Mirror, Mirror: Transforming Narcissism to Self-Realization

Mirror, Mirror by Gayle Bohlman, LCSW-C, offers an in-depth exploration of narcissism, looking at how it is constructed and a transformative path of healing narcissistic wounds. She posits that this is particularly relevant today as our collective consciousness grapples with the narcissism bombarding us daily in the news. The book utilizes the mirrors in the stories of Snow White, Narcissus, and Medusa to explicate a path from narcissism to self-realization.

Mirror, Mirror is for all who seek a deeper understanding of narcissism, to clinicians, and to those interested in the work of C.G. Jung. Gayle Bohlman has been a therapist for 40 years using a holistic approach that incorporates physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. She is also a yoga and meditation instructor.

“Emotional distress isn’t to be overcome. As Gayle Bohlman beautifully points out in Mirror, Mirror, our distresses are messengers calling us to turn within and see, hear, and connect to ourselves. True healing unfolds when we don’t turn our heads but keep looking at our bandaged places. For only when we heal ourselves, can we truly help those around us who are in need of healing. Bohlman’s book is a deep dive into how true healing unfolds and reveals our underlying wholeness that is always patiently waiting to be revealed.” — Richard Miller, PhD. Founder of the iRest Institute and author of iRest Meditation: Restorative Practices for Health, Resiliency, and Well-Being.

Table of Contents

Note to Reader 7

Introduction 9

1. The Mirror 23
2. The Tale of Snow White 35
3. Witnessing 47
4. The Myth of Narcissus 55
5. The Descent 61
6. The Myth of Medusa 81
7. The Healing Journey 91
8. Inner Work 107
9. The Return 115

Epilogue 127

Acknowledgments 131

Glossary 133

Bibliography 135

Credits 138

About the Author 140