Faith and Mental Health: Understanding Narcissism

Licensed counselor and clinical trauma professional Kenza Haddock joins Philip Cameron to unpack one of the most misunderstood and damaging forces in relationships and the church — narcissism. A former Muslim who came to faith through a series of vivid dreams, including a vision of Jesus descending in authority, Kenza brings both personal testimony and clinical precision to a conversation that will resonate with pastors, spouses, and anyone who has felt trapped in a cycle of abuse. Kenza defines narcissism clearly: "A narcissistic person truly believes they are inherently special — not special in Christ — all by themselves." She traces its spiritual root directly to Satan, noting that he "meets every criteria of narcissistic personality disorder," and draws on biblical examples from King Nebuchadnezzar to Jacob's transformation at Peniel to show that God can redeem even the most entrenched narcissistic patterns. Practical tools include setting firm verbal and physical boundaries, resisting the urge to "fix" the narcissist, and forgiving repeatedly while prioritizing safety. Kenza is founder of Oceanic Counseling Group, serving clients across South Carolina from its Myrtle Beach base. Her book Unmasking Narcissism is available at kenzahaddock.com and on Amazon. For counseling inquiries, visit oceaniccounseling.com or kenzahaddock.com.