CultNEWS101 Articles: 3/24/2025 (Video, Scientology, Jehovah's Witnesses, LDS, Event, Traumatizing Narcissists, Dan Shaw)

Video, Scientology, Jehovah's Witnesses, LDS, Event, Traumatizing Narcissists, Dan Shaw

Melissa Dougherty: Scientology: The Most Bizarre Cult in America

"Scientology is an odd religion (If it is even a religion). My friend Lindsey Medenwaldt knows a ridiculously random amount of information about this religion. So, naturally, I couldn't resist luring her onto my channel to spill the tea on all things Scientology. Where did this "religion" come from? What do they believe? And why are so many celebrities a part of the most bizarre cult in America?"

Stop The Shunning: CENSORED: 10 Things Jehovah's Witnesses Can't Say

Mormon Discussion Inc.: Latter-day Saint Insider Exposes Secret Surveillance!

"In this ... episode, a former Mormon Church employee who worked with confidential records and the Strengthening Church Members Committee (SCMC) comes forward to expose the behind-the-scenes machinations of the LDS Church. From secret surveillance of members to how the Church tracks and manages dissent, to how the Church handles those who ask their names to be removed, this insider reveals ... details that the Church doesn't want you to know."

Event: The Rise of the Traumatizing Narcissists  (Dan Shaw)

Saturday, March 29th, 10am -1pm EST, Zoom

About the Event: The world is witnessing a surge of nationalist cults led by authoritarian demagogues who combine sociopathy with narcissism—malignant narcissists. Daniel Shaw developed the theory of traumatic narcissism from his experience with cult leaders and followers. After working with patients who described relationships similar to cult dynamics, Shaw profiled the traumatizing narcissist and how they use undue influence to subjugate and exploit others.

Shaw explores the traumatizing narcissist's "delusion of omnipotence" and outlines eight controlling behaviors they use to construct systems of subjugation. Anticipating his third book on the topic, Shaw's presentation will clarify for clinicians how to identify traumatizing narcissists and address challenges when working with their subjugated victims.

As more patients report abuse by unregulated figures—coaches, wellness gurus, psychics, healers, and facilitators of psychedelic journeys—the need for clinicians and patients to understand who the traumatizing narcissist is, what they do, and why they do it has never been greater.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-rise-of-traumatizing-narcissists-tickets-1022891314457

News, Education, Intervention, Recovery

CultMediation.com   

Intervention101.com to help families and friends understand and effectively respond to the complexity of a loved one's cult involvement.

CultRecovery101.com assists group members and their families make the sometimes difficult transition from coercion to renewed individual choice.

CultNEWS101.com news, links, resources about: cults, cultic groups, abusive relationships, movements, religions, political organizations, and related topics.

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The selection of articles for CultNEWS101 does not mean that Patrick Ryan or Joseph Kelly agree with the content. We provide information from many points of view to promote dialogue.

Please forward articles that you think we should add to cultintervention@gmail.com.

Thanks,

Ashlen Hilliard (ashlen.hilliard.wordpress@gmail.com)

Joe Kelly (joekelly411@gmail.com)

Patrick Ryan (pryan19147@gmail.com)

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Understanding and Using the Traumatic Narcissism Theory

September 20 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Since the publication of his 2014 book, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, Daniel Shaw has been refining and updating the psychological profile of the traumatizing narcissist, specifically for the purpose of helping victims of narcissistic abuse inflicted by parents, romantic partners or others. Many patients have difficulty articulating what happens to them in these relationships, and clinicians often miss the important clues that indicate this type of relational abuse. In this presentation, Shaw outlines the most prominent controlling behaviors of the traumatizing narcissist, how they impact his or her victims, and the specific ways that these patients can be helped to restore their critical thinking, their self-esteem, and their freedom from subjugation.

Presenter

Daniel Shaw, LCSW, is an author, teacher and psychotherapist in private practice in New York City and Nyack, NY. Integrating contemporary trauma theories with psychoanalytic work, Shaw works internationally with survivors of narcissistic abuse as well as cult survivors, and consults to other mental health professionals individually and in groups. www.danielshawlcsw.com.

2 CE HOURS available for:
NY Practitioners – LCSWs, LMSWs, LPs, LMFTs, LMHCs, LCATs, PHDs, PSYDs
CT Practitioners – LCSWs, LMSWs, LMFTs, LPCs and Licensed Psychologists

Teaching Method: Lecture, Discussion and Q & A.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:
1. identify the most prominent behaviors of the traumatizing narcissist.
2. formulate treatment goals for victims of narcissistic abuse suffering from Complex-PTSD.
3. utilize psychoeducation about the traumatic narcissism theory to help patients consolidate therapeutic gains.

A completed survey must be submitted after the meeting for 2 CE hours.

Who should attend: Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychoanalysts, other mental health professionals, nurses, graduate students.

  

Details

Date:

September 20

Time:

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Website:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/understanding-and-using-the-traumatic-narcissism-theory-tickets-938072248347?aff=oddtdtcreator

 Start of the Fall Trimester
How, When, Why and If to Consider Retirement (WCSPP only) 

Mailing Address:
1889 Palmer Avenue, Suite 6
Larchmont, NY 10538

914-997-7500
info@wcspp.org

Subjugation, Mind Control, and Cultural Betrayal: Attachment Healing through Relational Connection

Subjugation, Mind Control, and Cultural Betrayal: Attachment Healing through Relational Connection

International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation
Friday, October 25, 2024
Saturday, October 26, 2024

ISSTD Washington, DC Regional Conference Registration Link

" ... I am excited to share information about our upcoming ISSTD regional conference. This in-person conference is on Friday, October 25, 2024 and Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia. This conference is open to everyone! If you feel comfortable doing so, then please share information about our conference with your networks. I sincerely believe this will be an incredible learning opportunity.

Daniel Shaw, LCSW, Jennifer Gómez, PhD, and Richard Loewenstein, MD, will present on the multifaceted impact of narcissistic abuse, complex relational trauma, cultural betrayal trauma, and dissociative identity adaptations on attachment and healing. Although these ISSTD members need no introduction, I have shared their bios and a brief synopsis of their presentations below.

Daniel Shaw, LCSW is a New York based psychoanalyst who is an activist in support of individuals and families traumatically abused in cults. Additionally, he is a faculty member and supervisor at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies in New York. Daniel has published papers in Psychoanalytic Inquiry, Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and Psychoanalytic Dialogues. Daniel's book, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, was nominated for the distinguished Gradiva Award, and in 2018, the International Cultic Studies Association awarded Daniel the Margaret Thaler Singer Award for advancing the understanding of coercive persuasion and undue influence. In 2022, Daniel's book entitled Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear was published and continues to receive much acclaim.

Daniel's presentation will provide a theoretical understanding of the traumatizing narcissist while highlighting the subjugation and recovery process for survivors. He will discuss his clinical frame when working with those who have survived traumatizing narcissists by comparing and contrasting his work with Kernberg's and Kohut's traditional theoretical conceptualizations of narcissism. Finally, Daniel will focus on the delusional omnipotence of the traumatizing narcissist and its impact on survivors.

Traumatic Narcissism in Cult Leaders - Interview with Daniel Shaw

Cult Vault​: Traumatic Narcissism in Cult Leaders - Interview with Daniel Shaw
October 14, 2022

https://youtu.be/YD7_6jlbQwY?si=aoU70oS8P-U6m0kL

Recovering from a Traumatic Narcissistic Cultic Relationship with Dan Shaw

Cult Hackers: Recovering from a Traumatic Narcissistic Cultic Relationship with Dan Shaw

Daniel Shaw, former member of a yoga cultic group, is a professional psychotherapist and author, who has researched extensively traumatic abuse from narcissistic systems of subjugation and control. He's a fascinating person to talk to with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Dan talks about his work into narcissistic abusers and cult leaders, the road to recovery for their victims, the common misuse of the word and responds to Stephen's controversial question about whether Jehovah's Witnesses have constructed their own narcissistic cult leader. 

https://pod.link/1540824671

Healing from Emotional Anger and Relational Trauma

April 19th 2023 at 7:30 PM EDT

FamilyKind in partnership with Queens Long Island Community Services


INVITES YOU TO OUR VIRTUAL GROUP:
Healing from Emotional Anger and Relational Trauma

Take Heart and Regain Control over trauma from you emotions, anger or another

In this eight-week virtual group, we will distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate expressions of anger while exploring the hidden emotions behind the anger particularly in view of relational trauma. We will focus on healing with positive strategies and responses to deal more effectively with anger, extreme narcissism and gaslighting.

• When: Wednesday evenings starting April 19 – June 7, 2023
• Time: 7:30 – 8:45 pm EST. Certificate awarded upon completion of at least 7 sessions
• Where: On Zoom. You will receive the link upon registration.
• Cost: $80 for the entire 8 week session
• Scholarships are available based on financial need.
• Facilitator: Dr. Paul Engel, DHL, LCSW & QLICS staff
• Register

For more information, please call: 516-547-4318 or 718-461-6393

Workshop Description: In this eight-week virtual group, we will distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate expressions of anger while exploring the hidden emotions behind the anger particularly in view of relational trauma. We will focus on healing with positive strategies and responses to deal more effectively with anger, extreme narcissism and gaslighting.

Download our Flyer HERE.

Family Kind Website

Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery

DANIEL SHAW, LCSW

In addition to his most recent publication, Traumatic Narcissism, Dan is published in Contemporary Psychoanalysis, Psychoanalytic Dialogues, and Psychoanalytic Inquiry, and presents his work at various professional conferences. (see Publications and Conferences at www.danielshawlcsw.com).

Amazon

He currently serves on the faculty of the National Institute for the Psychotherapies as a teacher and supervisor of psychoanalytic candidates; and was co-chair of the Continuing Education Committee of the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy (IARPP) from 2005 to 2008.

Dan did his undergraduate work as a Theater Major at Northwestern University, class of 1973, and went on to study for five years with Uta Hagen, one of the most highly respected acting teachers in the field. During this period, in addition to performing as actor, director and musician, Dan helped found the Lexington Conservatory Theater in Green County, New York, which later became the Capital Rep Theater Company in Albany, NY.

Before continuing his post-graduate education in psychoanalysis, Dan was a student of yoga and meditation for more than a decade, living in India for several periods of study, and traveling extensively as an international organizer and manager of yoga education programs. It was out of these experiences that Dan developed his interest in the study of cults and charismatic leaders.

Dan received his Masters Degree in Social Work from Yeshiva University, New York, in 1996. He was certified as a Psychoanalyst in 2000 after completing the four year training program at The National Institute for the Psychotherapies (NIP), in New York City. His book "Traumatic Narcissism" was a runner-up for the distinguished Gradiva Award. In 2018 he was awarded the Margaret Thaler Singer award for advancing knowledge of undue influence and coercive persuasion.

Dan currently maintains his psychoanalysis and psychotherapy practices in New York City and in Nyack, NY. danielshawlcsw@gmail.com

CultNEWS101 Articles: 2/12-13/2022

QAnon, Negative 48, Michael Protzman, Proselytizing, Podcast, Narcissism, Trauma, Daniel Shaw, Book, Academic Research, Australia

Newsweek: QAnon Followers Think This Fake Mexican Trump Twitter Account Is Real

" ... Using Gematria, a type of numerology that allocates words to numbers, Protzman, known to his followers as Negative 48, explained how he had stayed up late in order to decode the message he believed was for his group.

Il Donaldo Trumpo's tweet was not lost on other followers associated with Protzman, with one linking the post to a real-life Batman-themed emergency message that was sent out in Missouri earlier this month.

Speaking in a January 23 live stream on a Dallas QAnon faction-affiliated Telegram channel, the follower said: "I live in Missouri and after President Trump did say he was Batman what did we get on our alerts - the Batman signal EBS and who talks about Batman sometimes? Negative 48."

In response to a question about what he had been doing, Protzman said: "Pretty much sat around doing some coding, stayed up late yesterday. Trump, he was back talking to us and said 'I am Batman,' 'cause Batman's 51 which is 'Michael.'"

In December, the group wrongly celebrated Trump's birthday, as part of its unfounded belief the former president was adopted into the Trump family."

Religion Dispatches: IS PROSELYTIZING EVER OKAY? ARE WE ALL PROSELYTIZING ALL THE TIME?

" ... Proselytizing goes to the very core of someone's identity. The person attempting to convert someone else to their religion does so because they believe that their religion is superior (which may be combined with a sincere concern that those who refuse to convert will be eternally tortured). Proselytizing also involves appeal to divine authority, which means the ordinary rules for evidence are not in play.

A related issue that evangelical-turned-humanist Bart Campolo and I have argued about on his HumanizeMe podcast is whether it's ethical to form relationships with other people on the basis of hoping to change them—an example of which is the manipulative evangelical practice of "friendship evangelism." I was surprised to learn that there are some, like Campolo, who believe this isn't much of an issue. As Campolo sees things, vying for influence is one of the most fundamental aspects of any human relationship, which is a point of view on relating that I frankly find troubling.

By contrast, I believe that friendships need to be forged around some organic connection, some aspect of common ground and that shared values are essential for a close friendship, whereas befriending someone who's different so you can deliberately try to change them–particularly if you plan to try to change something central to their identity–is objectification, and therefore unethical. In any case, no matter how you slice it, proselytizing is not the same as me telling a friend they should try my favorite sushi place."

NARM Training Institute: Transforming Trauma Episode 028: Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation with Daniel Shaw

"In this episode of Transforming Trauma, our host Sarah Buino is joined by therapist, social worker, and author Daniel Shaw to discuss his seminal book Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation. Daniel explores the theme of traumatic narcissism from a developmental and trauma-informed perspective. In his work, he connects the challenging symptoms and behaviors of clients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder to the deeper understanding that they were raised in a highly traumatic environment by narcissistic caregivers. His underlying message for listeners is that, "It's important to understand what's going on in the mind of the narcissistic traumatizer in order to help patients free themselves from those relationships, in order for therapists to help the patient, and in order for the patients to help themselves."

Daniel began his research in social work after leaving a religious group that he participated in for thirteen years, and which he later came to identify as a cult. In this group, Daniel experienced traumatic abuse through the cult leader, who "needed to inflate their own narcissism by controlling others." This dynamic is exactly what he came to see represented in the relational system of the traumatizing narcissist, which he identified as a "system of subjugation."

Unlike perspectives that can ostracize or vilify narcissistic tendencies, Daniel's perspective on narcissism is very similar to that of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Narcissism is understood to be a common trait that all personalities experience to some degree. While Daniel acknowledges that this trait can be quite harmless, for example "sometimes people are just a little more self centered", his work focuses on the narcissistic person who is predatory in their behavior, and who seeks to establish relational dynamics in which they can control others "through belittling and intimidating and humiliating." Daniel describes these individuals as highly seductive at first, and then after their initial phase of seduction others become subjugated to the narcissist. "So that person actually … comes to believe that they are bad and the narcissist is good. And the reason the narcissist is cruel to them is because of their badness." He goes on to explain that the victim of traumatic narcissism is so affected by this relational system, that it is incredibly difficult to stop blaming themselves or feeling alienated from themselves.

In a healthy parent-child relationship, the parent honors and understands a child's natural dependency, and allows them to gradually grow more independent over time through healthy individuation. This healthy individuation celebrates the child's growing independence, while also allowing the child to come back and check in to re-establish safety as they slowly venture farther and farther into the world. Daniel and Sarah come together with Daniel's statement that "We are born completely dependent and there's… no reason on earth why a child should grow up ashamed of that dependency." However, the narcissist is not brought up in this healthy environment. Narcissistic parents resent the child's dependency, shame them for it, and create a traumatizing environment in which the child's dependency on their parent becomes the source of pain and suffering. These children often grow up with one of two outcomes: to become profoundly depressed with low self-esteem, or to take on aspects of this narcissism themselves and recreate relationships with this relational system of power-over and control through humiliation. As Daniel states, the traumatized child can then become the narcissist, who begins "disavowing and denying any kind of dependency, any kind of need, and associating [need] with shame. And then the person that they choose to relate to has to carry that neediness and that shame for them."

Sarah and Daniel discuss the common thread in Daniel's work and NARM. Much like in NARM, in which the therapists support clients to reconnect with their own agency, Daniel's intention in working with people that have experienced narcissistic abuse is to help them "retrieve a faith in themselves that has been taken from them by the narcissistic abuser." In both NARM and Daniel's work, the therapist supports the client to raise their awareness of what has become internalized from their childhood abuse, including the vicious ways that these clients often degenerate and belittle themselves throughout their lives. This is a  "powerful moment" in the therapeutic process, as the client begins to recognize that they themselves have taken on the role of their abuser through their own self-objectification.

Sarah then turns the conversation to the complexity of narcissism in a family system. Oftentimes, there is not only the traumatic narcissist who is creating relationships of subjectation, but there is also the covert narcissist, who is often the one that is standing by and watching what is unfolding, and not protecting the children from the abuse that is taking place. This person is essentially sacrificing the child to the relationship, which is a form of narcissistic abuse. Though there are common gender dynamics in these family configurations, both Sarah and Daniel are careful to note that these forms of narcissistic abuse are truly 'gender blind,' and can happen in any family system.

Daniel describes the healing from these forms of traumatic narcissism he sees when the client is able to look at themselves without judgment, and with compassion for their own experience. This form of self-inquiry is about re-discovering their own relationship to themselves through compassionate understanding. Sarah and Daniel close by discussing the role of the therapist, and how therapists can support the client in this process of self-reflection through being fully attuned and letting them know that we are "in their corner." If the therapist is able to do this, the therapeutic relationship then becomes a place where the client can begin to feel this unconditional, fully present relationship from another, so that they can begin to feel it for themselves." 

NARM Training Institute: Transforming Trauma Episode 062: Continuing the Conversation of Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery with Daniel Shaw

"In this episode of Transforming Trauma, we've invited Daniel Shaw back to have a conversation with our host Emily to further discuss his work and his most recent book, Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear. Daniel Shaw LCSW is an author, private practice psychoanalyst, faculty and supervisor at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. He has provided professional counseling for former cultic group members, and their friends and loved ones since 1994.

Daniel shares that he wants listeners to understand the ways that we become alienated from ourselves because of trauma and the internal antagonism between the part that wants to live, and the part that wants to shut down life. He also shares, "We within ourselves, have healing capacities, we have healing energy. That's innate."

Throughout the episode, we hear from Daniel about his influences such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR, and how these models have supported his understanding of Trauma and the Self. "The benefit of subsequent training in trauma theories has been to understand that within us is always an energy trying to survive and trying to LIVE. We're not just trying to survive. I think we're trying to live," he shares. "

Daniel Shaw LCSW: Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery, Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear

"This book looks at the trauma suffered by those in relationships with narcissists, covering topics such as surviving a cult, dysfunctional families, political dysfunction, and imbalances of power in places of work and education.

This new volume by author and psychoanalyst Daniel Shaw revisits themes from his first book, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation. Shaw offers further reflections on the character and behavior of the traumatizing narcissist, the impact such persons have on those they abuse and exploit and the specific ways in which they instill shame and fear in those they seek to control. In addition, this volume explores, with detailed clinical material, many of the challenges mental health professionals face in finding effective ways of helping those who have suffered narcissistic abuse. From within a trauma informed, relational psychoanalytic perspective, Shaw explores themes of attachment to internalized perpetrators, self-alienation, internalized aggression, and loss of faith in the value and meaning of being alive.

This book will be especially illuminating and rewarding for mental health professionals engaged in helping patients heal and recover from complex relational trauma, and equally valuable to those individuals who have struggled with the tenacious, often crippling shame and fear that can be the result of relational trauma."

Daniel Shaw LCSW: Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation

"In this volume, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation, Daniel Shaw presents a way of understanding the traumatic impact of narcissism as it is engendered developmentally, and as it is enacted relationally. Focusing on the dynamics of narcissism in interpersonal relations, Shaw describes the relational system of what he terms the 'traumatizing narcissist' as a system of subjugation – the objectification of one person in a relationship as the means of enforcing the dominance of the subjectivity of the other.

Daniel Shaw illustrates the workings of this relational system of subjugation in a variety of contexts: theorizing traumatic narcissism as an intergenerationally transmitted relational/developmental trauma; and exploring the clinician's experience working with the adult children of traumatizing narcissists. He explores the relationship of cult leaders and their followers, and examines how traumatic narcissism has lingered vestigially in some aspects of the psychoanalytic profession.

Bringing together theories of trauma and attachment, intersubjectivity and complementarity, and the rich clinical sensibility of the Relational Psychoanalysis tradition, Shaw demonstrates how narcissism can best be understood not merely as character, but as the result of the specific trauma of subjugation, in which one person is required to become the object for a significant other who demands hegemonic subjectivity. Traumatic Narcissism presents therapeutic clinical opportunities not only for psychoanalysts of different schools, but for all mental health professionals working with a wide variety of modalities. Although primarily intended for the professional psychoanalyst and psychotherapist, this is also a book that therapy patients and lay readers will find highly readable and illuminating."

ABC AU: Death threats, ghost researchers and sock puppets: Inside the weird, wild world of dodgy academic research

"Unlike many other countries, Australia has no national office for research integrity."  

" ... [The work of a Australian whistleblower] has included spending hundreds of hours reviewing scientific papers in the field of construction engineering, an academic discipline not typically known for drama or intrigue.

What the whistleblower has uncovered is shocking: Hundreds of published scientific papers dating back a decade based on dodgy science involving multiple researchers working at Australian universities."

A Little Bit Culty: SEASON 3 EPISODE 2: Silver Fox: Mark Vicente Part 2

"It sure is good to see Mark Vicente back in the saddle again. In Part 2, he shares what happened during his last conversation with Keith Raniere, how he's defragged his brain since he helped burn ol' Dead Eyes' playhouse down, and what the bleep he's working on next. Oh, and there is bountiful ass-chapping."

News, Education, Intervention, Recovery

CultEducationEvents.com

CultMediation.com   

Intervention101.com to help families and friends understand and effectively respond to the complexity of a loved one's cult involvement.

CultRecovery101.com assists group members and their families make the sometimes difficult transition from coercion to renewed individual choice.

CultNEWS101.com news, links, resources.

Facebook

Flipboard

Twitter

Instagram

Cults101.org resources about cults, cultic groups, abusive relationships, movements, religions, political organizations and related topics.

Selection of articles for CultNEWS101 does not mean that Patrick Ryan or Joseph Kelly agree with the content. We provide information from many points of view in order to promote dialogue.

Please forward articles that you think we should add to cultintervention@gmail.com.

Transforming Trauma Episode 062: Continuing the Conversation of Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery with Daniel Shaw

Listen to Transforming Trauma Episode 062

Daniel Shaw LCSW
NARM Training Institute

"In this episode of Transforming Trauma, we’ve invited Daniel Shaw back to have a conversation with our host Emily to further discuss his work and his most recent book, Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear. Daniel Shaw LCSW is an author, private practice psychoanalyst, faculty and supervisor at the National Institute for the Psychotherapies. He has provided professional counseling for former cultic group members, and their friends and loved ones since 1994. 

Daniel shares that he wants listeners to understand the ways that we become alienated from ourselves because of trauma and the internal antagonism between the part that wants to live, and the part that wants to shut down life. He also shares, “We within ourselves, have healing capacities, we have healing energy. That’s innate.” 

Throughout the episode, we hear from Daniel about his influences such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR, and how these models have supported his understanding of Trauma and the Self. “The benefit of subsequent training in trauma theories has been to understand that within us is always an energy trying to survive and trying to LIVE. We’re not just trying to survive. I think we’re trying to live,” he shares. "

https://narmtraining.com/transformingtrauma/episode-062/

Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery: Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear.

Tr​ansforming Trauma Episode 028: Traumatic ​​Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation with Daniel Shaw

Daniel Shaw LCSW

NARM ​Training Institute​

​"​In this episode of Transforming Trauma, our host Sarah Buino is joined by therapist, social worker, and author Daniel Shaw to discuss his seminal book Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation. Daniel explores the theme of traumatic narcissism from a developmental and trauma-informed perspective. In his work, he connects the challenging symptoms and behaviors of clients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder to the deeper understanding that they were raised in a highly traumatic environment by narcissistic caregivers. His underlying message for listeners is that, “It's important to understand what's going on in the mind of the narcissistic traumatizer in order to help patients free themselves from those relationships, in order for therapists to help the patient, and in order for the patients to help themselves.”

Daniel began his research in social work after leaving a religious group that he participated in for thirteen years, and which he later came to identify as a cult. In this group, Daniel experienced traumatic abuse through the cult leader, who “needed to inflate their own narcissism by controlling others.” This dynamic is exactly what he came to see represented in the relational system of the traumatizing narcissist, which he identified as a “system of subjugation.”

Unlike perspectives that can ostracize or vilify narcissistic tendencies, Daniel’s perspective on narcissism is very similar to that of the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM). Narcissism is understood to be a common trait that all personalities experience to some degree. While Daniel acknowledges that this trait can be quite harmless, for example “sometimes people are just a little more self centered”, his work focuses on the narcissistic person who is predatory in their behavior, and who seeks to establish relational dynamics in which they can control others “through belittling and intimidating and humiliating.” Daniel describes these individuals as highly seductive at first, and then after their initial phase of seduction others become subjugated to the narcissist. “So that person actually … comes to believe that they are bad and the narcissist is good. And the reason the narcissist is cruel to them is because of their badness.” He goes on to explain that the victim of traumatic narcissism is so affected by this relational system, that it is incredibly difficult to stop blaming themselves or feeling alienated from themselves.

In a healthy parent-child relationship, the parent honors and understands a child’s natural dependency, and allows them to gradually grow more independent over time through healthy individuation. This healthy individuation celebrates the child’s growing independence, while also allowing the child to come back and check in to re-establish safety as they slowly venture farther and farther into the world. Daniel and Sarah come together with Daniel’s statement that “We are born completely dependent and there's… no reason on earth why a child should grow up ashamed of that dependency.” However, the narcissist is not brought up in this healthy environment. Narcissistic parents resent the child’s dependency, shame them for it, and create a traumatizing environment in which the child’s dependency on their parent becomes the source of pain and suffering. These children often grow up with one of two outcomes: to become profoundly depressed with low self-esteem, or to take on aspects of this narcissism themselves and recreate relationships with this relational system of power-over and control through humiliation. As Daniel states, the traumatized child can then become the narcissist, who begins “disavowing and denying any kind of dependency, any kind of need, and associating [need] with shame. And then the person that they choose to relate to has to carry that neediness and that shame for them.”

Sarah and Daniel discuss the common thread in Daniel’s work and NARM. Much like in NARM, in which the therapists support clients to reconnect with their own agency, Daniel’s intention in working with people that have experienced narcissistic abuse is to help them “retrieve a faith in themselves that has been taken from them by the narcissistic abuser.” In both NARM and Daniel’s work, the therapist supports the client to raise their awareness of what has become internalized from their childhood abuse, including the vicious ways that these clients often degenerate and belittle themselves throughout their lives. This is a “powerful moment” in the therapeutic process, as the client begins to recognize that they themselves have taken on the role of their abuser through their own self-objectification.

Sarah then turns the conversation to the complexity of narcissism in a family system. Oftentimes, there is not only the traumatic narcissist who is creating relationships of subjectation, but there is also the covert narcissist, who is often the one that is standing by and watching what is unfolding, and not protecting the children from the abuse that is taking place. This person is essentially sacrificing the child to the relationship, which is a form of narcissistic abuse. Though there are common gender dynamics in these family configurations, both Sarah and Daniel are careful to note that these forms of narcissistic abuse are truly ‘gender blind,’ and can happen in any family system.

Daniel describes the healing from these forms of traumatic narcissism he sees when the client is able to look at themselves without judgment, and with compassion for their own experience. This form of self-inquiry is about re-discovering their own relationship to themselves through compassionate understanding. Sarah and Daniel close by discussing the role of the therapist, and how therapists can support the client in this process of self-reflection through being fully attuned and letting them know that we are “in their corner.” If the therapist is able to do this, the therapeutic relationship then becomes a place where the client can begin to feel this unconditional, fully present relationship from another, so that they can begin to feel it for themselves.​"​

https://narmtraining.com/transformingtrauma/episode-028/

CultNEWS101 Articles: 8/14-15/2021 (Research, Joel Osteen, Traumatic Narcissism, Book, Scientology, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mindfulness, Meditation)

Research, Joel Osteen, Traumatic Narcissism, Book, Scientology, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mindfulness, Meditation

Cults and Media Stereotypes: Does Media Coverage of Current and Former Cult Members Hinder Victims' Recovery?

Researcher: Dhyana Levey

I'm a graduate student from the University of Salford MSc Psychology of Coercive Control Program seeking former members of cults to survey their reactions to media coverage about cults for my dissertation research project entitled "Cults and Media Stereotypes: Does Media Coverage of Current and Former Cult Members Hinder Victims' Recovery?"

The purpose of this study is to examine whether any perceived bias or unfair coverage affects former cult members' emotional wellbeing and desire to reach out to others for mental health counselling. The hope is to understand whether media coverage encourages a stigma against people who were in cults and if that stigma hinders former members' recoveries after they have left their groups. This information could be used to educate film producers, news outlets and other media content providers about more ethical and accurate ways to portray current and former members of cults.

The Things: Pastor Joel Osteen Criticized For His Vast Fortune As He Drives $325K Ferrari

The televangelist net worth and colossal mansion have hit the internet along with pictures of his luxury Ferrari.

"Social media users were enraged after preacher Joel Osteen's net worth, gigantic estate and opulent Ferrari surfaced on Twitter, Sunday.

The preacher was recently spotted driving a Ferrari that reportedly costs $325,000.

Osteen's sermons are seen by more than 7 million people on TV and online. His 2004 book Your Best Life Now was on the New York Times bestseller list for over 200 weeks.

"Remember that one time Joel Osteen helped the poor instead of himself? Yeah, me neither," one angry social media user wrote.

"What would Jesus think of Joel Osteen's $325,000 Ferrari?" a second wondered. 

"My take on Joel Osteen having a $325,000 Ferrari and getting a $4.4 million dollar PPP loan: Tax the f*** out of the churches," a third chimed in."

New Book: Traumatic Narcissism and Recovery Leaving the Prison of Shame and Fear

"This book looks at the trauma suffered by those in relationships with narcissists, covering topics such as surviving a cult, dysfunctional families, political dysfunction, and imbalances of power in places of work and education.

This new volume by author and psychoanalyst Daniel Shaw revisits themes from his first book, Traumatic Narcissism: Relational Systems of Subjugation. Shaw offers further reflections on the character and behavior of the traumatizing narcissist, the impact such persons have on those they abuse and exploit and the specific ways in which they instill shame and fear in those they seek to control. In addition, this volume explores, with detailed clinical material, many of the challenges mental health professionals face in finding effective ways of helping those who have suffered narcissistic abuse. From within a trauma informed, relational psychoanalytic perspective, Shaw explores themes of attachment to internalized perpetrators, self-alienation, internalized aggression, and loss of faith in the value and meaning of being alive."

This book will be especially illuminating and rewarding for mental health professionals engaged in helping patients heal and recover from complex relational trauma, and equally valuable to those individuals who have struggled with the tenacious, often crippling shame and fear that can be the result of relational trauma.

Independent: Former Church of Scientology employee apologises for obscene phone call that left mother-of-five 'scared' and 'in shock'

" ... A FORMER employee of the Church of Scientology in Dublin apologised in court to a mother of autistic children whom he had subjected to an obscene, indecent and menacing phone call.

Nathan Moore (24) apologised from the witness box at Cork Circuit Appeals Court in Skibbereen after Judge Helen Boyle ruled that the State had proven the facts of the case.

Moore of Allenton Park, Tallaght, Dublin, had denied the charge brought contrary to Section 13 (1) (a) and Section 13 (2) (a) of the Post Office (Amendments) Act 1951, relating to the alleged call made on December 4, 2017.

He had appealed a Bantry District Court conviction.

The Cork mother of five who received that call, Fiona O'Leary, recorded the entire conversation four years ago.

Moore identified himself as "Nathan" in the call and referred to Ms O'Leary a "sp***ic g**bag" and said he would "box her up and down".

She was so upset she reported the matter to Gardaí."

Deseret News: 5 facts about one of the most influential and 'forgotten' Latter-day Saint apostles

"Try this Latter-day Saint trivia question: Which apostle founded the seminary and institute programs, served as mission president to a future church president and helped pioneer the use of media and technology to spread the gospel message?

The answer is Joseph F. Merrill, who served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1931-1952.

Casey Griffiths referred to Elder Merrill as a "forgotten" apostle.

"Few people have ever heard of him," said Griffiths, who had no idea himself until he was a BYU graduate student in 2007. "He's probably the most important forgotten apostle that we have."

Griffiths, a Brigham Young University professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine, has published the biography of a relatively unknown church leader titled, "Truth Seeker: The Life of Joseph F. Merrill, Scientist, Educator, and Apostle." The book's release date is July 27."

PsyPost: Mindfulness meditation can increase selfishness and reduce generosity among those with independent self-construals

" ... A range of studies have found mindfulness to be beneficial for the people who practice it in a number of ways.

However, very little research has examined its effects on societies, workplaces and communities. As a social psychologist at the University at Buffalo, I wondered if the growing enthusiasm for mindfulness might be overlooking something important: the way practicing it might affect others.

A booming market

In just the past few years, the mindfulness industry has exploded in the U.S. Current estimates put the U.S. meditation market – which includes meditation classes, studios, and apps – at approximately US$1.2 billion. It's expected to grow to over $2 billion by 2022.

Hospitals, schools and even prisons are teaching and promoting mindfulness, while over 1 in 5 employers currently offer mindfulness training.

The enthusiasm for mindfulness makes sense: Research shows mindfulness can reduce stress, increase self-esteem and decrease symptoms of mental illness.

Given these findings, it's easy to assume that mindfulness has few, if any, downsides. The employers and educators who promote it certainly seem to think so. Perhaps they hope that mindfulness won't just make people feel better, but that it will also make them be better. That is, maybe mindfulness can make people more generous, cooperative or helpful – all traits that tend to be desirable in employees or students.

Mindfulness migrates

But in reality, there's good reason to doubt that mindfulness, as practiced in the U.S., would automatically lead to good outcomes.

In fact, it may do the opposite.

That's because it's been taken out of its context. Mindfulness developed as a part of Buddhism, where it's intimately tied up with Buddhist spiritual teachings and morality. Mindfulness in the U.S., on the other hand, is often taught and practiced in purely secular terms. It's frequently offered simply as a tool for focusing attention and improving well-being, a conception of mindfulness some critics have referred to as 'McMindfulness.'"

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