Traumatic Narcissism

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.

Daniel Shaw, LCSW is a psychoanalytically oriented, trauma informed psychotherapist practicing in New York City. He is the author of Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear, and he is preparing an upcoming publication titled The Traumatic Narcissism Theory: A Contemporary Introduction. He lectures on topics related to narcissistic abuse internationally, leads consultation groups online, and is faculty and clinical supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies, in New York City.

Introduction to the Classic Edition 1. The Relationality of Narcissism 2. The Adult Child of the Traumatizing Narcissist: Enter Ghosts! 3. Traumatic Narcissism in Cults 4. Narcissistic Authoritarianism in Psychoanalysis 5. Traumatic Narcissism in Couples: Invisible Violence and Clinical Morality 6. "But What Do I Do?": Finding the Path to Freedom 7. On the Therapeutic Action of Analytic Love 8. Analytic Love Revisited: 'Narcissists 'R' Us!