Understanding and Using Traumatic Narcissism Theory

Daniel Shaw, LCSW

Saturday Feb 22, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Pacific Time

Shaw introduced Traumatic Narcissism Theory in 2014, with the publication of his book Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, in which he described the many ways that individuals are harmed in relationships with the person he termed the "traumatizing narcissist." In this presentation, Shaw will focus on defining the terms and purposes of the theory, and he will explain how it can be integrated into any therapeutic modality when working with victims of subjugation trauma.

DANIEL SHAW, LCSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in New York City and in Nyack, New York. Trained extensively in psychoanalysis, he has also studied Sensorimotor Psychotherapy with Janina Fisher; and completed Fisher’s certification in Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatmment (TIST), which integrates Structural Dissociation Theory, Affect Regulation Theory and Internal Family Systems concepts. Prior to entering the mental health profession, Shaw trained as an actor at Northwestern University and with the renowned acting teacher Uta Hagen in New York City. Shaw later worked for more than a decade as a missionary for an Indian guru. His eventual recognition of cultic aspects of this organization led him to become an outspoken activist in support of individuals and families traumatically abused in cults. Simultaneous with leaving this group in 1994, he began his training in the mental health profession, becoming a faculty member and supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York. In addition to authoring numerous journal articles and book chapters, Shaw's book, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, was published in 2014 for the Relational Perspectives Series by Routledge. The book was a runner-up for the distinguished Gradiva Award. In 2018, he was honored by the International Cultic Studies Association with the Margaret Thaler Singer Award for advancing the understanding of coercive persuasion and undue influence. His second book, Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear, was published by Routledge in 2021.

CE Credits offered: 2

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. describe the psychological motivations for the traumatizing narcissist's need to subjugate others
2. use clinical strategies to aid victims of the traumatizing narcissist to repair damage to the self and restore trust in their subjectivity

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