Association (APA), APA Division 39 (Psychoanalysis), and the Sacramento Valley Psychological Association (SVPA).
I was a founding board member for the Sacramento Psychoanalytic Society.