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In this interview with Dr Ron Siegel, we look at the complexities of narcissism, its psychological roots, and the broad spectrum of behaviours it can cover. Ron is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School, a long-standing clinical psychologist and a leading voice in mindfulness-based psychotherapy. He’s known for his ability to bridge solid academic thinking with warm, practical wisdom, and he brings real clarity, care and decades of clinical experience to this topic.
We discuss everything from overt grandiosity to the quieter, more subtle forms of self-preoccupation that often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Narcissism is frequently stigmatised, but Ron offers a grounded, compassionate way of understanding these traits, exploring how they often stem from attempts to manage deep feelings of inadequacy.
We talk about the challenges therapists can face when supporting people with narcissistic traits, especially around motivation, defensiveness and genuine engagement in therapy and Ron highlights the importance of fostering self-awareness, empathy and the transformative power of self-compassion.
Through personal stories and examples, we also look at how narcissism affects relationships and wellbeing, as well as the cultural and evolutionary factors that shape these patterns. The conversation ends on a hopeful note, encouraging viewers to pursue real connection, curiosity and self-compassion as meaningful pathways to healthier relationships and personal growth.
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📚 Ron Siegel’s website: (https://drronsiegel.com)
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1 h et 3 min