As a person who’s intersected with multiple people further along the narcissism scale (because we are all self-focused to a degree), I get the point of your article, but it’s only theory, not applicable in practice.

I spent 45 years attempting to have a compassionate and connected relationship with my narcissistic father, only to eventually accept that he is not ever going to change, nor has any awareness or desire to.

On one hand, I feel empathy for the abuse he suffered as a child plus his brain wiring that likely triggered his destructive behaviors, yet I realize the only way I can be safe and healthy is to have no contact. This is true of most victims of narcissistic abuse, as others have stated, it’s dangerous to believe otherwise (I almost lost my life to an abusive, covert narcissistic ex-partner who I forgave time and again).

The type of rehabilitation needed would be similar to a serial killer or rapist. They are biologically wired to express these destructive behaviors, they can’t help themselves. Do they need services too? Yes. Do they need access to hurt anyone else again? No.

It is a sad state of affairs that any human being would live out this type of life, but unfortunately when someone highly visible like the former President of the United States keeps receiving the ‘benefit of the doubt’, it emboldens others like him.

Victims just used to be quiet and take it, but no longer.

That’s the true benefit of a wider understanding of psychology…