

83. Narcissism, Co-Parenting, and Therapy with Erin Pash
Join Miranda Barker, LICSW, and Erin Pash, LMFT, the founder of Ellie Mental Health, as they delve into the complex topic of narcissism.
They discuss the clinical aspects, treatment approaches, and challenges therapists face when working with narcissistic clients. Drawing from personal experiences and cases, they also explore the dynamics of high-conflict co-parenting and provide insights on recognizing narcissistic traits.
This episode is a quick guide for mental health professionals seeking to understand and navigate the intricacies of narcissistic behavior in therapeutic settings.
OUR HOST:
Miranda Barker, MSW, LICSW, has been practicing as a therapist for several years. She previously worked as a child protection investigator, adoption social worker, case manager, and the Director of Brand Content at Ellie Mental Health. Follow her on LinkedIn.
The Therapist Thrival Guide is a podcast by Ellie Mental Health. We want to move therapists beyond surviving and into the realm of thriving by covering all the things that graduate school didn't teach you! This mental health podcast is hosted by Miranda Barker, LICSW and a rotating cast of seasoned therapists. Each episode features a therapist speaking to their areas of expertise to help us learn how to thrive as therapists.
Ellie is a national mental health brand organized around community-based outpatient mental health clinics. It all began with a single office in St. Paul, Minnesota back in 2015, and has expanded to an explosive number of locations nationwide after franchising our model in 2021.
TIMESTAMPS:00:20 Understanding Narcissism: Common Misconceptions01:11 Narcissism in High Conflict Co-Parenting05:59 Clinical Symptoms of Narcissism09:01 Covert vs. Overt Narcissism10:19 Gender Differences in Narcissism13:04 Narcissism in Couples Therapy23:25 Therapists' Strategies for Handling Narcissistic Clients28:46 Working with a Manipulative Parent33:23 Therapist's Role in High Conflict Cases33:48 Parental Accountability and Personal Values42:34 Therapist's Perspective on Narcissistic Clients50:38 Concluding Thoughts