Description
The Hidden Dynamics of Narcissistic Family Systems
In many collectivistic cultures, family is often seen as the cornerstone of identity. Concepts like loyalty, duty, and harmony are highly valued, with individuals expected to put the family's needs above their own. While these ideals can foster closeness and mutual support, they can also conceal toxic dynamics, particularly when narcissistic traits are present but not openly recognized. Helen Sohn-Hood explores the hidden narcissistic dynamics that are often at play in collectivistic families. These dynamics may be disguised as "respect for elders","preserving the family's reputation",or "fulfilling family duty" which can place intense pressure on individuals to conform, suppress their emotions, and prioritize the family's needs at the expense of their own well-being. For children growing up in such environments, these unspoken expectations can lead to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that have a long-lasting impact on their mental health. Many individuals find themselves dealing with feelings of guilt, shame, and responsibility for their family's emotional well-being, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and codependency in adulthood. As someone who grew up in a Korean family system, Helen provides a deeply personal account of how these dynamics played out in her own life. She draws on these experiences to illustrate how narcissistic traits can remain hidden in collectivistic family systems and how these unspoken dynamics shape an individual's sense of self, emotional health, and future relationships.
A Journey from Survivor to Healer
Helen Sohn-Hood didn't just study these dynamics—she lived through them. Growing up in a family where emotional manipulation, guilt, and impossible expectations were a daily reality, she once struggled with the same feelings of responsibility, guilt, and low self-worth that many readers may experience. But through years of personal therapy, self-reflection, and dedication to healing, she was able to break free from the cycle of emotional abuse and find her own path to wholeness.
Today, Helen-Sohn-Hood is a sought-after therapist who specializes in helping others navigate the complexities of codependency and narcissistic abuse recovery. She uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychoanalysis to guide clients through the process of understanding their family dynamics, healing from trauma, and reclaiming their sense of self. Her personal journey informs every aspect of her professional work, making her insights both practical and deeply empathetic.
Practical Techniques for Recovery
In addition to exploring the psychological roots of narcissistic family systems, Collectivistic
(Korean) Family Systems with Hidden Narcissistic Dynamics that Affect Mental Health offers
readers practical recovery techniques that they can begin using immediately. Helen Sohn-Hood provides a range of tools and exercises designed to help readers break free from harmful patterns and reclaim their emotional health.
Some of the techniques covered in the book include:
● Boundary-setting strategies– How to set clear, healthy boundaries with family
members who may resist them.
● Cognitive reframing– Techniques to help readers change the way they think about
their family dynamics, allowing them to break free from feelings of guilt and obligation.
● Self-compassion exercises– Methods for developing self-love and self-acceptance
after years of emotional neglect and manipulation.
● Mindfulness and emotional awareness practices– Tools for recognizing and
managing emotional triggers, allowing readers to respond to stress in healthier ways.