PODCAST
Transforming Trauma Podcast, The NARM Institute
REVIEWS
A Review of Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation
Donna M. Orange, PhD, PsyD
Self Psychology Journal, June 2015
Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation
A Review by Lawrence Josephs, PhD
Psychoanalytic Psychology, January 2015
Review from The Clinician, Spring 2018
By Debra Kuppersmith LCSW
“A case in point about psychoanalytic theory and technique is Daniel Shaw’s brilliant book on psychoanalysis and Traumatic Narcissism. Dan’s exploration of the dynamics inherent in psychological abuse related to highly narcissistic parenting is thoroughly psychoanalytic, but it also is so trauma treatment savvy as to be breathtaking in its scope.”
— Richard Chefetz M.D., Author, Intensive Psychotherapy for Persistent Dissociative Processes: The Fear of Feeling Real.
In the 2014 edition of Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, Daniel Shaw introduced a new way of understanding how victims become trapped and subjugated by the abuser Shaw calls “the traumatizing narcissist.” In the many clinical vignettes throughout the book, Shaw illustrates the traumatizing narcissist’s controlling, subjugating behavior, and the shattering impact the traumatizing narcissist has on the people he draws in and holds captive. Shaw explains how therapists can use the traumatic narcissism theory to help victims recognize the specific ways they have been manipulated and controlled.
In the new Introduction to this Classic Edition, Shaw offers insights from his extensive work with these victims and elaborates on the traumatizing narcissist’s “delusion of omnipotence,” a crucial key to understanding his behavior and what drives it. Additionally, Shaw presents a list of eight characteristic controlling behaviors that support and defend this delusion of omnipotence. Learning to recognize these behaviors will help therapists and patients identify the traumatizing narcissist, and understand how each behavior serves to further deepen his victims’ submission and subjugation.
Traumatic Narcissism presents therapeutic clinical opportunities for all mental health professionals. Therapy patients and lay readers will also find this book highly readable and illuminating.
