Episode 52: Narcissists and Infidelity

Episode 52: Narcissists and Infidelity

When a narcissist cheats, the affair often has little to do with love or connection. It’s about power.

In this episode, I sit down with psychotherapist Lauren LaRusso, LPC, LMHC, to unpack why narcissists have affairs and how their motivations are different from what most people expect. Why do they always seem to have someone waiting in the wings? Why is there so little remorse when they’re caught? And why does the person who’s been betrayed so often end up feeling like the one to blame?

Lauren and I talk about how narcissists use affairs to stay in control and protect their image. These betrayals aren’t usually about emotional disconnection. They’re about manipulation, dominance, and supply. We also get into what it’s like for the person on the receiving end: the self-doubt, the confusion, the isolation. And we talk honestly about why leaving is so complicated. Sometimes there are kids involved. Sometimes it’s about safety. Sometimes it’s about survival.

If you’ve been through this, or you’re still in it, I hope this conversation brings you clarity. You’re not imagining it. You’re not overreacting. And most importantly, you’re not alone.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Why Narcissists Cheat

03:25 What Counts as an Affair

04:52 Gender Differences in Infidelity

12:06 Can an Affair Stabilize a Marriage?

16:47 Why People Don’t Just Leave

23:24 Affairs in Narcissistic Relationships

27:38 The “Perfect” Narcissist and Secret Lives

30:10 Lack of Accountability

33:07 How Narcissistic Abuse Shows Up in Therapy

38:01 The Danger of Blaming the Betrayed Partner

40:07 Affairs as a Survival Strategy

42:03 Healing After Narcissistic Relationships

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, ALL virtual courses AND apparel on my website are 20% off for the month of MAY with CODE: MHAM20

Explore on-demand courses here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/workshops

Shop apparel here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/apparel

Links

Connect with Lauren LaRusso, LPC, LMHC:

website: www.theaffairconsultant.com

Instagram @LaurenLaRusso

Connect with Dr. Z: https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/

https://www.zgrouptherapy.com/

https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/

https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.z_psychologist

https://www.youtube.com/@DrJaimeZuckerman

Order my workbooks! *Find Your Calm / Find Good Habits* http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/books

Get my FREE breathing exercise here: http://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/newsletter

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(58)

Episode 57: Replay: Boundaries and Narcissistic Parents with Terri Cole

Episode 57: Replay: Boundaries and Narcissistic Parents with Terri Cole

Some people will resist your boundaries. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.   In this replay episode, I sit down with psychotherapist and Boundary Boss author Terri Cole for a conversation that ...

11 Jul 202552min

Episode 56: Trauma and The Fawning Response with Dr. Ingrid Clayton

Episode 56: Trauma and The Fawning Response with Dr. Ingrid Clayton

Fawning isn’t a flaw to fix. It is a brilliant survival response that can quietly shape your entire identity until you finally have the words for it.   In this episode, I sit down with clinical psycho...

4 Jul 202543min

Episode 55: On Love and Relationships with Jillian Tureck

Episode 55: On Love and Relationships with Jillian Tureck

Most people don’t realize how much of their relationship pain comes from patterns they never chose and beliefs they never questioned, and I’ve seen it over and over again.   In this episode, I’m joine...

20 Jun 202542min

Episode 54: Toxic with Elizabeth Chambers

Episode 54: Toxic with Elizabeth Chambers

Toxic relationships don’t usually start with obvious red flags. More often, they start with connection, someone who seems to really see you, who shows up in big ways, who makes you feel chosen. But ov...

13 Jun 20251h 2min

Episode 53: Couples Therapy with a Narcissist? Think Twice

Episode 53: Couples Therapy with a Narcissist? Think Twice

Couples therapy isn’t always a safe space, especially when a narcissist is in the room.   I get asked about this constantly: “Should we try couples therapy?” If your partner has narcissistic traits or...

23 Mai 202534min

Episode 51:Transparency in Family Court and Parental Alienation with Dr. Charlotte Proudman

Episode 51:Transparency in Family Court and Parental Alienation with Dr. Charlotte Proudman

Family courts were designed to protect families. So why do so many survivors find themselves trapped by the very system that was supposed to protect them?   In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Charlott...

2 Mai 202544min

Episode 50: Traveling with a Narcissist

Episode 50: Traveling with a Narcissist

You think a vacation will give you a break, but with a narcissist, it often becomes something else entirely.   In this episode, I’m talking about what it’s really like to travel with a narcissist. I’v...

25 Apr 202545min

Populært innen Helse

fastlegen
rss-gukild-johaug
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
hvordan-har-du-det-mann
psykodrama
leger-om-livet
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
rss-garne-damer
foreldreradet
rss-skravla-gar
bak-fasaden-en-reise-i-livet-med-sykepleier-ine
morten-ramm-lar-kakla-ga-til-du-sovner
klimaks
hjernesterk
rss-lopedrommen
g-punktet
sinnsyn
rss-loping-for-nybegynnere
treningsprat
rss-maren-mina