Dr. Mark Ettensohn is a clinical psychologist, published author, and nationally recognized expert in the treatment of narcissism and related disorders. He is widely regarded for his depth-oriented, compassionate approach to some of the most misunderstood and stigmatized aspects of human psychology.
Dr. Ettensohn is the author of Unmasking Narcissism: A Guide to Understanding the Narcissist in Your Life, a book that has helped readers around the world navigate complex relationships and better understand the hidden emotional architecture of narcissism. His work has been featured in major media outlets including Yahoo Health, Bustle, CBS News, and Sacramento Magazine, and he is a frequent guest on podcasts and radio programs exploring topics at the intersection of mental health and social understanding.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ettensohn is the creator of a growing YouTube channel dedicated to destigmatizing narcissistic personality disorder and advancing clinical dialogue about personality functioning. His channel has earned a loyal following for its thoughtful, research-informed content and its humane treatment of difficult psychological material.
Dr. Ettensohn has presented original research at regional and national conferences, including his 2019 paper Toward a More Accurate and Compassionate Model of Pathological Narcissism, which called attention to the moralistic bias that continues to surround the diagnosis. His 2017 presentation on the link between narcissism and suicide emphasized the need for clinicians to recognize the profound vulnerability beneath narcissistic defenses. Through both scholarship and clinical practice, he advocates for a more nuanced and scientifically grounded understanding of pathological narcissism—one that honors the pain of those who live with it and challenges the cultural tendency to conflate narcissism with malevolence.
Dr. Ettensohn holds Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from The Wright Institute. He is a licensed psychologist in both California and New York and holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). His clinical background spans diverse settings, including intensive outpatient programs for anxiety, university counseling centers, medical clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and private practice.
Dr. Ettensohn has also been active in doctoral-level psychology education, contributing to both program development and student training. He was a founding administrator in the APA-accredited (contingency status) Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program at California Northstate University, where he helped establish the program’s early framework. He later served as Director of Clinical Training at Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology in Sacramento. He is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at California Northstate University, where he teaches professional case conference and psychodynamic intervention courses, chairs dissertations, and advises students. His academic work reflects his ongoing commitment to bridging rigorous clinical theory with the complexities of real-world practice.
At the core of Dr. Ettensohn’s work is a commitment to restoring dignity and psychological depth to the public conversation about narcissism. He continues to mentor clinicians, write, teach, and create content aimed at changing how we understand, relate to, and treat the people behind the diagnosis.
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/.