Accountability Without Dehumanization

Dr. Mark Ettensohn addresses a question that frequently arises in discussions of narcissism and abuse: Is it possible to maintain accountability without dehumanizing? Can someone preserve firm boundaries without abandoning empathy?
Dr. Ettensohn clarifies a distinction he often sees misunderstood. When he speaks about compassion toward pathological narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder, he is referring to a cultural and societal stance, not advising individuals to remain in unsafe or harmful relationships. He emphasizes that safety must always come first. If someone is being…