09/06/2025
Narcissism and lack of empathy aren't just interpersonal issues—they're global ones.
Wetiko is a character or archetype described in Algonquin myths as a cannibalistic spirit driven by insatiable hunger. The wetiko archetype has been explored by both contemporary Native American and non-Native writers to understand the psychospiritual root of our current global polycrisis.
In my most recent blog post, I share how the wetiko archetype:
• Can be seen as a metaphor for narcissism and the endangerment of empathy
• Represents a part of our collective dark night of the soul, a challenge that we are all being tasked to address
• Has informed how I work with people who are recovering from narcissistic abuse and navigating the current polycrisis
As a therapist specializing in narcissistic abuse recovery, grappling with the idea of wetiko and its implications has greatly enhanced the way I think about and work with people healing from narcissistic abuse and the endangerment of empathy. Learning about wetiko has also shaped my understandi